RMV System Is Back Up, Processing Licenses And Permits

BOSTON (CBS) - The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles system is back up after it went down for several hours Friday, with the agency unable to process driver's license, permit or other driving-related transactions.

MassDOT spokeswoman Jacquelyn Goddard tweeted that the issue was seen nationwide.

"A nationwide network outage from federal vendor impacted motor vehicle administrations in all 50 states," Goddard tweeted.

Shortly before 3 p.m. Friday, the RMV tweeted that it has resumed processing licenses and identifications, but the agency urged motorists to "please consider delaying non-urgent business today."

It was the latest glitch in the system at the Massachusetts RMV, which closed for three days in March to upgrade its computer system.

Friday's issues came two weeks after a "technical glitch" had letters sent out to customers erroneously saying their licenses would be suspended.

"This is nuts. I haven't got my license. I can't drive. I don't have a license," said Barbara Roderick of Peabody, who tried to get her license but could not on Friday.

She was among people frustrated with Friday's situation.

"There's no reason that we have to go through this," she said.

"I did it online and I got here with all the paperwork and they said the system is down again and then I have to pay another $25," said Norddine Natiji of Boston.

In late March, the new RMV system caused delays for eager students trying to get their license.

People complained at the time about long lines.

In Revere in March, people said that they waited in line as long as 3 1/2 hours.

"You just have to be patient. Come back again on Monday," Natiji said.