Motor Vehicle offices will upgrade computer systems this summer

Expect longer waits temporarily, but more services online and shorter wait times in the future

Boulder County, Colo. – Statewide Motor Vehicle offices are getting a new computer system to replace their 1980’s MS-DOS system. During June and July, residents should anticipate a longer wait time as many staff members will be offsite being trained on the new system.

The Boulder County Clerk & Recorder’s Office runs the local Motor Vehicle Division where residents can get vehicle titles, receive license plates, and renew registration.

To avoid the increased wait times, the Clerk & Recorder’s Office is urging residents to renew their registration early and to do so online or by mail, if eligible. If you need an emissions test, drivers can take care of that first and after 48-hours will be able to renew online. Additionally, even if your grace month is about to expire, renewing online is still an option and drivers can print a temporary renewal receipt until the renewal tabs arrive in the mail.

For those that have to visit the office in person, such as to register a newly purchased vehicle, the Clerk’s office is encouraging those residents to allow plenty of time or to schedule an appointment online. To schedule an appointment, visit www.BoulderCounty.org/MV.  

According to Boulder County Clerk & Recorder Hillary Hall the new system has been in development for years. “We’ve had staff working in collaboration with the state since 2014 on the system requirements, design elements, functionality, and testing of the new system,” stated Clerk Hall. “The new system will be a relief for staff and the public, as our current system crashes frequently and is very time consuming during transactions. We can’t wait for the new system. It is long overdue.”

After installation, Clerk Hall anticipates the new system will help reduce wait times due to faster transaction speeds. Additionally, in a later phase after its initial rollout, residents will be able to complete a number of new transactions online that previously required an in-person visit, such as submitting title paperwork and insurance documents online.

Finally, residents should be aware that all three motor vehicle offices: 1750 33rd street in Boulder, 529 Coffman Street in Longmont, and 1376 Miners Drive in Lafayette will be closed Wednesday, Aug. 1 to Friday, Aug. 3 in order to install the new computer systems across the state. Online services may also be unavailable during this window and through the weekend of Aug. 4 and 5.