HARTFORD, Conn. (WTIC Radio)—Thanks to new online services being offered by the Department of Motor Vehicles, Connecticut residents won't have to visit the DMV as often.
This week, state officials announced the launch of an online renewal service that allows residents to skip the line and renew their driver's licenses or non-driver ID cards through the DMV's website.
Starting February 15, residents with licenses or ID cards that start to expire on April 1 will receive an invitation by postal mail or email to complete a renewal form online or, if preferred, to set up an appointment, according to DMV Commissioner Sibongile Magubane.
Effective March 30th, Magubane said there will no longer be a grace period for renewal late fees, so the DMV will also be sending out follow-up post cards to ensure people are aware of their renewal options and aren't surprised by any late fees.
Upon complete, the license of ID card will be sent via mail within 5 to 10 days, Magubane said. She reminds residents to double check their listed mailing address to ensure a successful delivery.
"You have to verify your mailing address or you need to tell us where you need the license sent," Magubane said.
The new renewal option started off as a pilot program last year in late November with 35 people participating.
Since then, the option has been steadily rolled out to nearly 100,000 people, Magubane said, and more than 20,000 have successfully renewed their license or ID cards online.
Within the next couple of weeks, the DMV will be launching additional online services to offer even more convenience to Connecticut residents.
"We're going to be allowing Connecticut citizens to look for their driving history online. That should be available within the next three weeks," Magubane said.
Residents will be able to change their address listed with the DMV online as well, she said.
The new online services are part of a statewide effort to modernize government services for residents.
More information on the DMV's services are available at the DMV website.