The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles is in the midst of a technological revolution that will position the agency for the wave of innovation sweeping across the business and industry landscape.
Advancements in personal computing and communications devices as well as the mobility of Nevada residents require that government agencies not only stay current on technological advances but push their own innovations to the public.
For example, DMV last year launched the MyDMV web portal, which consolidates all of an individual’s license and registration information for convenient renewals and updates. DMV now has 339,000 MyDMV accounts and has recorded 597,089 transactions made using the web portal.
One of the agency’s goals is to modernize and reinvent DMV services through the use of technology, customer service and training. MyDMV is one example of that goal being realized.
Last year, DMV completed over eight million transactions for its 1.7 million licensed drivers. Signaling the agency’s eye on the future is the fact that 1.5 million of those transactions were conducted online or at a DMV kiosk.
DMV will always need brick and mortar offices. However, the future is about making the driver’s license and registration experience more convenient and that means online transactions will continue to increase.
Another recent development is the Electronic Dealer Report of Sale (EDRS) program. Earlier this year, DMV transitioned to EDRS for all vehicle sales in the state. With EDRS, dealers now submit sales information to DMV online and registration can be completed without a visit to a DMV office.
The DMV also recently adopted the Dash Pass queuing system, which allows customers to get in line from their computer, smart phone or standard phone and do their waiting somewhere other than a DMV office. The Dash Pass system communicates with the individual and tells them when it’s time to go to the office.
Again, technology is being used to enhance the customer experience at DMV.
On another front, DMV is presently building a new license plate factory in Carson City that will operate on a self-sustaining business model. The model will move away from reliance on transportation trust funds to operate. The new factory will feature the latest in license plate technology and will enhance efficiency.
Last month, the DMV started issuing Real ID driver’s licenses and ID cards. The Real ID program, a federal initiative, is intended to combat terrorism, identity theft, and other crimes by strengthening the integrity and security of state-issued identification.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) says the new cards will improve the reliability and accuracy of state-issued identification documents and should inhibit terrorists’ ability to evade detection by using fraudulent identification. The Real ID Act implements a 9/11 Commission recommendation for the federal government to “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses.”
So, what’s on the horizon?
Two major changes are coming to DMV, one short term and the other long term.
In the short term, DMV is looking to update the agency’s outdated IT system with a modern system that will give users a more efficient interface with DMV’s applications. Full implementation of a new IT system is expected to take between two to four years.
In the long view, the agency is taking a look at a business version of its MyDMV web portal. A future business version of the portal would allow companies to manage registration and licensing matters for businesses and fleets online with a company’s records and other information stored in a secure website location.
Troy Dillard is the director of the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles.
