Gov. Ralph Northam is giving Virginians additional time to renew their driver’s licenses, learner’s permits and identification cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles.
“I know lots of people are in line for appointments, so I am extending for an additional 60 days the validity of license and identification credentials,” Northam said in a Tuesday news conference.
In an executive order that took effect Friday, Northam extended the validity of the credentials that expired in August or were set to expire September and October for an additional 60 days beyond the expiration date on the credential. The extension does not apply to vehicle registrations.
Customers whose licenses, permits or identification cards expired in August are eligible for the extension without a penalty because of the coronavirus, according to a news release from the DMV.
Driver’s licenses, learner’s permits and identification cards that expire in November have been extended through November 30.
“It’s still best to renew your driver’s license or your vehicle registration online,” Northam said.
For those who need to renew their license in-person this year, they can make an appointment at dmvNOW.com/appt.
The DMV will also be offering a new short-term option beginning in mid-September for people who are due to renew their license in-person because they renewed it online or in the mail last time.
Under the new option, people will be able to renew their driver’s license or ID card remotely, but it will only be valid for two years. At some point during the two-year period, customers will need to go to the DMV for an in-person appointment for a vision screening and a new photo for their renewal.
The two-year renewal option is not available to people over the age of 75 because customers in that age bracket are required under Virginia law to have an in-person renewal every five years, according to the DMV.
The DMV says it has reopened 72 customer service centers for services that require in-person visits. These services are available by appointment only.
To schedule an appointment, visit dmvNOW.com/appt.
Jessica Nolte, 757-247-4513, jnolte@dailypress.com
