Bannock County DMV closing next week to catch up
Published at
POCATELLO — A backlog in paperwork is causing the Bannock County Department of Motor Vehicles office to close next week.
Officials hope that closing the DMV to the public for the week of Nov. 23 to 27 will help the county catch up on processing the backlog of vendor titles, mailed renewals and other submitted paperwork.
“Extreme backlogs have been caused as a result of the Idaho Transporation Department’s new GEM system that went live Oct. 13,” Bannock County Assessor Sheri Davies said in a news release. “The system built and administered by ITD, has caused an increase in time needed per transaction from five to 20 minutes to a possible 1.5 to 2 hours.”
The system has created headaches across eastern Idaho and many counties have made changes to their DMVs such as requiring appointments or closing temporarily.
With COVID-19 and the new system, ITD has extended registration renewals that have expired Sept. 30 thru Dec. 31 until Jan. 31, 2021. Those needing to renew are also encouraged to do so online at itd.idaho.gov.
“This will help to alleviate the wait times and long lines at your local DMV,” Davies said.
Once the Bannock County DMV reopens after Thanksgiving week, several changes will be implemented. The lobby will be open to the public from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday. Title work must be finished by 12:45 p.m. or an appointment will be made for another time.
Masks are required to enter the building and people are asked to maintain six-foot social distancing. Davies also asked people not to bring others to stand with them in line.
Anyone with questions can call (208) 236-7200.