ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Minnesota motor vehicle officials believe they’ve fixed a statewide computer problem that prevented drivers from renewing their licenses, the latest in a series of technology woes for state licensing offices.
Minnesota IT Services solved the issue Monday evening, Minnesota Public Radio reported . The issue was related to software connecting the state’s legacy computer system to a national database, said Bruce Gordon, a Department of Public Safety spokesman.
Before issuing a license, a DMV employee must first verify an individual’s Social Security number and driving record. But the technical problem caused the system to break down and no one was able to renew or get a new Minnesota driver’s license.
The system was restored by Tuesday morning with no further reports of problems, Gordon said.
It’s the latest problem in a series of information technology setbacks for the state’s license offices.
The state introduced a $93 million database called MNLARS in July to keep track of vehicle registrations. But the program has had a series of technical issues. Many DMVs have had to delay processing titles, tab renewals and transferring vanity license plates.
DPS and Minnesota IT Services are facing heavy scrutiny over the problems.
Fixing the system may require an additional $43 million in state funding, according to Gov. Mark Dayton’s office. Dayton hopes lawmakers will approve the additional funding when the 2018 session begins. However, some Republicans say staff changes must take place in IT Services before additional money should be given to the system.
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Information from: Minnesota Public Radio News, http://www.mprnews.org
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