CONNECTICUT DMV OFFICES TO CLOSE AUG. 11-15 DURING ‘MAJOR UPGRADE’ TO COMPUTER SYSTEM

The state Department of Motor Vehicle Aug. 11-15 shutdown — except for licensing services — will accommodate “a major upgrade” of an outdated computer system, eliminating the need for most DMV office visits.

Department of Motor Vehicles offices — locations virtually synonymous with long delays and longer lines — will close altogether for five days next month as the department attempts to get its house in order.

In a joint announcement, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and Andres Ayala Jr., the department’s commissioner, saidWednesday the Aug. 11-15 shutdown— except for licensing services— will accommodate “a major upgrade” of an outdated computer system, eliminating the need for most DMV office visits.

Department offices will reopen for all transactions on Tuesday, Aug. 18.

“This computer modernization project will significantly change how customers do business with the DMV by making more services available over the Internet and ultimately making it more convenient for the residents of our state,” Malloy said. “This will be the first upgrade of the Connecticut DMV’s computer system in nearly a half century. It will allow customers to conduct more routine business online, easing the burden on DMV offices and staff to provide better, faster service to Connecticut drivers.”

Beginning Aug. 11, the expiration date of all driver’s licenses, ID cards and vehicle registrations will be extended through Oct. 10, 2015. Renewals will be accepted without a late fee until that date.

“Customers will soon be able to ask themselves, ‘Do I really need to visit a DMV office?’ They will be able to get out of line and go online for many more services,” Ayala said.

He cautioned, however, that in the days preceding and following the shutdown, customers should anticipate longer-than-usual lines at DMV offices. On Wednesday, the DMV launched “Gear Up,” an advertising campaign aimed at informing the public about the shutdown.

Beginning Aug. 17, the following services will be available at ct.gov/dmv:

An improved online registration renewal program

Online checking for items, such as unpaid property taxes, lack of insurance, delinquent parking violations, which can hold up a registration renewal and cause repeat trips to DMV

Reprinting a registration certificate from a home or other computer Canceling a registration online Ordering online special plates, such as vanity plates

Ordering online replacements for damaged plates

Providing customers with an option for DMV to contact them either by mail or email.