South Kitsap residents now have an option to renew their vehicle and vessel licenses on Fridays and Saturdays. The county entered a public-private partnership with local business owners to provide the service.

“By opening this sub-agency, we’re responding directly to our customers who’ve requested expanded hours,” Kitsap County Auditor Walt Washington said.

The county’s main licensing office, like other county services, operates on a Monday-through-Thursday schedule.

“This new office allows us to not only provide service on Fridays, but Saturdays as well, which we’ve never had in the south end of the county,” Washington said.

The Port Orchard Licensing Agency opened Monday and its hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, across the street from the Fred Meyer on Sedgwick Road.

Randy Lais, who has 25 years of experience as a small business manager and owner, is the new sub-agency’s president. His wife, Robyn Lais, is the vice-president. Aaron Herbstritt, who has worked with Randy in previous business ventures, will be the company’s vice president of operations.

“Me and my business partner, Randy, brainstormed, and looked into four or five different businesses, from a pawn shop to a retail store,” Herbstritt said. “The one that made the most sense was a DOL office, because everyone has to license their car.”

The county doesn’t financially support the office.

They make money through a $5 charge for renewing tabs, and a $12 fee for most other documents.

Some people have already said that the sub-agency’s convenience outweighs the extra fees, Randy Lais said.

“We’ve heard a lot of positive feedback from folks in the south end who are thrilled with the prospect of renewing their tabs on the weekend without having to travel to Gig Harbor, Belfair, Bremerton or Silverdale,” Lais said.