Computer System Upgrades Will Cause DMV Offices To Be Closed for a Week

By Barbara Heins (Patch Staff)

Most Connecticut drivers loathe having to visit the branch offices of the Department of Motor Vehicles and with the announcement today that a series of weeklong closures of branches throughout the state, probably won’t make the customers happy.

But perhaps the reason for the closures will — the agency will begin installing a $25 million computer system upgrade that will replace a system department officials describe as being “40 to 50 years old.”

Beginning Tuesday, Feb. 17, continuing for six weeks, various branch offices statewide will alternately close for the major customer-service upgrade and computer system improvements allowing more online services.

Two offices each week will shut while employees have training on how to operate the new system. DMV plans to make an announcement after the training about progress and when customers can expect a startup of the new system.

“We are alternating the closings to avoid major inconveniences that could come with shutting all offices for one week. This new system, when up and running, will bring many more customer service benefits than we have now,” DMV Commissioner Andres Ayala Jr. said in a statement.

The following is the closing schedule:

• Feb. 17 through Feb. 20: Bridgeport and Norwalk offices, and the Stamford photo license center that is by appointment only.
• Feb. 24 through Feb. 27: New Britain and Enfield offices
• March 3 through March 6: Willimantic and Norwich offices
• March 10 through March 13: Waterbury and Danbury offices
• March 17 through March 20: Hamden and Old Saybrook offices
• March 24 through March 27: Wethersfield office

Note: The offices will have their normal half-day Saturday operations.

While two offices will close each week, one of them will continue to handle only learner’s permit test appointments. These comprise one of the highest-in-demand services DMV offers. Customers are advised to check the agency website (ct.gov/dmv) for any updates before going to a branch office.

With these office closings, DMV is advising customers to:

• Expect some delays at branch offices. Check real-time online wait times at ct.gov/dmv or through a download of DMV’s app at ct.gov/dmv/apps
• Don’t wait to renew. Do it now.
• Renew vehicle registrations by mail or online if your renewal indicates you are eligible.
• Go to the nearest AAA office for license renewals to avoid lines. ct.gov/dmv/AAA.

According to the DMV, one major benefit from the computer change over will be additional vehicle registration services available on the web.

Online transactions will include:

• Improving the existing online registration renewal program.
• Online checking for items, such as unpaid property taxes, lack of insurance, delinquent parking violations, which can hold up a registration renewal and cause repeat trips to DMV.
• Reprinting a registration certificate from a home or other computer.
• Canceling a registration online.
• Ordering online special plates, such as vanity plates.
• Ordering online replacements for mangled plates.
• Providing customers with an option for DMV to contact them either by mail or e-mail.

The modernization of DMV’s computers has also paved the way for several other changes. Online services offered already include:

• Learner’s permit testing by appointment.
• Real-time connections to DMV for leasing companies and car dealerships wanting to register vehicles purchased or leased by their customers.
• Checking driver’s license status.
• Viewing wait times at DMV Offices.
• Filling out a vehicle registration form at home and printing it.
• Car dealers being able to renew their business licenses.
• Canceling lost or stolen license plates.
• Registration renewals for vehicle owners who have no outstanding obligations, such as delinquent property taxes, late emissions tests, unpaid parking tickets or other kinds of issues prohibiting renewal.
• International Registration Plan (IRP) renewal payments for trucking companies.
• Registration status checks.
• Vanity plate availability.