COLUMBIA -- Division of Motor Vehicle offices across the state will be closed temporarily this month while the division updates its computer system, a move it says will improve customer service in the long run.

DMV will close its 70 offices across the state for two days near the end of the month while it converts records for use on its new computer system.

Some offices then will be reopened to offer limited services, with other offices returning on-line on a staggered basis.

"Service will be affected in some ways for two weeks," S.C. Department of Public Safety spokeswoman Sherri Iacobelli said.

The closings are part of an effort that began in 1997 to improve the division's technology and business practices. The $40 million Project Phoenix will improve services to the general public, county tax offices, insurance companies and dealerships, according to the department.

The changes are supposed to allow for faster license printing, easier access to records and faster updating of records and holds the possibility of on-line and telephone services.

Beaufort Gazette

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