Going to the DMV to renew your driver’s license is one of the worst tasks an American has to take care of. The lines are long, the chairs uncomfortable and no matter what the time of your appointment is you always end up being there at least three hours. Now, some states are looking at ways to modernize and streamline the experience, and in North Carolina they are exploring ways in which most residents can just skip this part and renew their licenses either in a kiosk or online.
Of course not every resident will be able to forgo an in person appointment every time, but the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) is aware of the inconveniences that in person renewals cause and they are looking for ways to streamline the process, since most renewals are standard and could just be done without having to wait for hours in an office. This process is not just limited to driver’s licenses, it is also applicable to the state ID, which those who do not drive need to get.
How the new North Carolina DMV policy works
The state implemented a few years the platform PayIt, which is a secure online system that allows residents to pay some of their taxes and other government debts. This system has now been expanded to support license renewals as well, making it even more expansive and comprehensive.
Of course using this service comes with some conditions. In order to be able to use it to renew a license, it will need to be six months before its expiration date and no more than two years after. Any other time frame and you will need to book an in person appointment. The service also comes with extra costs, a fee of $3 as a transaction charge is charged as well as a 1,85% card processing fee. These charges are not for the government, they are for the platform’s upkeep.
Another condition is that this online renewal can only happen every other cycle. You must renew your license in person at least once every two cycles to ensure that you are still who you say you are and that there are no obvious reasons why the license should not be revoked as a precaution. That should still alleviate the burden as you will only need to make an in person visit to the DMV every 8 to 10 years.
For those who do not have access to PayIt or do not wish to use this online method, North Carolina residents also have access to self-service kiosks that allow eligible individuals to renew their driver’s licenses or IDs independently, without needing assistance from DMV staff. These kiosks are placed in easily accessible public spaces, and plans are underway to expand their availability across the state and you can find a list if where they are located o the DMV website.
Additionally, a mail-in renewal option is available, though limited. Most residents can use this method only once in their lifetime, although military personnel stationed outside of North Carolina are granted an exception, allowing them to renew by mail up to two times. For active service members, mailed licenses are temporary and expire either when the individual returns to the state or when the document’s listed expiration date is reached.
This process of modernization is not exclusive to North Carolina, but it is making many appreciate the states that have implemented some of these technological advances, as it ensures that residents do not have to take vacation days to deal with compulsory government paperwork and that DMV offices are less crowded and can deal with more complex issues than a simple renewal.