DMV pushes back license deadlines

The expiration of certain Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles licenses and credentials has been extended again.

DMV announced recently that under an Aug. 28 order from Gov. Ralph Northam:

• The validity of driver’s licenses, learner’s permits and identification cards originally expiring in August, September and October is extended for 60 days beyond the expiration date displayed on the credential. These customers have not previously received an extension and their credential must display an expiration date in August, September or October.

• Customers who have not yet renewed a driver’s license, learner’s permit or ID card already expired in August are also eligible for the extension at no penalty. The validity of driver’s licenses, learner’s permits and identification cards that expire in November has been extended through Nov. 30.

Vehicle registrations have not been extended further.

Under previous executive orders, driver’s licenses, learner’s permits, identification cards and vehicle registrations set to expire between March 15 and July 31, 2020 were extended for up to 180 days, not to exceed Oct. 31. These extensions remain in effect.

DMV is also implementing a new option to allow for renewing driver’s licenses online or by mail that would normally be required to be done in person. Beginning in mid-September, customers who are due to renew their eight-year credential in person (because they renewed online or by mail last time) will have two options for renewing:

• Option 1: Eight-year/renew by appointment. Schedule an appointment to renew the driver’s license or ID card for the full eight years.

• New Option 2: Two-year/renew remotely. Renew online or by mail a driver’s license or ID card to be valid for two years. DMV will mail the credential to the customer’s address on file. Customers are encouraged to make sure their address is current. In two years, these customers will need to visit DMV for their next renewal, a vision screening and a new photo for an eight-year credential. This option is not available to customers age 75 or older as Virginia law requires an in-person renewal every five years.