As it prepares for its first eSTART Modernization Forum next week, the eSTART Coalition has unveiled its inaugural awards program, recognizing two government leaders for playing pivotal roles in modernizing vehicle title and registration systems through legislative leadership and operational innovation.

State Rep. Brenden Jones of North Carolina was named the recipient of the Advocacy and Policy Leadership Award, which recognizes elected officials or policy leaders who have championed legislative or regulatory reforms that modernize vehicle title and registration processes.

John Springer, director of vehicle services for the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles, was selected for the Progress and Partnership Award, which honors individuals or agencies that have led implementation efforts through operational leadership, cross-sector collaboration and a commitment to innovation.

Brenden Jones (left) and John Springer

Jones, the majority leader of the North Carolina House of Representatives, was the primary sponsor of House Bill 199, leading the charge for passing legislation that enables digital reforms to the state’s DMV operations.

In a news release, eSTART said Jones’ legislative efforts reflect a broader push for efficiency and modernization in government services, with a focus on delivering better outcomes for both consumers and industry participants.

“As a used motor vehicle dealer myself, I know the improvements we need in our DMV systems,” Jones said. “It is more than convenience. It’s about ensuring the government works smarter for the people we serve.

“With reforms like House Bill 199, we are building a framework that supports efficiency, transparency and innovation in North Carolina, while also setting an example for other states to follow.”

Springer has overseen the launch of West Virginia’s new digital title submission system, which requires all dealer and third-party title service work to be submitted electronically.

eSTART said that effort is a “major milestone” in the state’s transition to fully digital titles, with plans to expand the service to commercial vehicles and a public DMV portal this year.

The Springer-led DMV is preparing to enable West Virginians to access and store vehicle titles on smartphones, similar to electronic airline boarding passes, eSTART said. The system will also allow for mobile, online and contactless title and registration services, which the coalition said will eliminate millions of pages of paperwork annually and cut DMV wait times dramatically.

“At the West Virginia DMV, modernizing title work is about more than new technology,” Springer said. “It’s about giving our citizens, dealers and businesses valuable time back in their day while reducing the paperwork burden for everyone involved. We are proud to help lead the way with innovative solutions that cut down wait times and deliver a reliable, digital solution that not only West Virginians can count on but out of state businesses as well with our Clearinghouse program.”