DMV pitches dealer interface and municipal e‑permitting; committee told July 1 target for municipalities

Jeremy, the section chief overseeing dealer business services, described a dealer interface project that would allow dealerships to send documents electronically to DMV instead of mailing paper files. He said dealers are asking for the capability and that Vermont’s small‑state, one‑to‑one relationships with dealers make the state well positioned to pilot a dealer‑to‑DMV interface.

The proposed technical approach uses existing my DMV credentials and a two‑factor or PIN verification to meet federal odometer‑disclosure and N‑level security requirements. "We would have an ability where somebody could maybe get a unique PIN... they're providing that credential to the dealer and they're verifying who they are," the presentation said. The intention is to eliminate lost paperwork, reduce mailing costs and enable faster issuance of plates or registrations.

Jeremy described several dealer‑facing improvements already delivered after modernization: a dedicated dealer phone line, an interactive map of licensed dealers created with AOT resources, a portal where dealers can be billed directly for incorrect fees, and a public window for urgent dealer transactions.

Deputy Commissioner Matt Russo discussed an e‑permitting project that is already live for many permit types and said the municipal piece is scheduled for onboarding with a soft go‑live prior to a full target date of July 1. He said New England 511 integration will supply road and bridge restriction data to permit applicants and that municipalities will be able to manage and report permits through the system.

Committee members asked about required statutory changes and communications with municipalities; agency staff said much of the work can be done internally but emphasized a communication plan will be needed to shift how dealers and municipalities transact.