The state Department of Motor Vehicles offices will be closed from Tuesday, Aug. 11 through Saturday, Aug. 15, except for licensing services, so the department can make improvements and add of new online services.
DMV offices will reopen on Tuesday, Aug. 18.
A statement from the governor’s office says the improvements are part of a major upgrade of computer systems and will allow customers to use the Internet for some services that previously had to be done in person.
“This computer modernization project will significantly change how customers do business with the DMV by making more services available over the internet and ultimately making it more convenient for the residents of our state,” Gov. Dannel Malloy said in a statement. “This will be the first upgrade of the Connecticut DMV’s computer system in nearly a half century. It will allow customers to conduct more routine business online, easing the burden on DMV offices and staff to provide better, faster service to Connecticut drivers.”
As of Aug. 11, Governor Malloy and Commissioner Ayala and DMV Commissioner Andres Ayala Jr, will order all expiration date of all driver’s licenses, ID cards or vehicle registrations to be extended through October 10. Renewals can be done without a late fee until that date.
Emissions test due dates, however, will not be extended and customers who take advantage of the registration extension must maintain insurance coverage on their vehicles.
“Customers will soon be able to ask themselves, ‘Do I really need to visit a DMV office?’ They will be able to get out of line and go online for many more services,” Ayala said.
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In the days leading up to the shutdown, customers should expect longer than usual lines at DMV offices.
“As we gear up, we expect heavier than usual business. During this period, we kindly ask customers to also use AAA offices, if possible, for license and ID renewals. Once we open back up, we also encourage them to use our new online services. This will help reduce unnecessary waits at a DMV office,” Ayala said in a statement.
As of Aug. 17, the DMV will offer the following new online services:
- 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 damaged plates
Providing customers with an option for DMV to contact them either by mail or e-mail
