Montana Enhanced Registration and Licensing Information Network (MERLIN) Project
The MERLIN Project – Montana Enhanced Registration and Licensing Information Network – revolutionizes the way motor vehicle and driver licensing services are provided in Montana. The Project is an example of the Montana Motor Vehicle Division's commitment to continually improving the services it provides and using technology to accomplish its goals.
The MERLIN Project is a substantial undertaking. Montana has more than 1.75 million titled vehicles. Each year the Motor Vehicle Division:
- titles 470,000 vehicles
- registers 1 million vehicles
- licenses more than 162,000 drivers
Initially approved by the 2003 Legislature, the Project is funded by a secure Montana Board of Investments' Intercap loan. The estimated total project cost is $28.5 million.
Unique Customer Accounts
Under the new system, all motor vehicle and driving record information is linked together in a consolidated database. Whenever an individual registers a vehicle, renews a driver license or reviews a driving record, all of the names, addresses and other relevant information connected to that individual's unique customer account are updated.
Online Services
Many of the services relating to driving in Montana can now be accessed on the web. Since 2003, the Motor Vehicle Division has made the following services available through the State of Montana's website, mt.gov:
- Driver History Records Service – available to the public and to authorized businesses such as insurance agencies and trucking companies that routinely request large numbers of driving records. This service enables authorized users to instantly view driver record information by validating their user information and entering the name, driver license number and birth date of the driver whose record they are requesting. The records do not display the driver's Social Security number, address or any previous driver license numbers. The service was initially offered to business users and, in June 2006, was extended to anyone who has a Montana driver license or state-issued identification card.
- Temporary Registration Permit Service – available to Montana vehicle dealers. This service will also be available to vehicle services staff in county treasurer offices and the Title and Registration Bureau in mid-2007, and will be extended to financial institutions and the general public later in the year.
- Vehicle Search – available to businesses and the public. The service allows users to instantly search for and view vehicle record information including owner information, title history and registration information.
Other Services and Changes Underway
The division also is developing these new or expanded services:
- expanding the online Temporary Registration Permit Service to allow electronic lien filing where a vehicle is purchased
- creating a new service to allow customers to renew their vehicle registrations online
- introducing scheduled appointments at driver exam stations so customers don't have to wait
Continuing Commitment
Together, these efforts:
- offer more effective and efficient service to Montana citizens
- improve public safety by providing law enforcement with timely information that is more complete and accurate
To accomplish this, the Motor Vehicle Division looked at practices in other states and adopted the best ideas for Montana's use. In late 2005, the division selected the team of BearingPoint/3M to provide the technology to implement these best practices in Montana. When the process is completed in 2008, the services the Montana Motor Vehicle Division provides to drivers and law enforcement in our state will be among the best in the nation.
Contact Information
Dean Roberts, Administrator
Motor Vehicle Division
Department of Justice
Scott Hart Building, Second Floor
303 North Roberts
P.O. Box 201430
Helena, MT 59620-1430
Phone: (406) 444-1772
E-mail: ASKMERLIN@mt.gov