CRANSTON – The R.I Department of Motor Vehicles expects to launch a new computer system on July 5 and has warned Rhode Islanders to take care business with the DMV before the launch, or to delay their visit until after the system is up and running, according to a Thursday press release.
The DMV advises that all online transactions be completed early, online by June 29, or through the mail by June 30 to avoid service disruption.
The press release also notes that customers may go to AAA Northeast locations for service, which will assist non-members through the DMV’s new computer system launch period, however AAA access to DMV transactions will be unavailable from July 1 -7.
The new system will upgrade the state’s computer system from one that dates to the 1970s. The DMV expects that in time, the new system will reduce wait times, but that the decrease will be gradual as employees learn to use the new system.
“Our employees have been waiting a long time for this new system to come into place,” said DMV administrator Walter R. Craddock. “They are eager to leave behind an outdated system and move to work on a modern, unified, system that will help them serve Rhode Islanders more efficiently and faster. We expect, [that] in the coming months, Rhode Islanders will begin to see the benefits of this new system with expanded online services and shorter wait times here in Cranston and at our branches across the state.”
The DMV also said that as July 5 approaches, office closures, deadlines, customer service and visitor access to information may be subject to change.
Service notes:
The DMV Cranston office will open on Wednesday, July 5. Online transactions will be available the same day.
Service will be available at the Cranston DMV office by reservation from Wednesday, July 5 through Monday, July 17.
Select AAA branches will begin handling DMV transactions (including for nonmembers) on Saturday, July 8. DMV services at AAA branches will be rolled out on a staggered basis until they reach full service on Monday, July 17.
The DMV offices in Middletown and Woonsocket will begin service by reservation on Thursday, July 13. The two offices will continue conducting business by reservation through Monday, July 17.
On Tuesday, July 18, full service is restored – including at the DMV office in Wakefield.
More information can be found at the DMV website.
Chris Bergenheim is the PBN web editor.
