Update:Roseville License Center to Remain Open Even if State Shuts Down

If the state government shuts down, that won’t stop the Roseville License Center.

“In anticipation of the state shutdown, the Roseville License Center staff ordered extra supplies and conducted preventive maintenance,’’ city spokeswoman Carolyn Curti said in a statement. “They will be able to provide motor vehicle titles and registrations and driver’s license renewals. Passport services will also be available if there is a shutdown.”  

But contrary to Curti's report Wednesday,  the city learned Thursday afternoon that it won't be able to sell boat, fishing and hunting licenses.

"The city just received word that the Department of Natural Resources Electronic Licensing system will not be open if the shutdown occurs July 1,"  Curti said in an e-mail. "The License Center will not be able to sell boat, snow or ATV licenses, or hunting or fishing licenses. 

"I don’t expect hunting to be a problem, but those seeking ATV or boat license  may need to know," Curti said. "Hopefully the fishermen and women bought their license back at the fishing opener. But it could be a problem for some."

Meanwhile, Brenda Davitt, Roseville assistant finance director and head of the License Center, told Roseville Patch she believes the License Center could weather a state shutdown through at least the end of July.

Roseville’s License Center serves the public as a Minnesota Department of Public Safety deputy. That means the Center can update state motor vehicle records on, for example, license tab renewals even if a shutdown prevents the state from processing payments on tabs and other licenses, she said.

And that should be good news for Roseville residents and other people who patronize the License Center. Curti said Rosevillle’s License Center is the second busiest one in the state.

In 2010, the Center handled 63,000 motor vehicle tab renewals and 39,000 long-form transactions such as car titles, Davitt said.

The License Center is located at 2737 N. Lexington Ave. in Roseville. It is open 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.