PORT ORCHARD – Vehicle and vessel owners with December tabs are encouraged by the state Department of Vehicles to renew early this year.

The Washington State Department of Licensing is replacing the 30-year-old computer program that licenses vehicles, a transition requiring a closure of online vehicle and vessel services for six days, and a Saturday closure at all licensing offices on Dec. 10.

Online vehicle and vessel licensing services will stop on Dec. 6, beginning again on Dec. 12.

Residents needing new tabs should contact their local licensing offices to see if the software transition will result in closures during regular business hours before or after Dec. 10. The licensing office in the Kitsap County Administration building will be open regular hours, closing at 4:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9, then opening at 8 a.m. Monday, Dec. 12.

Residents who need tabs in December are encouraged to go online before Dec. 6, or purchase them in person before Dec. 9.

Contact information for Kitsap licensing agents is available on the Kitsap County Auditor’s licensing page at www.kitsapgov.com/aud/licensing/locations.htm.