The Buena Vista County Board of Supervisors heard a report yesterday from Treasurer Danelle Haberman about new Department of Transportation technology coming to courthouses across Iowa.
The state is requiring counties to install electronic kiosks for driver’s license check‑ins and appointments, replacing the current system. Training is scheduled for December, with implementation set for January.
Haberman told supervisors the changes are being directed from Des Moines.
The kiosk installed in Buena Vista County will allow residents to schedule, cancel, and check in for appointments electronically. Iowa DOT has already deployed similar kiosks in courthouses and libraries across the state, including Des Moines, where residents can renew licenses or IDs without waiting in line, a feature Buena Vista County’s technology may not offer.
Supervisors raised concerns about whether staff will be trained in time, and how residents will adapt to the new technology. Supervisor Dan Hartman noted the challenge of reaching all residents in a diverse community like Storm Lake.
Haberman questioned who would pay for wiring the kiosk, or what happens if lightning strikes the equipment.
Haberman emphasized the importance of giving the board a heads‑up now, since the rollout is coming quickly.
Supervisors asked to be kept updated and discussed how best to publicize the changes so residents aren’t caught off guard when the new system goes live in January.
