Legislature OKs online driver license renewals

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bPIERRE — The Legislature agrees with the governor that it’s better to be online rather than in line. The state House of Representatives gave final approval Thursday to a big change for motorists. They’ll be able to renew their licenses by mail or Internet. House members voted 67-2 for the bill. SB 45 soon will be on its way to Gov. Dennis Daugaard for his expected signature.

Motorists seeking a license for the first time will still need to go in person to a driver license station.

But when their five-year license comes due again, they will be allowed to renew by mail or use electronic renewal once every 10 years.

The same process will work for renewals of motorcycle licenses and non-driver identification cards.

Changing personal information on a license, however, will continue to be required to be done in person.

The one catch on the mail and Internet renewals is motorists will need to provide proof that their vision is acceptable. The state driver licensing office will provide forms to optometrists and ophthalmologists, according to Rep. Ray Ring, D-Vermillion.

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