Key Takeaways:
- The Otsego County Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will undergo a large-scale system upgrade in February, requiring office closures and altered business hours.
- The upgrade is part of a multi-year project to replace and modernize the state DMV’s aging technology systems.
- The Cooperstown and Oneonta DMV locations will be closed on February 13, with the Cooperstown main office reopening on February 19 and the Oneonta satellite location reopening on February 24.
- The state DMV will migrate approximately 30 million records to the new system during the transition period.
- The upgrade aims to make the DMV more secure, stable, and agile, providing customers with more efficient, secure, and convenient services.
Introduction to the System Upgrade
The Otsego County Department of Motor Vehicles, along with all DMV offices in the state, will undergo a significant system upgrade next month. This upgrade is part of a multi-year project to replace and modernize the state DMV’s aging technology systems. The initial phase of the project will require DMV offices to be closed and alter their business hours. The state DMV is working to bring the first part of the new system online, which will involve ceasing all DMV operations, including online transactions and phone systems, at 2 p.m. on Friday, February 13.
DMV Office Closures and Altered Business Hours
To prepare for this statewide transition, the Cooperstown and Oneonta DMV locations will be closed on Friday, February 13. The Cooperstown main office will remain closed on Monday, February 16, which is Presidents Day, as well as Tuesday, February 17, and Wednesday, February 18, with a planned reopening at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 19. The Oneonta satellite location will remain closed for the week of February 16, resuming operations on February 24. Any changes to this schedule will be posted on the county website and the Otsego County DMV Facebook page. This temporary closure will allow the state DMV to complete the transition to the new system without any disruptions.
The Transition Process
During the transition period, the state DMV will migrate approximately 30 million records to the new system. This process will ensure that all customer information is up-to-date and secure. Unfortunately, no DMV transactions will be able to be completed during this period, including through the state DMV website, and the DMV will not be answering phone calls. The state DMV has contracted with software company FAST Enterprises, LLC, which has implemented similar systems in more than 20 other states, to help modernize its technology platforms and service delivery. The company’s expertise will be invaluable in ensuring a smooth transition to the new system.
The Goal of the Upgrade
The goal of this initiative is to make the DMV more secure, stable, and agile, providing customers with more efficient, secure, and convenient services. The new technology will replace and consolidate a significant portion of the DMV’s legacy technology, some of which are more than 50 years old. This upgrade is long overdue, and the state DMV is taking a significant step towards modernizing its systems. Otsego County Clerk Jennifer Basil appreciates the public’s patience and understanding during this statewide system upgrade and encourages customers to plan accordingly. The DMV hopes to make this a seamless transition, with minimal disruptions to customers.
The Future of the DMV
The upgrade is expected to be completed in two major stages over the next two years. The first phase will lay the foundation for the new system, and the second phase will build upon this foundation, providing even more efficient and convenient services to customers. The state DMV is committed to providing the best possible service to its customers, and this upgrade is a significant step towards achieving this goal. With the new system in place, customers can expect faster processing times, more secure transactions, and a more user-friendly experience. The DMV is excited to offer these improvements and is working hard to ensure a smooth transition to the new system.
