SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — In February, the South Dakota Department of Revenue’s Motor Vehicles Division launched a new title and registration system.
County Treasurers all over the state are responsible for issuing titles and registering vehicles using the new system. But it hasn’t gone as planned.
For workers at county treasures offices all over the state, including here in Minnehaha County, it has been a tough and frustrating 4 months. We spoke with several treasurers’ offices by phone,
One worker called the rollout of the new 605 Drive System “a nightmare.”
Hanis Ibbit came to get his registration renewed in Minnehaha County, he says it went well.
“I was actually here to get my renewal, my little stickers that go on my plates. I usually stayed about 10 to 15 minutes before, but today was very, very fast,” said Ibbit.
Minnehaha County Treasurer Kris Swanson says regular registrations like Ibbit’s are going fairly smoothly, but when it comes to working with titles and anything out of the ordinary, these workers are experiencing glitches.
I asked Swanson what has been the biggest frustration from her point of view.
“I think just being able to contact the state for help, they’re obviously very busy because they’ve got to cover 66 counties, and so when you call in you don’t get an immediate answer which can be kind of frustrating because you’ve got people at the window that we need to help as soon as we can,” said Swanson.
Swanson says parts of the system work one day, not the next. She says the system is improving, but not fast enough for her liking.
“My staff is exhausted, I can tell you that. I think they need some mental health days, but I find this one to be a little rough.”
According to the state, the old system, SDCARS, was “brittle and quite old” and needed to be replaced. The new system does offer advantages, but Swanson feels it could take up to another year to work out all the glitches.
“I’m one that, I want it to happen yesterday, so I wish it would go a little faster, but we are just going to keep moving forward with it and just take it as it comes,” said Swanson.
Swanson has talked with county treasurers in South Dakota about the new system.
“We’re basically on the same page, I think everybody is exhausted, a little frustrated, they do say it’s gotten better slowly, but it still has got a ways to go,” said Swanson.
Swanson says she appreciates customers’ patience. She also says state workers in Pierre are working hard, and they are understaffed as well. The state Department of Revenue says the 605 Drive system is more modern and is continually being updated and upgraded. The new system will also offer better security and auditing.
