System Makes DMV Waits Longer

Automating business processes is supposed to create efficiencies. But for the Wisconsin's Department of Motor Vehicles, a new computer system has resulted in the opposite outcome.

A new system installed in 2004 to reduce the time it takes to receive a license plate and vehicle title has more than doubled the wait time -- from three weeks to seven weeks, according to an article in the River Falls Journal. In addition, the cost of the system ($19 million) also more than doubled what was originally budgeted.

DMV officials now say "adjustments" to the system should drop the wait for license plates and titles to 30 days.