In a continuing effort to maximize gains on wait-times and line reductions, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is testing software based machines that can dispense vehicle registration license plate tags and registration cards. These touch-screen kiosks allow customers to enter information from their registration renewal notices, pay their fees using cash, checks and credit cards, and within seconds complete their transactions.

DMV is testing the first machine at the Sacramento Broadway office and plans to install one in the Los Angeles office in the next few weeks to test reliability and customer acceptance. (One kiosk will also be set up at the California State Fair in Sacramento for the entire 18-day run of the event. DMV officials are urging customers to bring their vehicle registration renewal notices to the Counties Building at the fair and give it a try.)

California has also taken other actions to reduce wait times at DMVs.

Business, Transportation & Housing Secretary Sunne Wright McPeak said, "In the past nine months, this department has made significant improvements so it's easier for Californians to access DMV services. The DMV's automated phone system has been upgraded, the number of people who can register their vehicles on the DMV Web site has expanded, the $4 convenience fee was eliminated and businesses that file information with the department have seen reduced paperwork," she said.

In California, almost 77 percent of the state's drivers can now register electronically without having to provide paper proof of insurance. Some driver license renewal transactions can also be handled by mail, as can other DMV services. KW