Drivers have until midnight Aug. 31 to renew their driver’s licenses or car tags online to avoid paying price increases of a third or more.

The higher processing fees go into effect Tuesday, Sept. 1, but there’s just one problem: logging-in to the computer system to renew.

On the last day before the increase, the state’s online tag and license renewal site saw an 85 percent spike in traffic. For many, logging on was nearly impossible.

“I did Friday and I tried this morning, and last night and it said it was down for repairs,” said Annette Hackett, one of the many drivers who had problems renewing their car tags. Frustrated by her failed attempts to log on, Annette showed up to renew her car tags in person, adding stress to the DMV’s already overloaded computer system.

“It’s been an all hands on deck call for us. Every available resource has been put in to place. Our examiners are working late. Our I.T. staff has been in place.” said David Westberry, DMV spokesperson.

Thousands of people tried Monday to renew early and avoid higher licensing and registration fees. Some people we spoke with will save 200 to 300 dollars by renewing before the deadline.