Customers, clerks frustrated by ongoing challenges with KAVIS motor vehicle database

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- State lawmakers called it a step forward but customers and staff said it's time to pump the brakes on Kentucky's Automated Vehicle Information System.

Part of the problem is long lines at the motor vehicle branch and it's a problem at county clerks' offices across the state.

It started when the new KAVIS motor vehicle database came online.

It has been more than a month since the state launched KAVIS but there are still lots of growing pains.

"Purchased a car in Ohio coming to get registered and been waiting for about an hour now still a long way to go," Parker Edwards said. "So decided to come back at a different time."

It's the same problem at county clerks' offices across the state as people are either waiting for hours or don't have the time.

"I'm on my lunch break, first of all, and I was just going to take the car out of my name but the line is backed up to the elevator," Katina Carter said. "So I don't have time to wait."

"We're not giving the service that we hope to give, believe me," Jefferson County Clerk Bobbie Holsclaw said.

Holsclaw said she suggested a trial run before launching KAVIS statewide.

"But they wouldn't do that," Holsclaw said. "They insisted on 120 counties flip the switch and we go."

"We are working on the KAVIS day in and day out," Governor Andy Beshear said.

Beshear admits the problems are statewide.

"Some of the challenges are on the state side, some are on the input side from the clerks, some on PVAs," Beshear said.

But Beshear said there is some good news.

"Once we get through all these issues, people are going to be able to keep their license plates, go into different clerk's offices when they weren't able to, be able to do more things online," Beshear said.

To find the latest updates or look at the branch waiting room cameras, click here.

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