New RI DMV computer system launches
By: Chloe Leshner
Email: cleshner@abc6.com
Twitter: @CleshnerABC6
CRANSTON, R.I. (WLNE) — A major change in the way the DMV does business as it finally rolls out its new computer system. To help with the transition, the DMV is now refusing walk–in customers. Only serving you If you make a reservation.
People are greeted at the door of the Cranston DMV on day 1 of the new computer system’s launch. Until July 17, a reservation is needed to get inside, a way to keep a handle on the new system.
"I just went online, picked my time, showed up and everything happened right when it was supposed to," says Diane Ballsmith of Warwick.
So far, those reservations are keeping things moving inside, lines drastically different from what people had experienced in the last few months.
"The amazing thing was there was no line when you go upstairs for the ticket booth at all so I did take a few pictures of that so people will believe me," says Michael Walsh of Warwick.
Most people admitting they’re not used to having such a quick or enjoyable trip to the DMV.
"I was in and out in like 15 minutes, it was great," says Amanda branch of West Warwick.
"It was fast and easy, in and out and I thought I was going to be here for forever but it was a great experience," says David Olguin of West Greenwich.
Compare that to just a few weeks ago when customers we spoke with complained they were waiting for hours.
Department of Revenue officials say so far, there have been no major glitches with in–person transactions but can’t guarantee the smooth sailing will continue.
"We have 68 sets of partners including insurance companies and banks, we’re going to wait to hear back from them about whether the information that the system is transmitting to them is coming back cleanly," says Paul Grimaldi with the RI Department of Revenue.
He adds that if the reservation system continues to do well, they’re going to seek the extra funding in next year’s budget to make it a permanent change.
State officials are also remaining optimistic that this system will not have the problems the UHIP system had when it rolled out but stress that this is only day 1 and that they’ll be keeping an eye on things as the other smaller branches reopen next week.
To make a reservation for the DMV visit: http://www.dmv.ri.gov/reservations/
©WLNE-TV / ABC6 2017
