The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is preparing to undertake a multi-year project to replace and modernize its outdated technology systems. The DMV said the project will provide its customers with more efficient, secure, and convenient services, and will enable the agency to implement future technology advancements more efficiently.
“As a former County Clerk, I know first-hand the importance of the DMV in providing critical services to New Yorkers,” New York Governor Kathy Hochul said. “These investments are a major step forward in the DMV’s strategic modernization as we look to create a quicker, easier and more convenient experience for everyone.”
To help with the modernization, the DMV has signed a contract with software provider FAST Enterprises. The company has already implemented similar modernization overhauls in more than 15 other states and will help the New York DMV modernize its technology platforms and service delivery in two major stages over the next four years.
“Throughout this project, we will be replacing a patchwork of outdated computer systems, software and databases that account for about 70 percent of DMV’s business volume,” Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder said.
“This is a strategic investment and a huge undertaking, but we know the important role our agency plays in the lives of New Yorkers, and this project will help us serve them better, faster, and will make our customer’s lives easier,” he said. “It will also put our agency on a better footing for future upgrades, so our services can continue to evolve as technology improves.”
The state said that the overhaul will replace some DMV legacy technologies that are more than 50 years old and that are a frequent source of computer and system outages that have caused delays and long lines in DMV office.
The new technology will also make the DMV more secure, stable, and agile. As part of the modernization, the DMV will introduce automation that will speed up processing times and eliminate paper forms wherever possible. The DMV said this update will also enable the agency to offer more online and self-service options. As part of the update, the DMV will be able to create comprehensive customer profiles that will allow DMV staff to see customers’ information in one place. The department said the profiles will help DMV staff provide a more personalized experience and proactively flag upcoming issues and expirations.
