Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles to trial new self-serve biometric kiosk

Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles is trialing self-serve biometric kiosks that will enable customers to bypass the long lines, according to a report by Telegram.com.

“It frees up our customer service reps for more transactions where we actually need to talk to you,” said Celia J. Blue, state registrar of motor vehicles. “It’s all about wait times at the registry.”

Called FasTrack, the new kiosks will use facial recognition software to verify the identity of the customer, which is why FasTrack customers will only initially be allowed to renew existing licenses or identifications.

The registry currently uses a similar system as part of its desk operations, said Ms. Blue.

In addition to verifying the identities of customers, the new kiosks will also notify customers to get their hair out of your face, take off their hat, or look directly into the camera.

Adrienne Gerlach, deputy registrar of operations for the state RMV, said the registry has tried to encourage people in recent years to perform transactions online.

Though certain transactions like renewing a license photo older than five years requires the person to visit a branch to retake the photo, the new kiosks will allow people to register themselves as an organ donor or register to vote, said Ms. Gerlach.

The new kiosks will be installed at registries in Boston, Watertown, Braintree, Brockton, Worcester and Springfield.

Article Topics

biometrics  |  driver's license  |  kiosk