RALEIGH – Many drivers will soon be able to skip that trip to the DMV to renew a drivers license, and instead just head to the home computer. North Carolina has begun implementing a testing phase for on-line renewal of driver licenses. This new service will allow customers to save time and complete driver license renewals at their convenience without having to visit a driver license office. Allowing customers to renew online will also help reduce wait times in North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles offices throughout the state.

“This new service is a major milestone in our continued efforts to improve customer service online and in our DMV offices throughout the state, making it faster, easier and more convenient for people to complete their business and get back to their busy lives,” said Governor Pat McCrory in Transportation Department press release.

“I am proud of the tremendous efforts and major impact our team has made to enhance customer focus since early 2013, including extending hours across the state, adding greeters to help triage needs, and incorporating new innovative technology,” said NCDOT Secretary Tony Tata. “Online renewal is another important step and just the beginning of more enhanced services to come for our customers.”

As part of this change DMV will be issuing a new more secure and durable type of license through online renewal and online duplicate request. The new design helps prevent counterfeiting, reduces the risk of identity theft, decreases the potential for fraud and meets federally recommended security features. The new license is expected to be available in NCDMV offices beginning this summer. See the new design here.

The online driver license process will be available to drivers every other time they renew their license, which is allowed up to six months before its expiration date. It is a process that should take just a few minutes, as a customer goes to the DMV online webpage, and uses the appropriate link under the Drivers section.

Drivers must verify their identity, confirm they live at the address on the license, and have no vision problems that would hinder their driving skills, and that all the statements being given are truthful. They also must have their current driver license number to complete the on-line form, and a VISA, MasterCard or Discover card to pay for the renewal. The new license will be mailed in 7-14 business days, and will be valid for 5 or 8 years, depending on the driver’s age.

Customers can’t use the online system to obtain their original license or ID card. It is also not available if a driver has a restriction other than corrective lenses on their license, is in the medical review program, is trying to renew a commercial driver license or a state ID card, or has an expired suspended or revoked license. Those customers must still complete those processes at a DMV license office.

When a driver receives the new license, it will be coated in Teslin®, a protective and waterproof synthetic material offering a more durable card that will not crack or fade. New security features include high-resolution graphics and laser-etched verbiage, as well as overlapping “ghost images” in various colors.

Front laminate highlights include images of the State seal, “NC” and “1775”, the year of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence. The license can also indicate active military or veteran designations, as well as organ donor status.