Long lines form at Connecticut DMV offices following shut-down for computer upgrade

Department of Motor Vehicles customers waited in long lines that stretched outside on Tuesday, the first day that branch offices have been fully operational since a one-week partial shutdown.

Branches were mostly closed last week, providing only license-related services, so the agency could complete a major computer system upgrade.

Offices resumed providing registration-related services on Tuesday. But even though DMV Commissioner Andres Ayala Jr. had urged people to wait a couple weeks before showing up, many arrived in the early morning hours. The line wrapped around the Wethersfield branch office and through the parking lot at the branch in Hamden. Some people brought lawn chairs.

Ayala on Tuesday urged customers to be patient and reminded them that a 60-day extension on expiration dates for all driver's licenses, ID cards and vehicle registrations has been granted through Oct. 10.

The DMV was able to offer upgraded online services a few days early, over the weekend. The improvements affect registration-related services, including enhancements to online renewals. Customers can also check for items that can hold up a registration renewal, such as unpaid property taxes, lack of insurance and delinquent parking violations.

Additionally, customers can now use the website to also reprint a registration certificate, and order special license plates and replacements for damaged license plates.