Problems getting your Driver's License?
You're not alone, as computer problems frustrate
Idaho drivers
and law enforcement |
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September 1, 2018 |
The Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles is
scrambling to fix ongoing computer issues that
have caused continuing problems in issuing
driver's licenses to Idahoans across the state.
These problems have been ongoing since last
year. The issues have caused multiple shutdowns
of Driver's License offices, making it difficult
for people to renew their licenses. Many have
arrived at their local Driver's License office,
only to find it closed during what should be
regular business hours, or find they are turned
away due to computer problems, or end up
enduring hours long waiting times.
In addition to the difficulties Idaho drivers
have had in renewing or getting new driver's
licenses, sheriff's offices across the state
have had difficulty accessing the driver's
license system on their computers.
Idaho Sheriff's around the state have expressed
their frustration with the computer problems and
the frequent, repeated closures of Driver's
License offices. On August 23, Canyon County
Sheriff Kieran Donahue, who serves as President
of the Idaho Sheriffs' Association, sent a
letter to Governor Butch Otter, communicating
the frustration and difficulties sheriff's
office and Idaho citizens have had with these
problems.
“As sheriff, and as a taxpayer, I am furious
that the state of Idaho has poured millions of
dollars into systems that are poorly designed
and implemented without the benefit of beta
testing sites to address the potential and real
issues with these critically important systems,”
said Sheriff Donahue in his letter.
“I share the concerns voiced by sheriffs and
members of the public who have experienced
delays as the issuance of drivers licenses has
slowed even after these upgrades were
implemented,” Governor Otter said in a statement
on this issue. “My office will convene a working
group comprised of all affected stakeholders,
including ITD, the Idaho State Police, the Idaho
Sheriffs Association, and the Idaho Association
of Counties, to resolve these issues as quickly
as possible.”
In the meantime, the Division of Motor Vehicles
has been scrambling to find ways to temporarily
smooth some of the more immediate problems,
while working to repair the larger issue of
getting the software and computer systems back
on track.
In their most recent action, the DMV announced
it has implemented an emergency extension
through October 31, 2018, for all Idaho drivers
with expiring or expired driver’s licenses due
to the recent DMV office closures. Information
about this extension has been communicated to
county sheriff, local, state and national law
enforcement and is in immediate effect.
ITD DMV Administrator Alberto Gonzalez
implemented this emergency extension Tuesday,
August 28, 2018, after severe vendor software
issues forced most DMV county offices that issue
driver’s licenses to close their doors.
There are some exclusions to the extension;
including Commercial Drivers License (CDLs)
holders who do not have a legal presence
document on file with Idaho’s DMV and drivers
whose privileges are currently withdrawn until
reinstatement requirements are fulfilled.
Customers or agencies with questions or in need
of documentation to support the extension are
encouraged to call the ITD DMV at 208-334-8586
or contact their local sheriff office.
The Idaho Transportation Department said in a
statement: "Specific to DMV license services not
being available, ITD is working closely with our
vendor, sheriffs and county staff to get
services online as quickly as possible. Governor
Otter also has called a working group of
stakeholders together to move forward with a
short and long-term fix. ITD greatly appreciates
the patience of our customers and county staff
and as we collectively work together to secure a
permanent Idaho solution."
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