OLYMPIA – Beginning Nov. 1, most motorists will be able to renew their licenses with a click of a computer mouse, much as they can already renew car tabs, reserve a campsite or apply for a business license.
Gov. Gary Locke, who has made wired government, shorter lines and friendlier service a signature issue during his eight years in office, also announced a redesigned state Internet portal, Access Washington.
The Web site, www.access.wa.gov, provides everything from car tab renewal and ferry schedules to lottery results and the latest information on Mount St. Helens.
In a few weeks, it will be possible to renew a driver’s license from home, rather than drive to one of the state’s 68 driver licensing stations during business hours and wait in line.
At Locke’s request, the Legislature approved online and mail renewals earlier this year. The renew-by-mail option begins in 2006.
Motorists have been able to renew their car and boat tabs over the Internet since 2001, and nearly 1 million have done so.
Jim Fellows, deputy director of the Department of Licensing, said about 66,000 driver’s licenses come up for renewal each month. Under the new system, eligible motorists will get a notice in the mail, including a user password.
The program is limited to those 25 to 65 years old. Locke said younger drivers’ photos often become quickly outdated. Seniors need to regularly get their eyesight checked and be queried about any medical conditions that may affect their driving, he said.
About 50,000 drivers a month will qualify for online renewal. It’s good for five years and costs the same as in-person renewal, $25 for a driver’s license and $15 for an ID card.
Once every 10 years, the driver must renew in person so the photo and other information doesn’t get out of date. Internet renewals use the person’s old photo and signature.
Besides business and licensing transactions, Access Washington provides links to election returns and campaign finance information, school test scores, college contacts, maps and tourist information, links to the Legislature and state agencies, and information about emergencies such as earthquakes and floods.
You can also order a birth or death certificate online, and Amber Alerts for missing and kidnapped children and lists of sex offenders can be monitored.
The state is offering a single identifier and password for people who have multiple contacts with state agencies.
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