FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 17, 2000

CONTACT: SID GAULDEN, 803-896-8755

DMV IMPROVES CUSTOMER SERVICE WITH "SKIP THE TRIP"

COLUMBIA – The Division of Motor Vehicles is taking big steps to improve customer service statewide by offering service alternatives. Customers can now get many services without ever entering a DMV office. It’s all part of "Skip the Trip" – a campaign designed to encourage customers to use DMV’s mail-in and online services.

"The way we’ve done business in the past does not meet the needs of today’s customers," said DPS Director Boykin Rose. "We are committed to creating shorter lines, quicker transactions, and customer friendly service."

DMV has offered mail-in vehicle registrations for many years, but the division recently expanded its mail-in services to include driver’s license renewals and change of name or address. Customers can also log onto the DPS/DMV web site (www.scdps.org/dmv) to download forms that can be mailed in. In addition to forms, the web site also offers general information about DMV services, office locations and hours of operation.

"We are charged with administering South Carolina’s motor vehicle laws and we intend to do this in a customer friendly manner," said David Burgis, DMV Deputy Director. "Successful organizations have learned that what worked yesterday does not work today. We’re working together to find new ways to provide better service."

DMV is currently involved in Project Phoenix, a statewide project to upgrade its existing technology, business processes, and organizational practices. Scheduled for completion in 2001, the new system will allow DMV to complete processes more quickly and give field offices greater access to customer information.

Burgis said that customer service and process improvements are critical and will be permanent changes in how DMV does business.

The Division of Motor Vehicles manages and administers driver and vehicle services for all South Carolina drivers and automobile owners and handles more than 400,000 transactions each day. DMV has 68 field offices in all 46 South Carolina counties and has more than 1,040 employees.

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EDITOR’S NOTE: The DPS web site address has changed to www.scdps.org. Please bookmark this address and visit the web site often. You will find the latest DPS news there as well as information about the various DPS divisions and their diverse responsibilities.

JB/119/2000

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