Technological innovation increasingly encompasses more areas of our lives. From virtual medical care to online shopping, we have gotten used to handling all our dealings with just a click. In this process of modernization, the public administration of the United States was not going to be any different. Although most bureaucratic procedures required our physical presence in the relevant offices, many departments are opting to digitize these processes. This is the case with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in the United States, which has enabled the possibility of renewing a driver’s license online.
It is enough to access the official DMV state portal, go to the online services area, and follow the simple steps. It is worth noting that this innovation depends on the state services of each state, so it is not available nationwide. It is also important to remember that in order to carry out this procedure, you must already have a license that complies with the federal Real ID regulations. If not, you will have to apply for it in person at the DMV, and afterward you will be able to access the online process.
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
It is the government agency of the United States whose function is to register vehicles and issue driver’s licenses. Despite being a governmental entity, each state has its own department, and they have flexibility in how they proceed within their territorial limits. If you need to regularize a vehicle-related business, sell a vehicle, or access any other service related to road safety, the Department of Motor Vehicles is where you need to go. Similarly, it is responsible for the renewal of driver’s licenses in each state.
How to renew my driver’s license online?
With the digital age, updates in services have also reached the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This is why the option to renew the driver’s license online has been incorporated into their services, without having to go in person to the offices. This makes the process much more accessible for millions of people and saves hours of waiting in the DMV offices. It is a very simple procedure if you follow these steps:
- Access the official website of the state DMV and its portal.
- Verify that you meet the requirements for this online process.
- Fill out the necessary forms.
- Make the renewal payment with a credit or debit card.
Not all states offer this renewal option, which means that not all citizens of the United States have access to this service. The difference is evident between the states that have even allocated a platform exclusively for this procedure, compared to other states where it is not even an option.
Which states offer this service?
As we have already mentioned, not all states offer online renewal. Some that do are:
- California and Florida. They have their own platform for the procedure, which takes no more than 15 minutes.
- Texas. As long as it does not require a change of photo or address, it could be done online.
- Others. Midwestern states or rural areas, as long as they have access to developed systems.
But first, Real ID
The implementation of the Real ID brought with it tighter security standards regarding national identification. That is why, in order to renew your driver’s license, you must first have the updated Real ID, which can only be obtained in person at a DMV office. If you have this pending process, remember to bring the following documents with you:
- Birth certificate or valid passport.
- Social Security Number (SSN).
- Proofs showing your residency, such as bank statements or utility bills.
Once all eligibility requirements are met, and if you are in one of the states that provides the service, the renewal of your driver’s license will be as easy as a pie.
Do you know the new rules for renewing the driver’s license if you are over 65? Check them out!