SIOUX FALLS, SD (KELO) — The Minnehaha County treasurer is urging patience among people who need to renew their license tags over the next couple of months.
That’s because treasurer’s offices across the state will be switching to a new system that processes the renewals.
The change could mean longer lines to start with.
Jaiden Pfeifer is getting a license plate for her new van, pleasantly surprised that there were no lines to slow her down.
“Very easy and quick, actually, compared to previous vehicles I’ve registered, I was really happy to just come in, get it done and head out,” Pfeifer said.
But longer lines at the treasurer’s office could return as staffers learn a new system processing vehicle registrations and license tag renewals that will take effect February 17th. The county treasurer expects a backlog during this period of adjustment.
“Like anything, we’re going to have a few hiccups to start with,” Minnehaha County Treasurer Kris Swanson said.
Swanson is urging people to renew their tags at the earliest possible date to avoid long lines. Staffers have been training with the new software since December.
“And I gotta say, we’ve got a lot of younger people in here that know how to maneuver a computer and a software program, so that makes me happy,” Swanson said.
The new program is expected to streamline the renewal process.
“It’s going to give us more access to not rely on the state. We’ll be able to help the customers more here at a county level, than versus having to send them away to call the state,” tax & license technician Melissa Brown said.
But the switch to a new software doesn’t just impact the treasurer’s office. The county’s five self-serve kiosks will be shut down on February 7th before they re-open on the 17th.
“We notice that when the kiosks do go down at times, we do get quite a line because people count on those kiosks, so yeah, we might see a little bit more activity those days,” Swanson said.
The treasurer’s office says customers have shown patience in the past under its current renewal process. They’re hoping for similar results under the new system.
“Give us a couple of months, for sure, 2-3 months to get comfortable with this program and then we should be up and going just like we are right now,” Swanson said.
Another important date to remember during this transition is February 14th… Valentine’s Day… when the state will shut down its vehicle registration and renewal process for the day.
You can always avoid standing in line by renewing your tags through the mail.
