Since the failed launch of the Minnesota License and Registration System (MNLARS) in 2017, Minnesota Senate Republicans have advocated for reform. Earlier this year, the Senate passed, and Gov. Walz signed into law a bill authorizing an independent review of MNLARS by a subset of the Blue Ribbon Council on Information Technology (BRC). The purpose of the 60-day review was to identify long and short-term solutions through a thorough evaluation. Yesterday, the Chair of the BRC, Rick King, was joined by Governor Walz and a bipartisan group of legislators to release the findings of the review. They concluded that the best solution is to implement a commercial option that exists in the private market today. Although it will require additional funding up front, the new software will lower the annual operating costs and ensure a fully functioning product meeting user’s needs and beginning to repair damage done to industries that have relied on this failed system.

“As a member of the Blue Ribbon Council, I am proud of the work that led to this solution,” said Senator Mark Koran (R-North Branch). “The issues with MNLARS have gone on long enough. Taxpayers deserve the best service for their money, and I believe this is a significant step in the right direction.”

The new program was developed for the private sector and has been used in several other states. It will provide a modern system reducing wait times for citizens, adding greater features in functionality, and lowering costs for deputy registrars and automotive dealers. Senator Koran added, “With this new system, people will spend less time in line and the industry that depends on motor vehicle titles and registration will be given the tools to run efficiently.” The BRC is confident this will be a smooth transition.