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Washington approves online license renewals

By David Ammons
Washington Post

OLYMPIA, Wash. - Motorists soon will be able to avoid those long lines to get a driver's license renewed.

Gov. Gary Locke signed legislation this week allowing online or mail renewals, much as car owners now can renew license tabs with a click of the computer mouse.

The governor has been proud of his work to create a "wired" government that allows citizens and businesses to conduct many transactions online. Citizens can reserve a camping site, find a ferry schedule, pay business taxes or child support, or check on road conditions by going online.

Motorists will soon be able to renew their five-year driver's licenses online as well. The new system should be operating by October, said Licensing Director Fred Stephens.

At least once every 10 years - or every other renewal – the motorist will have to go to the driver's license office and go through the process in person, including a vision test and a fresh photo.

The new online service, with payment by credit card, will allow a person to avoid driving and waiting in line, Locke noted.

"It will be instantaneous, with the ease of doing it from your own home" at any hour of day or night, the governor said.
The legislation, Senate Bill 5428, also will allow renewals by mail.

"This is a real boost for digital government," said Locke spokesman Roger Nyhus.

The state has regularly ranked at or near the top of national ratings for making government accessible through technology.

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