LAKE COUNTY — Technology is driving area residents to use the Internet rather than wait in long lines at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). In 2007, more than 6.6 million customers used online DMV transaction services, an increase of 25 percent from 2006. The online services have been available for customers to renew driver”s licenses and vehicle registrations as well as make address changes and register to vote since 2003.
At the Lakeport DMV Monday the lines were moderate, with about a 10 minute wait. Several customers said in recent years they have used?or contemplated using?online services in lieu of making the trip in person.
“If it”s close to the deadline, I will use the Internet,” Darla Payne of Kelseyville said as she waited in line. She said she first used the internet to order a license plate about two years ago. “But if it”s a payment or renewal, I prefer to write a check and mail it in. I”m originally from Napa County, and the lines here look pretty good compared to the DMV there,” Payne said.
“Had we known about it (online services) we would have used the Internet,” Carole Frost said, of the Clear Lake Riviera. “The problem DMV seems to have is advertising that it”s available. We received 10 notices, and I don”t believe they mentioned that you can use the Internet. If they had a decent payment method, we would use it. Here, they only take checks or cash, so often you come in with your check card and get turned away.”
According to spokesperson Jan Mendoza, DMV accepts credit cards for payments online, relieving customers of the hassles of driving to the DMV. All DMV notices include the Web site, to encourage online users. In Lake County, there is one DMV, located in Lakeport, the county seat, making the Internet a more viable option for those living an hour away on the opposite side of the lake.
DMV director George Valverde said the department is trying to encourage advances in technology to help meet Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger”s goal of more efficiency in government.
“The increase in online business reflects a direct benefit of the public”s investment in the DMV,” Valverde said.
“As technology continues to evolve, we are committed to enhancing customer service and ensuring privacy protection as part of our long-term business strategy,” Valverde said.
The most popular online option is renewing vehicle registration online. In 2007, more than 4.8 million vehicles have been registered via the Internet, a 25.3 percent increase over the 2006 total of about 3.9 million. Online driver license renewals totaled 486,532, up a full 25 percent from the 390,738 logged the previous year. Online change of address filings numbered 554,244 and notices of release of liability filings totaled 761,252 last year.
Contact Elizabeth Wilson at ewilson@record-bee.com.
