PennDOT Opens Photo License Center at AAA East Central in Monroeville; Relocation Saves Taxpayer Dollars, Improves Efficiency for Area Customers

HARRISBURG, Pa., Jan. 14, 2005 -- As part of its overall efforts to improve efficiency, service and reduce costs, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) today officially opened a Photo License Center at AAA East Central, a PennDOT On-Line Messenger Service, located at 2725 Mosside Blvd., Monroeville.

"The relocation of this Photo License Center from its previous location at the Parkway Building to AAA cuts costs for the Commonwealth by saving more than $16,000 in taxpayer dollars annually," said Betty Serian, Deputy Secretary for Safety Administration at PennDOT. "The relocation also strengthens AAA's and PennDOT's partnership, and demonstrates AAA's continued commitment over the years to provide customers with the driver and vehicle related products and services they need, not only here in Monroeville, but all across Pennsylvania."

With the addition of PennDOT's Photo License Center to AAA, customers who visit the On-Line Messenger Service in Monroeville have a variety of over-the-counter driver and vehicle related products and services available. Customers also have the opportunity to "one-stop shop" and can walk in with a driver license or photo ID renewal and walk out with a new driver's license or photo ID in hand.

"AAA is excited about the opportunity to partner with PennDOT to offer club members and the community the convenience of having their photo taken at the same time and location as their other license work," said Jeff Nelson, Chief Financial Officer of AAA.

"AAA has been - and continues to be - a valuable, longstanding partner with us, and we are proud to embark on this new endeavor with them," added Serian.

PennDOT began the On-Line Messenger Program in 1993 as a pilot program to decentralize services by allowing private sector businesses to provide motor vehicle and driver license services. A secure, on-line connection with PennDOT's computer systems makes the services possible. The program rapidly expanded from two to more than 200 locations, with 1.6 million customers using an On-Line Messenger Service in 2003.

AAA East Central on Baum Blvd. in Pittsburgh was one of the first messenger services to go on-line with PennDOT in 1995. The Monroeville location became a PennDOT On-Line Messenger Service in 1998.

PennDOT's Photo License Center at AAA is open for business on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.; Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

A complete listing of PennDOT Driver License & Photo License Centers and other On-Line Messenger service providers can be found at http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/.