DMV To Implement Major Upgrades

Renovations to all DMV Locations Needed to Meet New Federal Security Requirements

Dover -- The Department of Transportation (DelDOT) announces that effective February 1, 2010, all four Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) facilities will be undergoing major interior construction as the DMV enhances the physical security of its facilities and upgrades the document issuance process. These new enhancements are required by federal law and are being funded by a grant from the federal Department of Homeland Security. Construction is expected to last approximately 45 days.

"What will be provided through these upgrades is a more secure issuance process for driver license and identification documents," DMV Director Jennifer Cohan explains, "Services will become more efficient and the DMV will be sporting a newer, modern look, and customers will be afforded a sense of privacy with individualized consultations at each remodeled station. The new process will be more streamlined and will reduce the time and inconvenience of customers having to stand in unnecessary lines to complete a licensing or identification transaction."

The renovations of the facilities and upgrades to the issuance system will result in:

1. Integration of the DMV's systems and databases to create a seamless driver license/identification card (DL/ID) issuance process.
2. Photographs will be taken at the beginning of the issuance process to eliminate attempts to obtain fraudulent identity.
3. Conducting facial recognition checks in real time before a driver license/identification card is issued to ensure customers' identities are protected.
4. The ability to offer federally compliant driver licenses/identification cards to our customers which will enable them to board commercial airliners, enter federal facilities, and conduct certain federal business.
5. Increased privacy for customers while handling sensitive information exchange.
6. The physical security of the printing and distribution of the driver license and identification documents as well as all of the related consumables.

During the construction process, customers may experience construction-related inconveniences at its facilities, and it is recommended that all non-essential licensing and registration business be conducted prior to or after construction. Driver license renewals can be processed up to 60 days prior to their expiration date, and vehicle renewals can be processed up to 90 days prior to expiration. Vehicle inspection processes will not be affected by the construction and drive-through renewal services will continue to provide expedited services.
The renovations will include demolition, carpentry, drywall, casework, painting, and flooring. Some service interruptions will be possible and may vary by facility. While focusing on improving our processes, we will try to minimize the inconvenience customers will experience during construction.

Castle Construction of New Castle, Delaware, will be performing the work at the New Castle location with a bid amount of $275,691, and the Dover location with a bid of $360,268. Joshi Construction of Hockessin, Delaware, will be performing the work at both the Wilmington and Georgetown locations with successful bids of $107,154, and $98,445 respectively. All accepted bids were under engineer's estimates.

The locations of these facilities are:

New Castle Division of Motor Vehicles
161 Airport Road
New Castle, Delaware 19720

Greater Wilmington Division of Motor Vehicles
2230 Hessler Boulevard
New Castle, Delaware 19720

Dover Division of Motor Vehicles
303 Transportation Circle
P.O. Box 698
Dover, Delaware 19903

Georgetown Division of Motor Vehicles
23737 DuPont Blvd.
Georgetown, Delaware 19947

It is suggested that customers regularly consult the DMV web site for construction information and updates at: http://www.dmv.de.gov . Many of the regular DMV services can be accomplished online.