ST. PAUL — Minnesotans who need to renew license plate tabs, transfer titles or complete other transactions will need to be aware of limited services July 17-24 when the Minnesota Dept. of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services division (DPS-DVS) upgrades and replaces the vehicle services computer system.
Online Services Unavailable
Limited Services at all Office Locations
- July 20-24:
- Vehicle services such as tab renewal, plate replacement and title application will not be available.
- Driver’s license, permit or identification card renewal and application services will be available; however, some offices may have different hours or be closed.
- July 22: In addition to motor vehicle registration and title services, driver’s license services will also be unavailable on July 22. Most DVS and deputy registrar offices will be closed on this date.
Customers: Contact Local Offices for Hours, Service Availability
Because some offices are owned and operated by deputy registrars, customers should call their local office for hours and service availability during the system replacement. Contact information is available online for each location. Minnesotans whose vehicle registration expires in July have been notified of these service limitations by mail on their renewal notice.
DPS-DVS is replacing the system used for motor vehicle and driver’s license transactions and record information. The motor vehicle portion of the Minnesota Licensing and Registration System (MNLARS) will be implemented during this time, replacing the current 30-year-old mainframe computer system.
Once the new system is in place, turnaround time for title transactions will be reduced and customers will leave the office knowing their vehicle record has been updated in real time instead of experiencing a delay in the process.
Reminders for Customers after July 24
- Customers should allow extra time for an office visit as everyone adjusts to the new system.
- As always, customers need to bring all documentation required to successfully complete the transaction.
About the Minnesota Department Public Safety
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) comprises 11 divisions where 2,100 employees operate programs in the areas of law enforcement, crime victim assistance, traffic safety, alcohol and gambling, emergency communications, fire safety, pipeline safety, driver licensing, vehicle registration and emergency management. DPS activity is anchored by three core principles: education, enforcement and prevention.
About Driver and Vehicle Services
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services division (DVS) is responsible for driver testing, driver licensing and maintenance of driver records; driver evaluation and compliance; motor vehicle title and registration; commercial vehicle registration; motor vehicle dealer licensing and regulation; and enforcement of no-fault insurance requirements.
The Minnesota Licensing and Registration System (MNLARS) is a multi-year project sponsored by the Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services Division (DVS). It replaces the division’s 30-year-old information technology system with one that will meet the needs and expectations of the division’s customers, employees and business partners.
Driver and Vehicle Services Highlights
- DVS 2016:
- More than 1.8 million driver’s license and ID cards issued
- More than 1.4 million titles issued
- More than 7 million vehicles registered
- DVS’ Public Information Center handled more than a million phone calls and 80,000 email correspondences.
- Web-based services include driver’s license status check, registration renewal (tabs), and test scheduling.
