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Louisiana is set to modernize its driver’s license and vehicle registration system with a $30 million upgrade, replacing outdated software in use for over 50 years. Governor Jeff Landry announced the changes to improve services amid long-standing delays. The new system will allow online access and a mobile app for residents to manage licenses and registrations. Special hours are set for REAL ID requests as the state approaches the compliance deadline. This transition aims to alleviate operational issues and enhance efficiency for users.

Louisiana is set to modernize its driver’s license and vehicle registration system, replacing software that has been in use for over 50 years. Governor Jeff Landry has announced the $30 million upgrade, which aims to improve services at the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) amid ongoing delays and frustrations for residents. The project, being undertaken by Champ, a software company based in Cleveland, Ohio, is expected to take two years to complete.

The new system will provide online access and a smart device application for drivers and vehicle owners, offering a more convenient way to manage their licenses and registrations. The state has faced significant delays and system outages due to outdated technology, leading to the issuance of an executive order extending expiration dates for driver’s licenses by up to 30 days and waiving delinquent fees.

The introduction of the new software is deemed essential as the current mainframe system is critically limited, with only four programmers available to manage its operations. The ongoing issues have caused “crippling delays” at local OMV offices, prompting the governor to declare a state of emergency to address the challenges. In tandem with the software upgrade, a database reconfiguration is planned to tackle transaction bottlenecks on the existing system.

OMV Commissioner Dan Casey has indicated that extending expiration dates is part of the effort to decrease overcrowding at OMV locations while the system is being stabilized. Once the new software is operational, the goal is to reduce the average time customers spend in OMV offices to just 20 minutes.

As Louisiana prepares for the new system, residents are reminded to update their IDs to comply with REAL ID standards by the approaching deadline of May 7. A REAL ID-compliant driver’s license will feature a gold star in the upper-right corner. Without this identification, travelers will need alternative federally approved IDs—such as a U.S. passport—for security checks conducted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

To assist with REAL ID requests, special Saturday hours have been designated at the Monroe OMV on April 26 and May 3. Residents can obtain a REAL ID by visiting an OMV field office or a Public Tag Agent location, where they must present the necessary documents to verify their identity and residency. Additionally, licenses can be renewed up to 180 days prior to expiration at OMV offices or online through expresslane.org or the LA Wallet app.

The decision to implement a new software system follows a range of disruptions caused by the existing 50-year-old COBOL applications. The state’s Office of Technology Services (OTS) and Unisys are currently investigating system outages to restore stability and functionality to the OMV services.

The transition to a modern system is an important step for Louisiana, seeking to alleviate long-standing issues tied to its outdated motor vehicles operations. By investing in more advanced technology, the state aims to enhance the experience for residents interacting with the OMV, making services more efficient and accessible for all.

Louisiana to Upgrade Driver’s License and Registration System

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Author: HERE New Orleans