For Immediate Release
October 15, 2008
Contact: Don Cookson
626-8404

Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap Announces Expansion of Rapid Renewal Service

Belfast and Dexter Residents Can Now Renew Vehicle Registrations Online

Augusta — The towns of Belfast and Dexter have launched Rapid Renewal, the Department of the Secretary of State’s online service for the renewal of motor vehicle registrations. Residents of both towns now join the hundreds of thousands of Maine citizens who can renew their vehicle registrations online, at anytime of the day, from the comfort and convenience of their homes or offices. “Belfast and Dexter join a long and still-growing list of Maine communities choosing to provide their residents with the convenience of Rapid Renewal,” stated Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap. “I encourage non-participating towns to follow their lead. As budget-conscious municipal leaders seek new ways to provide efficient and convenient services, I’m confident Rapid Renewal will eventually become available to everyone who wishes to use it.”

Rapid Renewal, a groundbreaking e-commerce service allowing citizens to conduct business with municipal government and state government in one seamless online transaction, has gained national acclaim and has been enthusiastically embraced by Mainers. While municipal participation in Rapid Renewal is optional, the service has now grown to include over 127 municipalities, and nearly 350,000 transactions have been processed.
The municipalities currently offering Rapid Renewal comprise more than 65% of Maine’s population. The service is being offered by cities and towns from York County to Aroostook County, with populations ranging from Glenwood Plantation’s 2 citizens to more than 64,000 in Portland. Through Rapid Renewal, citizens are able to renew their vehicle registrations and pay their municipal excise taxes online, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It’s quick, and it’s easy.

Rapid Renewal may be accessed through www.sosonline.org, the Secretary of State’s site for online services. Municipal officials who would like more information about participating in Rapid Renewal and offering this service to residents in their community may contact the Department of the Secretary of State at 626-8400 or by email at sos.office@maine.gov.