CT Department of Motor Vehicles Opening Office in Stamford

Those painstakingly slow wait lines at the state Department of Motor Vehicles could become a thing of the past if a new appointment-only program that opens Thursday in Stamford is successful.

The state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and Gov. Dannel P. Malloy announced that a new Stamford Photo License Center began accepting appointments Tuesday and will open for business Thursday at the Lathon Wider Center, 137 Henry St.. The photo license center is run by appointments only and can be made using this link: www.ct.gov/dmv/Stamford<http://www.ct.gov/dmv/Stamford>

Customers can schedule one-on-one visits to handle several services ranging from license renewals to license plate returns. DMV is piloting the appointment approach based on what it says is the successful roll out of its appointment-only services for learner’s tests around the state as a way to reduce the average wait time in offices.

In the years since the DMV office at the Stamford Government Center was shuttered, Stamford-area residents have had to travel to Norwalk to access services.

“We are testing this new pilot program to make it easier, faster and more convenient for customers to get the services and information they need from DMV so they can get on with their day,” Malloy said in a statement. “We are already doing statewide appointment-only learner’s tests and, going forward, expect to implement this approach for all services as way to continue our efforts to improve the overall experience of residents doing business with the DMV.”

DMV has conducted surveys that showed that customers have a strong preference for making appointments to conduct business with the agency rather than through walk-up service. Based on the appointment-only method in place at the new Stamford Photo License Center, this approach could be expanded to other DMV offices statewide within the next year.

“This marks another huge step in DMV offering more convenient customer services, especially using an appointment system so residents can better manage the time spent going to DMV,” said DMV Commissioner Melody A. Currey. “This pilot study will help us plan a roll out in other offices throughout the state.”

Stamford Mayor David Martin said of the pilot program, “Restoring a DMV office to Stamford has been an important priority for my administration and something I have pushed for since taking office. I am proud of the strong collaboration between the Governor, our state delegation and City in bringing this to fruition.“

The new Stamford Photo License Center will offer the following services:

• Driver’s License (non-commercial) - Renewals, duplicates, and name changes;
• Learner’s Permit - Duplicates and name changes;
• Non-Driver ID Card - Renewals, duplicates and name changes;
• Registrations - Renewals, duplicates and name changes;
• Plate Returns and Cancellations;
• Disabled Parking Permits - New, renewals and replacements;
• Driver Histories.

The Photo License Center will be open Tuesday through Friday with extended hours on Thursday. Appointments can be made at www.ct.gov/dmv/Stamford<http://www.ct.gov/dmv/Stamford>.

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