Lawmaker Wants Third Party Vendors For DMV-Related Services

DENVER (CBS4) - Getting a driver's license at a AAA office?

Under a bill at the state Capitol the Division of Motor Vehicles will study how to outsource things like the renewal of driver's licenses and license plates.

The bill's sponsor, Sen. Ray Scott, R-Grand Junction, says it's an effort to reduce wait times without building new government offices.

"We don't have the budget to go building a bunch of new offices … so if we're able to go to, say AAA for an example, and get driver's license renewed, or your car dealership and get license plates renewed, it just takes a tremendous amount of pressure off," Scott said.

Scott says the DMV will also study the feasibility of renewing licenses through kiosks.

Twenty-two other states already use third party vendors for DMV-related services.

The study expected to cost $200,000, which the Legislature budgeted for. The DMV would have to report back to the state Legislature by 2017 with a recommendation for what services should be privatized and how to do it.

The bill will be heard by the full Senate next week after passing in a committee last week. It still needs to go through the House.