A new state law that aims to reform South Carolina's troubled Division of Motor Vehicles will mean radical changes for drivers.

They will have the option of renewing their license every 10 years instead of the former five-year schedule. But drivers 65 and older will be limited to a five-year renewal.

And, for the first time, private firms and other agencies -- even public schools -- can apply to DMV for permission to offer road and written tests, but DMV will actually issue the license. Private firms also will be able to sell license plates, registrations and decals.

DMV is still drawing up procedures on how those outside businesses, agencies and schools will operate, says DMV spokeswoman Beth Parks. The legislation says they can charge more than DMV, but does not set a limit.

DMV branches will continue to offer those same services.

The changes are aimed at reducing the long lines at DMV offices, a growing concern to many S.C. lawmakers. After legislators implemented Project Phoenix, a plan to overhaul the DMV's computer system in August, some people waited up to five hours or more to renew their licenses or get a new title.

State Rep. Ron Townsend, R-Anderson, who was the author and floor leader for the bill in the House, has high hopes for the measure.

"People are going to have a better opportunity to do their business online or through the mail," Townsend said. "The more people that do that, the shorter the lines will be for the people who have to go in."

The law, which went into effect June 5, also moves the office out of the Department of Public Safety and sets it up as a department responsible to the governor.

Its official name is now the S.C. Department of Motor Vehicles; its old name was Division of Motor Vehicles.

Gov. Mark Sanford has named Marcia Adams of Irmo the acting executive director. The governor will submit Adams' name to the Senate in the near future as the permanent head of the DMV.

The state Senate must confirm the governor's choice.

Parks says the changes should give drivers more choices than standing in line, including the Internet license renewals, the 10-year license and private businesses offering DMV services.

Sen. Wes Hayes, R-Rock Hill, said placing the DMV under the governor will give it a higher priority and lead to positive changes for customers.

"It should result in better service and shorter lines," Hayes said. "The General Assembly got the message that major changes need to be made."

Many S.C. drivers will be able to renew their license through the Internet, in addition to by-mail renewal that has been allowed the last few years.

Driver's licenses will continue to cost $12.50 for a five-year license and $25 for a 10-year license. The 10-year licenses will be available Oct. 1.

Vehicle registration prices went up from $10 to $15, starting June 23.

North Carolina, by contrast, has a five-year license. Almost all its vehicle registration and license tag business is handled by private vendors.

For the first time, South Carolina has put tougher restrictions on its oldest drivers.

• Drivers younger than 65 have an option of receiving a five-year or a 10-year license, starting in October.

Starting in October 2008, on the fifth year of that license, they must submit evidence of a vision screening. That screening must be done in the previous 12 months by an ophthalmologist or optometrist. Or they can come to a DMV branch or authorized license office for a vision test. They can renew for another 10 years by mail or Internet if DMV has proof of a vision test. They must come to a DMV office at least once every 10 years to have a new photo taken.

• Drivers 65 and older will receive a five-year license. They can renew for five years by mail or in person.

If they renew by mail or online, they must give DMV proof of a vision test from an ophthalmologist or optometrist.

Changes At DMV

• 10-year renewal period, except for those over 65.

• License renewals allowed via Internet.

• Other agencies, businesses will be allowed to offer road and written tests.

• Businesses will be able to offer plates, registrations and renewal decals.

• Agency becomes a separate state department.