by Dennis Graves, KY3 News Computer snafu slows DLs SPRINGFIELD  People needing to renew or get a new drivers license had problems getting one on Monday. Computers at many Division of Motor Vehicle offices would not recognize Social Security numbers, which also are used as license numbers.

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The computers at the Missouri Department of Revenue are linked to computers at the U.S. Social Security office. Computer experts arent sure which system to blame.

The computers were linked up about nine months ago to cut down on fraud. Now, when someone applies for a new license or renews an old one, the computers automatically verify the Social Security number. Its a good system, when it works.

For drivers whose licenses are about to expire, folks at the DMV office in Springfield took all the necessary information on Monday and issued a slip that says, in effect, that the driver is legal until a new license arrives by mail. But most people decided to just come back another day so they can have the immediate gratification that comes with walking out with a new license.

Early in the day on Monday, the Springfield office workers referred drivers to license bureaus in other towns. By mid-afternoon, however, those offices were experiencing similar problems.

http://www.msnbc.com/local/KYTV/115743.asp

-- Martin Thompson (mthom1927@aol.com), February 15, 2000