DMV Completes Expansion Of Online Services

COLUMBIA, S.C. -- The newly created South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles has expanded the services that it offers to motorists from its Web site.

The DMV, which unveiled its a new Web site earlier this month, began offering online driver's license renewal and address changes for licenses or registration on Monday.

The new service options are the final step in service improvements scheduled for this year.

"We live in a fast-paced world and customers want fast, convenient services," acting DMV Executive Director Marcia Adams said. "The most exciting aspect of these services is that customers will not even have to visit a DMV office. Now they don't have to leave home to do business with DMV."

Citizens can now conduct eight different transactions online through the DMV website:

Check driver-record status

Check point-system status

Pay driver's license reinstatement fee

Renew DMV-issued identification cards

Replace lost or stolen driver licenses

Replace a lost or stolen vehicle registration

Renew their driver's licenses

Change address on driver's license and vehicle registration

"We've raised the bar at DMV," Gov. Mark Sanford saidin a news release. "The internal reforms we implemented are the first steps in rebuilding an organization that has historically symbolized everything that doesn't work in state government."

Customers who visit the DMV Web site will submit identifying information such as a driver license number and Social Security number.

Drivers under age 65 will not be required to submit a vision screening if they process their renewals by mail or online through the DMV website before Oct. 1, 2008.

Drivers 65 and older must undergo a vision-screening or certificate of eye examination from a licensed ophthalmologist or optometrist.

While most drivers can use the Web site, non-U.S. citizens and commercial drivers may not. Non-U.S. citizens must visit the 16 DMV offices across the state designated to serve non-citizens.

There is no additional charge for using online services and fees can be paid with VISA, MasterCard and Discover cards.

The new DMV Web address is SCDMVOnline.com

Despite the expanded online services, not everyone will be able to avoid a trip to the DMV. People who need to get a first South Carolina license or pay certain fines will still have come in person.

Previous Stories:

• June 18, 2003: SC DMV Begins New Online Services
• June 8, 2003: Department Of Motor Vehicles Becomes Its Own Department
• May 28, 2003: DMV Employees Get Instruction, Pep Talk