After months of planning and negotiating, the Dept. of Motor Vehicles opened its satellite office in the basement of City Hall under the sponsoring of the city and the West Haven Chamber of Commerce. Located in the Chamber’s office space in the lower level, area residents will be able to avail themselves of some services offered by the DMV without going to Hamden or Bridgeport.
When it was announced late last year, the Chamber, under Executive Director Alan Olenick, looked to fill a void that had been created when the Connecticut Motor Club’s AAA offices canceled their agreement with the DMV in 2016.
With the added closure of the Milford and Derby offices because of budget cuts, New Haven and Fairfield County offices as well as offices all over the state are seeing increased demand for services in an already stretched department. The hope is the West Haven office can relieve some of the backlog and wait times.
The Chamber’s website offers insight as to why it pushed for an office.
“We are strategically located in the New Haven area. We have a downtown area that would benefit from an influx of people and this fits in with the mission of the chamber. State Rep. Dorinda Borer (D-115) brought the concept to us back in August after initial talks with the DMV and Governor’s office,” the site’s FAQs relate.
Under the terms of the agreement with DMV, the office will serve the area for a term of three years as a cooperative effort of both the city and the chamber.
The Chamber has hired part time staff that are being trained in the DMV licensing renewal procedures. They passed an extensive background check and drug testing to be employed.
“We expect to be open Wednesday and Thursdays with an option on Tuesdays or Fridays. The times will be 9 am and closing the line at 3:30 p.m.,” relates the website.
Parking is not expected to be a problem with the lots at the former Silver’s Drug building and the municipal lot on Curtis Place will be open for patrons. For those coming in from outside the city, signs will direct them to the parking areas.
“Generally people know where to park when coming to City Hall. For people, outside of West Haven, we think there will be some education and there will be plenty of signage. There may need to be enforcement around the Green and on Campbell Avenue. One of the reasons the Chamber is involved in this it to bring people to our downtown area,” the chamber site says.
The patrons who come to the new office will pay a bit more for staying away from the bigger offices. There is a $5 convenience fee payable to the West Haven Chamber of Commerce that is paid on top of any DMV fees paid.
The office will not process new licenses or IDs; CDL licenses or renewals; exams; new learner permits or registrations for cars, boats or trailers. It will process license renewals (including upgrading to a verified license as part of the Real ID act, duplicate licenses or IDs, duplicate learner permits, name and address changes.