The Georgia Department of Revenue (DOR) is installing a new state-of-the-art system, Georgia Driver Record and Integrated Vehicle Enterprise System (DRIVES), to upgrade and modernize the vehicle registration and titling system. The new Geor-gia DRIVES system will enable more self-service options, improve customer service, and en-hance data integrity.

In Dougherty County, beginning at 2 p.m. on May 23, 2019, the tag office will be closed through May 27th in order to prepare for the system upgrade and implement the new system. As a result, in June, customers may experience longer than normal wait times when visiting the tag office. Vehicle owners with renewal dates in May and June who normally renew in person, are encour-aged to do so prior to May 20th to avoid delays. Individuals who ordinarily renew online will not experience delays.

“Our office wants to continue providing excellent customer service leading up to the Memorial Day launch of the Georgia DRIVES system, which will improve efficiencies both in Dougherty County and throughout the State,” said Shonna Josey, Tax Director for the Dougherty County Board of Commissioners. “It is important for residents to be aware of which services will not be available leading up to Memorial Day and for them to plan accordingly.”

What to Expect: Thursday, May 23:

• County Tag Offices will not be able to process transactions after 2 p.m.
What to Expect: Friday, May 24:

• County Tag Offices will not be able to process transactions.

• All online motor vehicle related services including online tag renewal services will be of-fline May 21 – May 27.

• Motor Vehicle Self Service Kiosks will be offline May 21 – May 27.

• The Motor Vehicle Division will only be able to process Trip Permit transactions at the DOR Southmeadow facility. All other transactions including International Fuel Tax Agreements (IFTA) and International Registration Plans (IRP) will be unavailable.

How will this impact Georgia customers and drivers?

• In the first month of the DRIVES system, walk-in customers may experience delays and longer than normal wait times. To avoid such delays, Georgia residents with May and June renewal dates are encouraged to renew prior to Monday, May 20.

• Customers and dealers seeking to conduct any title transactions should complete their business at a county tag office prior to Friday, May 24.

• Dealers will be able to initiate electronic title and registration (ETR) transactions and is-sue temporary operating permits (TOPs) over Memorial Day weekend.

• Law enforcement will still have access to motor vehicle records through a statewide backup file.

• The Department of Driver Services will not be affected.