Consolidation of driver licensing services proposed

Counties would no longer be required to administer driver licensing services under a bill heard by the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee Jan. 25.

Under LB785, introduced by Henderson Sen. Curt Friesen, the state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) would assume responsibility for providing all driver licensing services, including fee collection.

Friesen said the DMV wanted to proactively revise its business model to better meet the needs of Nebraskans.

“The current requirement to have services in every county has been in place since the 1950s,” he said. “Demographics have changed over time and the expectations of citizens have changed.”

Rhonda Lahm, Nebraska DMV director, supported the bill. She said it would allow the DMV to redistribute resources to where they’re needed most. In two counties—Douglas and Sarpy—32 percent of DMV staff provide services for nearly 40 percent of all applicants.

“[LB785] allows the DMV to improve flexibility in offering driver licenses to all Nebraskans,” she said. “I have no intention of reducing services in our largest three counties. I’m bringing this to improve customer services for everyone.”

Lahm said the department planned to offer more services online and potentially implement services by appointment only in some counties.

Larry Dix, representing the Nebraska Association of County Officials, also testified in support of the bill. He said it would provide cost savings in counties that see little to no driver licensing applicants.

“Yes, there will be a reduction in fees for some of these counties but there also will no longer be a requirement to provide office space either,” Dix said.

In counties where the DMV administers all aspects of driver licensing services, the county portion of the application fee would be credited to the DMV.

No one testified in opposition to the bill. The committee advanced the bill on a 7-1 vote.