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Driver and Vehicle Services Limited, Offices Closed Ahead of New Vehicle Services System Launch

Nov. 4 2020 Announcements By Minnesota Department of Public Safety

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Minnesotans will encounter some limited services as the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services division (DPS-DVS) prepares to launch the new MNDRIVE computer system on Nov. 16.

DPS-DVS online services will be unavailable beginning today at 7 p.m. Preparations also include closing or limiting services at DVS exam stations, deputy registrar and driver’s license agent offices statewide Nov. 11 through Nov. 14 ahead of the Nov. 16 launch. Customers are strongly encouraged to plan ahead and to check the DVS locations web page for the latest information about offices.

In addition, online class D knowledge test registration will be unavailable beginning today at 7 p.m. through Nov. 15. Those who have registered before this time will have the standard 48 hours from registration to take their test. 

The service limitations allow DPS-DVS to process all transactions in the Minnesota License and Registration System (MNLARS) and the driver services system (FastDS), before converting to the new and improved MNDRIVE system on Nov. 16.

“We know that limiting online services and closing offices temporarily may inconvenience some, but this is an important step to ensure the transition from MNLARS to MNDRIVE is smooth,” DPS-DVS Director Emma Corrie said. “DVS has been working closely with vendor staff and business partners to develop and implement a new system that works better for Minnesotans. MNDRIVE will launch on time, within budget and improve the way Minnesotans receive driver and vehicle services well into the future.”

“We are very much looking forward to the launch of the new system after working with our legislators and DPS-DVS leadership to replace MNLARS,” South St. Paul Deputy Registrar General Manager Kristy Beaucage said. “We provided a full-time employee to provide firsthand feedback throughout system development. We know that there will be a lot of change for our office and other deputy registrar offices, and our customers, in the next few months, but we feel supported and are hopeful for a smooth rollout.” 

Service Limitations

  • Nov. 2-15: Online knowledge test registration unavailable.
    • Minnesotans will not be able to register for an online class D knowledge test beginning today at 7 p.m. through Nov. 15. Those who already registered for a test have the standard 48 hours from registration to take their test. 
  • Nov. 4-15:Online registration renewal unavailable.
    • Minnesotans will not be able to use the online registration renewal service beginning Nov. 4 at 11 p.m. The service will be back online Nov. 16, which allows Minnesotans enough time to renew November tabs online and receive their stickers by Dec. 10.
    • Minnesotans may also choose to renew their registration at an open deputy registrar office while the online service is unavailable.
  • Nov. 10-15: Remaining DPS-DVS online services unavailable beginning 11 p.m. Nov. 10.
  • Nov. 11 (Veteran’s Day) – Nov. 14:DVS exam stations, deputy registrar and driver’s license agent offices close or limit services. 
    • Nov. 11 is a state holiday. DVS exam stations are closed on this day each year. 
  • Nov. 12: 14 regional DVS exam stations are closed to the public. No services are available, including road tests and knowledge tests. 
    • The St. Paul DVS Exam Station will provide prorate and dealer services only. No other services are available, including records requests, driver evaluation and knowledge tests. 
  • Nov. 13: Regional DVS exam stations offer road tests by appointment only. No other services, including application services for those who pass their road test, are available. 
    • The St. Paul DVS Exam Station will provide prorate and dealer services only. No other services are available, including records requests, driver evaluation and knowledge tests. 
  • Nov. 14: All 15 regional DVS exam stations are closed to the public. 
  • Nov. 16:MNDRIVE launches
    • All driver and vehicle services, online and in offices statewide, resume. 

What to expect Nov. 16

MNDRIVE will change the way Minnesota deputy registrar offices and car dealerships process vehicle services. Some of the changes Minnesotans will see when accessing these services include: 

  • The system replaces the paper 21-day temporary permit with a new temporary license plate. This temporary license plate is printed on a special paper at the dealership and attached to the vehicle. 
  • The system allows Minnesotans to upload and submit documents required for vehicle service transactions online, eliminating the need to visit an office.
  • The system will accurately calculate registration taxes and fees to ensure Minnesotans are paying the correct amount. 

About MNDRIVE

FAST Enterprises developed MNDRIVE in partnership with DPS-DVS and Minnesota IT Services (MNIT) to replace MNLARS and provide an all-in-one driver and vehicle services system for DPS-DVS staff and business partners. Representatives from the Minnesota Deputy Registrar Association (MDRA), the Deputy Registrar Business Owners Association (DRBOA) and the Minnesota Automobile Dealers Association (MADA) have been involved in the development process. The Nov. 16, rollout includes: 

  • Vehicle title and registration, includes accurate fee calculators and vehicle identification number verification. 
  • A web portal, E-Services for Business, that dealers and other businesses will use to access the system and conduct business with DPS-DVS
  • Minnesota dealer license management and capability for dealers to enter sales information into the system to create vehicle record and print temporary permits.
  • Newly designed license plate size temporary registration permits. 
  • Newly designed disability parking certificate. 
  • Electronic vehicle title and registration (EVTR) services that streamline the process between participating dealers and deputy registrars, improving accuracy and efficiency. 
  • Upgrade to driver’s license system.

Due to COVID-19, DPS-DVS and FAST shifted from in-person to online training modules and has been actively working with deputy registrar offices and dealerships statewide since June to ensure everyone has the resources they need to be prepared for the system launch.   

Transitioning from MNLARS

  • MNLARS launched in 2017. 
  • Governor Tim Walz established the Blue Ribbon Council on Information Technology in 2019 and tasked the council to conduct a full review of MNLARS and produce a detailed report of the council’s finds. 
  • The council submitted the report, Independent Expert Review of MNLARS, May 1, 2019. The report’s final recommendation was to replace MNLARS with a packaged software solution. Gov. Walz announced his support for the recommendations outlined in the report.
  • The Minnesota legislature directed DPS and MNIT to replace MNLARS with a vendor-produced software application by the end of 2020 and approved $52.669 million in funding for the development and implementation of the new vehicle services system.  
  • DPS and MNIT awarded the contract for the new vehicle services system to FAST Enterprises on Aug. 7, 2019. FAST also supplied the DPS-DVS driver services system, which went live Oct. 1, 2018. 
  • DPS-DVS, MNIT and FAST will launch MNDRIVE Nov. 16, delivering the project on time and within budget. MNLARS will be fully decommissioned in 2021, meeting legislative requirements. 

How to stay updated

DPS-DVS answers frequently asked questions related to how COVID-19 is affecting DVS services on the DVS COVID-19 FAQ webpage. 

The DPS-DVS Facebook page and Twitter page will have information.

How to get help

  • For driver services questions (licenses, ID cards, driver compliance and exams), visit the DVS website and submit your question using the driver services contact forms. You can also call 651-297-3298.
  • For vehicle services questions (ownership transfers, titles, liens and vehicle registration) visit the DVS website and submit your question using the vehicle services contact forms. You can also call 651-297-2126.

About the Minnesota Department Public Safety

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) comprises 11 divisions where 2,200 employees operate programs in the areas of law enforcement, crime victim assistance, traffic safety, alcohol and gambling, emergency communications, fire safety, pipeline safety, driver licensing, vehicle registration and emergency management. DPS activity is anchored by three core principles: education, enforcement and prevention.

About Driver and Vehicle Services

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services division (DVS) is responsible for driver testing, driver licensing and maintenance of driver records; driver evaluation and compliance; motor vehicle title and registration; commercial vehicle registration; motor vehicle dealer licensing and regulation; and enforcement of no-fault insurance requirements.

2019 Statistics: 

  • 1.6 million driver’s license and ID cards issued.
  • 1.74 million titles issued.
  • 7.23 million vehicles registered.
  • DVS’ Public Information Center handled more than 1.4 million phone calls and 106,000 email correspondences. 

Full release from the Department of Public Safety: dps.mn.gov/divisions/ooc/news-releases/Pages/driver-and-vehicle-services-limited-offices-closed-ahead-of-new-vehicle-services-system-launch.aspx