Say goodbye to the DMV? Gov tech firm PayIt launches iKan app with State of Kansas

Kansans can now renew their vehicle registration with a touch on their phones thanks to a KC-based government tech firm’s new iKan app, Gov. Jeff Colyer said Thursday.

Designed by PayIt, the iKan platform is designed to allow users to interact with multiple state services in a self-service, intuitive experience from their phones, tablets, and computers, the governor’s office said. In addition to renewing vehicle registration, the application empowers Kansans with more direct access to their official documents, Colyer said.

“The launch of this exciting service will provide a noticeable change as far as ease and convenience of accessing some important government services,” the governor said Thursday in remarks at the Capitol alongside PayIt CEO John Thomson.

“Kansans will now also have the ability to receive status updates through email alerts and push notifications for services, rather than having to drive to the closest office location and wait in line,” Colyer added. “By substantially increasing the number of digital transactions, we expect the use of iKan to result in a reducing office wait time for those who don’t choose to use the app.”

In the coming months, Payit and the state are expected to rollout access to other frequently requested services through iKan, including vital records and voter registration in the coming months, according to the governor’s office.

PayIt

The public-private tech partnership was announced nearly a year ago.

“This contract award means a lot to PayIt,” co-founder Thomson said in April 2017. “It’s another signal from the market that our unique approach in government tech is resonating.”

Payit already has worked to improve Kansas services through its MyKTag app for the Kansas Turnpike, Colyer said, noting the success of the app, which has been in operation since 2014.

“Many of you may not know this, but digital government as we know it today started right here in Kansas. That innovative approach to and leadership has been going on for more than 25 years,” said Donna Shelite, interim Kansas chief information technology officer. “Our work with Payit represents one of many successful public-private partnerships that have allowed us to deliver convenient online solutions to the people of Kansas. Today’s announcement will complement the many digital government solutions we have in the state of Kansas and I look forward to announcing more of these projects and solutions in the future.”

PayIt was named one of Startland’s Top Kansas CIty Startups to Watch in 2018.

“We’re creating a lot of value for our clients across the country, driving a lot of innovation into a market that’s lacked innovation, historically,” Thomson said. “It’s all consumer-focused, so it’s smart, modern, convenient, as you would expect. You know, just reimagining the way people interact with their government.”