Vehicle registration renewals will need to be completed online, by mail or drop box, or at a self-service kiosk

Boulder County, Colo. – To better serve Boulder County residents and to reduce public wait times, the Boulder County Motor Vehicle Division is moving to an appointments-based service model for all in-person services effective December 5. Additionally, starting December 5, all annual vehicle registration / license plate renewals will need to be completed online, by mail or drop box, or at a self-service kiosk*.

For well over a year, the three Motor Vehicle branches – Boulder, Lafayette, and Longmont – have continuously faced wait times that average an hour or longer. This is partially due to staffing shortages, similar to what other employers are facing, and partially due to a large increase in the number of transactions residents need to complete in one visit. These wait times have persisted despite implementing numerous scheduling and process efficiencies over the last year.

Additionally, this change is coinciding with the implementation of a new online appointment system. The new system, which is being implemented in late November, will be a modernized “smart” appointment tool that allows appointments to be booked not just by time and day (currently only option), but by the service needed. It will also feature Spanish-language options, text reminders, and a mobile check-in process.

“The goal of transitioning to an appointments-only service model is to continue modernizing our operations to respond to the current environment while providing the best in public service,” stated Molly Fitzpatrick, Boulder County Clerk and Recorder. “A member of the public should be able to plan their visit to our office knowing their trip will be short and their wait time will be minimal.”

By transitioning to an appointments-only system, Boulder County will be joining several other Front Range counties that operate on this type of service model. Boulder County has consulted with these counties to learn from their experiences to make the transition to this model as effective as possible.

Within a few months of the December 5 rollout, the Clerk’s office has the intention of being able to offer appointments within the same week and to have a public member in and out of the office within 20 minutes. For public members who have time-sensitive needs, the office will have public greeters that can assess their situation and recommend a course of action, which may include the option of waiting for an appointment opening in case of a cancelation.

For more information, visit www.BoulderCounty.gov/MV.

* Most renewals can be completed via online, drop box or mail, or self-service kiosk. However, there are instances where an in-person visit may be needed. See website for details.