LANSING, Mich. (WWJ) -- Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has signed three bills that will extend the validation of state drivers' licenses and personal identification cards, a move the governor's office says will "help put Michigan drivers first," as the state continues to grapple with the pandemic.
"The pandemic was tough on all of us, and these bills put Michigan drivers first by giving Michiganders the flexibility they need to renew their drivers license and IDs," Whitmer said in a press release. "It is crucial that we continue to offer services at our Secretary of State that fit the needs of all residents as we move forward."
Senate Bill 507 will extend the length that an operator's or chauffeur's license is valid, while Senate Bill 508 does the same for an enhanced driver's license or enhanced state personal ID card. Senate Bill 509 extends the validation length of all personal ID cards.
The extension will cover all forms of ID that had original expiration dates between March 1 and Aug. 1, 2021 and waive late fees or refund them retroactively to residents impacted by pandemic restrictions that prevented them from renewing.
"We are glad to be entering a new era of services at our offices that are more efficient and convenient than ever before," Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said. "All our offices are open to any residents who need in-person services, which they can access by walking up or scheduling their visits online or by phone."
Whitmer also signed a handful of other bills, including Senate Bill 60, which will revise the requirements needed for a mechanical contractor's license, revise the classifications and limitations of a license, and allow credits from certain HVAC programs to be applied toward a mechanical contractor's license.
Senate Bill 372 will no longer require a local exchange service provider to provide a free printed phone book to every customer who requests one.
Senate Bill 459 will allow an application for a neighborhood enterprise zone (NEZ) certificate to be filed after a building permit has already been issued for the project.
More details on the bills Whitmer signed Thursday can be found on the state's website.
