Smithfield DMV delays opening due to July 19 statewide computer outage

Smithfield’s new Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles office on North Church Street is among those impacted by what the DMV is calling a “global third-party IT outage.”

“DMV Customer Service Centers are closed until at least noon today,” said DMV spokeswoman Jillian Cowherd.

The interruption postponed a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new center originally planned for 11 a.m. on July 19.

Gov. Glenn Youngkin released a statement at 9:27 a.m. on July 19, which indicates the outages are affecting multiple state agencies.

“Amidst the global tech outages, overnight we have conducted an initial assessment to determine impacts across government agencies and departments for functionality,” Youngkin said. “Critical health and safety systems, including 911 call systems and transportation infrastructure, are operational. However, airlines continue to experience significant disruptions. The assessment determined that government administrative functions are experiencing disruptions, and we are coordinating with local, regional and federal authorities and private sector critical infrastructure partners in order to reestablish normal operations. As a result of the administrative disturbances, Virginians may experience delays and we ask everyone to remain patient as we work to remedy and reestablish the high standards that Virginians deserve.”