Could North Carolina be taking an impressive step towards eliminating the requirement of in-person driver’s license renewals? Well, North Carolina is doing away with this service for some people, at least. The state seems to be focused on modernizing its state-provided services and based on the premise that in-person driver’s license renewals are an inconvenience; the N.C. The Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) has taken several steps to expand its kiosk-based renewal options and online mail offering. A visit to the DMV office may now be optional for most.
The new norm: Online driver’s license renewals
One step forward is the expansion of online driver’s license renewal services. Now, North Carolina residents can choose to renew their licenses as well as IDs using the state’s secure online system, PayIt, which allows users to complete many DMV services in just one transaction. The platform is not entirely new as it has already been used for tax and government payments, however, the system now supports license renewals too.
Most drivers will be able to renew their license six months before it expires or within two years. With this service, a fee of $3 as a transaction charge is charged as well as a 1,85% card processing fee. Citizens must remember that these fees charged are used for the platform’s upkeep and are not collected by the government.
While this sounds rosy, the catch is that residents can renew their license online only every other cycle. That means if a citizen renews their license online during this cycle, the next renewal ought to be done in-person. Nevertheless, this means that drivers in North Carolina have the chance of skipping an in-person DMV visit every eight to ten years.
Drivers can opt for self-service kiosks or mail license renewals
Drivers in North Carolina have the chance to use self-service kiosks as well, which enables all eligible residents to renew their licenses or IDs by themselves without having to interact with the staff at the DMV. Such kiosks are located in accessible public locations, with the option of more kiosks soon to be located statewide.
The initiative also allows for the renewal by mail alternative for those who qualify. All eligible citizens are able to renew their licenses by mail only once in their lifetime. Those citizens on active military duty and stationed outside of North Carolina have the option of renewing their license by mail twice. However, for military officers, the mailed licenses are temporary, with expiration dates linked to the respective individual’s return to the state or when the printed license expires.
All this will ensure that the DMV prioritizes more complex matters like first-time licenses, reinstatements, and other commercial driver needs.
The end of an era
This is not the complete end of in-person renewals; however, it is the phasing out of regular routine in-person renewals. The state is surely joining other states by adapting to the new needs of a digital-first era. Following House Bill 821, it’s clear that North Carolina is embracing much change, with DMV counters moving in the direction of becoming retail-based counters.
Yet there will still be citizens who will visit the DMV offices like those who have suspended licenses or need to upgrade their commercial licenses. The convenience for all other drivers in North Carolina is apparent.
What does the change mean for North Carolina’s DMV?
The North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles is at the forefront of the change when it comes to modernizing the driver’s license renewal process, and this concept may very well be employed by other states. The DMV can expect to see far fewer office traffic with citizens preferring the option of mail and kiosk renewals.
Citizens of North Carolina are on the brink of a very welcoming change. Change is coming in all the states as seniors aged 79-87 won’t need to take a driver’s exam annually to secure their driver’s licenses in Illinois.
