The S.C. Department of Motor Vehicles has unveiled the first of its SCDMV Express kiosks, offering a new way to boost customer service.

The kiosks allow customers to complete some DMV registration transactions any time a grocery store location is open instead of visiting an SCDMV branch office.

A launch was held on November 8 at the Kroger Marketplace at Killian Crossing, 1028 Roberts Branch Parkway in Columbia. The SCDMV Express kiosks are being deployed in three stores across the state to start, with more sites to be added in the future to meet customer demand.

The goal is to offer more options for the public to complete transactions, in addition to SCDMV’s 66 branch offices and the numerous online services available on the agency’s website at SCDMVonline.com.

“We are excited to offer customers a way to obtain SCDMV services without having to plan a separate trip to the DMV,” said Kevin Shwedo, executive director of the S.C. Department of Motor Vehicles.

“Every day we open our doors to people not only shopping for groceries but looking for ways to make their lives a little easier and a bit lighter,” said Tammie Young-Ennaemba, corporate affairs manager for Kroger’s Atlanta Division, which includes Georgia, South Carolina, and East Alabama. “We would like to thank South Carolina DMV Executive Director Kevin Shwedo and Intellectual Technology (ITI) for partnering with Kroger to provide a convenient way for our South Carolina customers to renew motor vehicle registrations.”

Using a new SCDMV Express kiosk, customers can get a replacement vehicle registration and their license plate registration decal, assuming they have paid their county personal property taxes on the vehicle.

In addition to registrations, other types of DMV transactions are expected to be added to SCDMV Express in the future.

Two more kiosk locations are opening in the coming weeks: the Publix at Thornblade Village, 411 The Parkway in Greer; and the Publix in The Market at Cane Bay, 1724 State Road in Summerville.

The SCDMV is working with Intellectual Technology, Inc., a private vendor that provides similar services in more than a dozen states. ITI is the owner and operator of the kiosk equipment.

“Intellectual Technology Inc. (ITI) is excited to partner with the South Carolina DMV and Kroger to expand equity and access for DMV Services throughout the Palmetto State. We’re thrilled that this project will ensure South Carolinians have convenient access to DMV kiosks days, nights, and weekends in trusted locations across the state,” said Steve Smith, Intellectual Technology, Inc. Senior VP of Business and Strategy.

No state tax dollars are being spent to provide this additional service.