LANSING (WWJ) - Secretary of State offices across the state are reopening Tuesday after services went dark for a major computer upgrade.
All branches and online sites closed last Friday so a new computer system could be put in place, replacing decades-old technology.
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson calls it a "vital project.... and the first step in implementing our 30-minute guarantee." It was in the works before she took office on Jan. 1.
Benson says services may take longer over the next few weeks as employees get familiar with the new system. Late fees will be waived if someone has an expiration date between February 11 and March 2.
The state says the new system will bring a number of improvements, including:
- The option to order a license plate, renew a snowmobile registration and order a Recreation Passport and replacement tab for a plate online. Transactions for auto dealers, repair facilities, mechanics and driver education instructors and providers will also be possible online.
- Real-time updates that will allow a customer's vehicle-related transactions the old system would reject as unavailable
- Advanced security features will prompt online customers to create a user ID and password using MILogin, which also can be used to access other state government services
- Self-service kiosks now will offer watercraft registration renewals, in addition to the current license plate tab renewals
- Branch office staff members can access information with a single search, and they can review the transaction history to better assist customers
- Programming legislative changes that affect the department will be a faster, less resource-intensive process with modern technology
- The department will be able to move toward electronic records and eliminating paperwork for customers.
The update replaces antiquated 1960s legacy mainframe technology that has impeded the department's ability to optimally serve customers.
