The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in your state is often one of the most dreaded visits one must take. Responsible for overseeing license and vehicle registrations, the DMV is notorious for long wait times, outdated systems, and low efficiency. However, some states have begun to offer online license renewal options. This is convenient for individuals who do not have the time to wait in a long queue, or for senior citizens who are unable to stand and wait for extended periods.
What makes the DMV so frustrating for citizens?
While the DMV often gets a bad reputation, popularized particularly in TV shows and movies, there tends to be a common frustration with the department among a large majority of service users. Because the DMV is one of the most utilized departments, and it is notorious for its long wait. This can be frustrating to service users who need to schedule a day to spend at the DMV when it comes to renewing their license or vehicle registration.
Another reason the DMV receives a lot of backlash is that it is the epitome of government bureaucracy. A significant amount of paperwork is required when you need to renew a license or register a vehicle, and this can often lead to frustrating circumstances where if you forget one piece of documentation, you cannot proceed with your activity.
No more wait times for these individuals
With the long wait times being one of the most frustrating parts of the entire ordeal of going to the DMV, residents of Florida will be happy to know that there is an online option for license renewal. However, it is subject to certain requirements. If you are under 80 years old and possess a Florida Class E driver’s license, you must do so every eight years. You are allowed to renew it online only every other renewal period. This tends to be every third renewal period, you can opt for the online option instead of needing to go in person.
According to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, you must go in person to renew the license if any of the following reasons for renewal apply to you:
- You used the online convenience service on your last renewal
- Your license is not REAL ID compliant.
- You want to update your photo.
- You are changing your name using an original or certified court order or marriage certificate.
- You want to add or remove a designation, or have a court order to update your credentials.
- You are getting a Florida driver’s license or ID card for the first time.
- You hold a commercial driver’s license.
- If the license has the word “TEMPORARY” printed on it.
Florida residents urged to get a REAL ID
The DMV in Florida has been urging citizens to make sure they come in not just for license renewals, but also to make sure that the license is REAL ID compliant:
“…is a national effort to improve the integrity and security of state-issued driver licenses and identification cards, which in turn will help fight terrorism and reduce identity fraud,” says the The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
If your license is REAL ID certified, it will have a star inside a circle in the card’s top right corner. If not, you must visit a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles office and apply for it right away. REAL ID requirements will apply to U.S. travelers beginning May to board domestic planes and access specific federal sites. If you do not have this REAL ID certification, you will be unable to board any flights or enter these buildings.
