The state Department of Motor Vehicles is making some upgrades to the 40- to 50-year-old system and that will require temporarily closing offices for a few days over the next several weeks to get the work done.
For six weeks, starting today, some branches will close for a few days at a time, followed by a different set of branches.
Between today and Friday, the Bridgepot, Norwalk and Stamford photo license center are closed, but you can use an alternate location, such as the Danbury or Hamden DMV offices or AAA offices for license and identification card renewals.
This is all to accommodate what the DMV calls a major customer-service upgrade and computer system improvements allowing more online services.
Two offices each week will shut while employees have training on how to operate the new system. After the training, the DMV plans to make an announcement on when customers can expect the new system to start.
“We are alternating the closings to avoid major inconveniences that could come with shutting all offices for one week. This new system, when up and running, will bring many more customer service benefits than we have now,” DMV Commissioner Andres Ayala Jr. said in a statement.
The following is the closing schedule:
- Feb. 17-20: Bridgeport and Norwalk offices, and the Stamford photo license center that is by appointment only.
- Feb. 24-27: New Britain and Enfield offices
- March: 3-6: Willimantic and Norwich offices
- March 10–13: Waterbury and Danbury offices
- March 17–20: Hamden and Old Saybrook offices
- March 24–27: Wethersfield office
The offices will operate as normal for half-day Saturday operations.
One of the two offices closing each week will continue to handle learner’s permit test appointments, which is one of the highest-in-demand services DMV offers.
Check the DMV website for any updates before going to a branch office.
During the next six weeks, customers should expect some delays at branch offices. Check real-time online wait times or by downloading the DMV’s app.
While the changes are made, DMV officials advise not waiting to make renewals. Do it now.
Renew vehicle registrations by mail or online if your renewal indicates you are eligible.
You could also go to the nearest AAA office for license renewals to avoid lines.
One benefit of the computer changeover will include additional vehicle registration services available on the web, according to the DMV.
Among the changes planned are improvements to the existing online registration renewal program.
You will also be able to check online for unpaid property taxes, lack of insurance, delinquent parking violations, and other problems that can hold up a registration renewal and cause repeat trips to DMV.
You will also be able to reprint a registration certificate from a home or other computer or cancel a registration online.
You can order online special plates, such as vanity plates, or replacements for mangled plates.
Online services offered already include:
- Learner's permit testing by appointment.
- Real-time connections to DMV for leasing companies and car dealerships wanting to register vehicles purchased or leased by their customers.
- Checking driver's license status.
- Viewing wait times at DMV Offices.
- Filling out a vehicle registration form at home and printing it.
- Car dealers being able to renew their business licenses.
- Canceling lost or stolen license plates.
- Registration renewals for vehicle owners who have no outstanding obligations, such as delinquent property taxes, late emissions tests, unpaid parking tickets or other kinds of issues prohibiting renewal.
- International Registration Plan (IRP) renewal payments for trucking companies.
- Registration status checks.
- Vanity plate availability.