Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap celebrated the success of the state’s online vehicle registration renewal service, called Rapid Renewal, with a special presentation last week in South Portland.

During the event Andrea Gleason, of South Portland, was recognized as the one-millionth customer of the service. Gleason received a variety of gifts from the Secretary of State’s office and from InforME, the state’s online services partner.

By using Rapid Renewal, residents are able to renew their vehicle registration and pay their municipal excise taxes anytime online.

More than 1,147,000 transactions have been processed through Rapid Renewal since it first became available in December 2000. The service is now offered in 203 Maine towns, including Cape Elizabeth, Scarborough and South Portland.

“I have two jobs and kids, so to be able to go online instead of waiting in line at City Hall is awesome,” Gleason said. She is the director of recruiting services for Pro Search, Inc. and also owns Scarborough Yoga on Route 1.

Dunlap called Rapid Renewal “a real customer convenience” that allows people to conduct their transaction “without taking time off from work or away from your family.”

Rapid Renewal is one of more than 450 online government services now available through Maine.gov.

– Kate Irish Collins

Maine Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap recognized Andrea Gleason, of South Portland, as the one-millionth customer to use the state’s Rapid Renewal online service last week. Pictured, from left, are Dan Andrews, general manager of InforME; Gleason; Dunlap and Scott Thompson, the branch manager at the Scarborough Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Courtesy photo