Governor McKee Highlights 2023 Department of Revenue Accomplishments

Published on Friday, December 29, 2023

PROVIDENCE, RI – Governor Dan McKee and the Rhode Island Department of Revenue (DOR) today highlighted top agency accomplishments for 2023. DOR employees spent much of 2023 working on new ways to connect with the people served by the department’s six agencies. The efforts were led by the Division of Taxation as its new Taxpayer Experience Office worked through a full calendar of community engagement events and the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), which introduced a new standard-issue plate design and began offering a Driver Privilege Card credential for the first time.

"Across multiple divisions, the Department of Revenue has had a banner year providing quality services to improve the daily lives of Rhode Islanders," said Governor Dan McKee. "Through its commitment to timeliness and kickstarting new programs, the Department has helped position our state and our residents for financially secure and safe future."

The year also was a transitional one for the department as it welcomed its new director, Thomas A. Verdi, the former deputy chief of police for the Providence Police Department.  

“We expect Rhode Islanders and other constituents to find it easier now to communicate with the DOR employees who work on their behalf and to find the information they need to conduct business and travel in their daily lives. Trust and transparency are vital to our mission," said DOR Director Thomas Verdi.

The Department is a critical entity within state government as it impacts every Rhode Islander in each city and town. The department employs over 500 individuals who work in six agencies and collect more than $5 billion in revenue annually. It consists of six divisions: Division of Taxation, Division of Motor Vehicles, Rhode Island Lottery, Office of Revenue Analysis, Division of Municipal Finance, and Central Collections Unit.

Department milestones for 2023 include:

  • Launch of the DMV Online Customer Portal
  • The Division of Taxation processed more than 1.6 million payments and collected $5.2 billion in state tax revenue
  • The Central Collections Unit (CCU) collected over $2.7 million in delinquent debt in FY 2023
  • The Rhode Island Lottery transferred $435 million to the state’s General Fund for Fiscal Year 2023, a Lottery record
  • Installment of new game-processing hardware in the more than 1,000 retailers in the Rhode Island Lottery network
  • Bettors placed more than 5.3 million wagers online with Sportsbook Rhode Island through mid-November
  • The Office of Revenue Analysis produced four tax-incentive evaluation reports and a special report analyzing the post-pandemic recovery of hotel and meals tax revenue
  • The Division of Municipal Finance distributed more than $290 million of state aid payments to municipalities

Driver Privilege Cards and Digitizing the Driver’s Manual 

July 2023 marked the successful introduction of the Driver Privilege Cards (DPCs), complemented by the release of a digital driver's manual. This initiative represents the DMV's forward-thinking approach to service delivery, prioritizing user experience and accessibility. With features such as Google Translate integration, the digital manual serves a broad demographic, including non-native English speakers and those seeking to refresh their driving knowledge. 

"The digitization of our driver's manual is a clear indication of our mission to modernize and create an inclusive environment for all Rhode Islanders," said DMV Administrator Walter “Bud” Craddock. 

Online Customer Portal: Transforming Customer Convenience 

In response to the ever-evolving digital landscape, the DMV introduced an online customer portal, modernizing customer interaction and convenience. This platform provides a seamless digital experience for license and vehicle status checks, personal record updates, and more. 

Looking ahead, the DMV plans to expand its digital services, including enhancements to the service appointment system, commercial licensing processes, and voter registration, reaffirming its dedication to progressive customer service. 

DMV Staff Hosts AAMVA Region 1 Conference in Providence 

The DMV played a pivotal role as an active member of the American Association of Motor Vehicles Association (AAMVA) in 2023. Hosting the Region 1 Conference in Providence for the first time since 1977, the event served as a beacon for industry leaders, fostering collaboration and education amongst motor vehicle agencies in the Northeast and Canada.  

“Welcoming the AAMVA Region 1 Conference to Providence was a significant milestone for us, spotlighting Rhode Island as a hub of excellence in motor vehicle administration," said DMV Administrator Walter “Bud” Craddock. “Our contributions and leadership within AAMVA, particularly through Assistant Administrator Chuck Hollis's and Lieutenant Matt Salisbury's new appointments to impactful committees, further demonstrate our team's expertise and dedication to advancing industry standards."

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