DMV News Releases
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Use Internet, Phone, Mail to Renew Driver's License
New Law Adds $5 if Permit Renewed at a DMV Office
RICHMOND - Virginia driver's license and identification card holders can save money and time beginning July 1, 2011 by renewing their credentials online, over the phone or through the mail. Customers are urged to avoid renewing in Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) customer service centers (CSC) where a $5 fee will be added by new legislation, if the customer is eligible to renew through another DMV service option.
"This law emphasizes time savings for our customers and improved efficiency for DMV," said DMV Commissioner Richard D. Holcomb. "Most customers do not need to visit DMV to renew their licenses or ID cards. So, why come in if you don't have to? The Internet, phone and mail services are convenient and easy."
The following are the service options for renewing driver's licenses and ID cards:
- Internet - Customers who renew online at www.dmvNOW.com avoid the $5 fee.
- Mail - Customers avoid the $5 fee by mailing in their driver's license or ID card renewal notice.
- Telephone - Customers may use DMV's automated phone service (1-888-337-4782) to avoid the $5 fee.
- Customer Service Center - Customers who renew their driver's license or ID card in a CSC beginning July 1, 2011 will pay an additional $5. The fee will not apply if the renewal is conducted with another transaction for the same customer, and the second transaction cannot be completed online, by mail, or by phone. Or, the fee will not apply if the customer is required to renew in person at DMV.
With each service option, the driver's license or ID card is produced in a secure central location and mailed to the customer's mailing address. Renewing in a customer service center does not mean that you will get your license or ID instantly DMV no longer issues credentials in the office. All licenses and ID cards are mailed within a week.
The new legislation also allows DMV to send driver's license or ID card renewal notices via email, text message or phone call, instead of snail mail, if the customer so chooses. "This new legislation is part of DMV's continued efforts to save taxpayer dollars and reduce our impact on the environment," Holcomb said.
While online, customers sign up for a myDMV account at www.dmvNOW.com/myDMV. Using a personal identification number (PIN), customers opt to receive driver's license and/or vehicle decal renewal reminders via email or phone, and can manage their DMV records without visiting an office.
With a myDMV PIN, customers can conduct a variety of secure transactions such as renewing driver's licenses or ID cards, and obtain information specific to them, such as their driving record.
