HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017 10-04 Long lines plague the Maplewood DMV MAPLEWOOD REVIEW
Long lines plague the Maplewood
DMV
Submitted by admin on Tue, 10/03/2017 - 9:48am
Over the summer, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services division
upgraded and replaced its 30-year-old vehicle services computer system.
During the upgrade, only limited services were available at local Department of Motor Vehicles offices,
such as the one in Maplewood.
However, even months later, residents are experiencing long lines and other snares at the Maplewood
DMV.
Kris Weaver, Maplewood DMV manager, was unable to be reached before press time, but Chad Bergo,
Maplewood’s communications coordinator, explained that the long lines and occasionally unavailable
services are due to the new computer system
“DNR and motor vehicle information is very time consuming for staff and it has been going down
frequently,” he said, referring to some instances where the computer system has been inoperable, such
as Sept. 27 when motor vehicle transactions were unable to be completed.
Bruce Gordon, director of communications for the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, admitted that
there have been several instances where the system was slower than usual, but he said, “... it has been
online and available for local deputy registrars to process transactions 99.93 percent of the time since the
launch.”
“Certainly, the transition to a new computer system is challenging. The state’s new system is working, but
not perfectly, and we’re working with deputy registrars to make it better,” Gordon added.
In addition to the challenges with the new computer system, many factors can affect customer
experiences including staffing levels as well as the type of transaction an individual is seeking to make.
Gordon noted that even the day of the month can affect the lines at the DMV, since many people wait
until the deadline to renew tabs or conduct other business. Sometimes residents also forget to bring all of
the documentation needed to complete their transactions.
The part of the computer system that was replaced over the summer is used for motor vehicle and
driver’s license transactions and record information.
Minnesota Licensing and Registration System replaces a 30-year-old antiquated mainframe that was not
sustainable, according to Gordon.
“MNLARS automates business functions for the uniformity, security and the integrity of the data and
system,” Gordon said, adding, “Turnaround time for title transactions will be reduced and customers will
leave the office knowing their vehicle record has been updated in real time.”
DVS has processed more than 1.1 million registration renewals and more than 358,000 title transactions
through the new system since July 25.
“We realize that some customers may experience issues with their transaction, and the Department of
Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services division (DVS) wants to hear from those people right away,”
Gordon said, adding that most issues can be resolved quickly if the customer reaches out to DVS or to a
deputy registrar.
A customer can call DVS Vehicle Services at 651-297-2126 or email dvs.motor.vehicles@state.mn.us.
—Aundrea Kinney