The Banking and Insurance Committee's Insurance Subcommittee meeting on May 28, 2025, highlighted urgent concerns regarding the outdated technology used by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). A key speaker emphasized the critical need for modernization, stating that the current system, which relies on COBOL programming from the 1990s, is not sustainable.
The speaker expressed frustration over seven years of requests for a new system, warning that if the outdated technology fails, it would halt all DMV operations and impact law enforcement's ability to access vital information. The speaker noted that the current system's failure could cost the state upwards of $100 million, affecting services related to identity verification and public safety.
The discussion also pointed to the challenges of working with a specific vendor that had previously caused significant losses for other states. The speaker urged committee members to prioritize finding a reliable solution, as delays could exacerbate the DMV's operational issues.
In conclusion, the meeting underscored the pressing need for state officials to address the technological shortcomings at the DMV to ensure continued service efficiency and public safety. The speaker offered direct contact information to facilitate communication and urged committee members to take action on this critical issue.