BOSTON -- On the long list of things people dread, a trip to the registry often ranks right up there with a visit to the dentist. But with the agency facing steep cuts, the woman in charge is going to the frontlines hoping to improve service.

RMV Boss Eyes Customer Service

NewsCenter 5's Janet Wu reported that Rachel Kaprielian, the registrar of motor vehicles, was working the counter at a Registry of Motor Vehicles branch.

"I'm doing this because I want to know what's going on in a branch, all day long. This is the frontline," Kaprielian, said.

Kaprielian had to cut nearly $900,000 from the budget at the beginning of the month. Most branches will be open five fewer hours each week and license renewal notices and missed vehicle inspection notices will no longer be mailed out.

"I think that's disturbing news. A lot of people aren't going to look at their license to see when it expires," one driver said.

"Just as when you turn back the clock, check the smoke detectors. When it's your birthday, look at your license," Kaprielian said.

Renewal is required once every five years, but drivers only have to come into a branch once a decade for a photo. Most other routine transactions can be conducted online. But the registry has no plans to send e-mail reminders to those coming up on deadlines. The registrar doesn't think budget cuts will mean longer lines or longer waits.