DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING
November 1, 2004 — For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Alyson Chase (360) 902-3609
achase@dol.wa.gov
DOL unveils new online option for renewing driver license/ID card
OLYMPIA — The Department of Licensing (DOL) just launched a new Internet service that can cut the number of times Washington citizens have to visit a driver licensing office to renew their driver license or identification card nearly in half.
This new online process will allow most citizens to skip the trip to a licensing office every other time their driver license or identification card is due for renewal.
To qualify for this new service, eligible customers must:
- be between the age of 25-65 to renew a driver license, or age 25 or older to renew an ID card.
- not have any medical or vision condition that requires physician certification.
- have a social security number and digital photo on file with DOL.
- pay with a Visa or MasterCard credit or debit card.
Eligible citizens will receive a special renewal notice in the mail that will include a personalized authorization number and instructions to complete the process. There are no additional fees to use the online service. Basic driver license renewals cost $25 and ID cards cost $15.
"This new online service is going to have a tremendous customer service impact," said DOL Director Fred Stephens. "It's going to provide citizens with the ability to do business with DOL at times and from places that are most convenient for them."
This is the latest of more than 40 online licensing service options available through DOL's website. Since the DOL began providing service over the Internet in 1999, more than two million online transactions have been processed. Other Internet service options include purchasing vehicle and boat tabs, replacing lost or stolen driver licenses or ID cards, and filing a state master business license.
"We've made great strides in making state government more convenient and efficient for the citizens of Washington," said Governor Gary Locke. "With online license renewals, we have taken yet another step to save our citizens valuable time. Instead of standing in line, they're now able to spend more time with their families."
To ensure the best possible user experience for this new service, DOL looked to the expertise of SafeHarbor Technology Corporation, a Washington-based provider of customer interaction services, to develop easy-to-navigate and intuitive user support for the site.
SafeHarbor provided online support functions such as dynamic Frequently Asked Questions and easy-to-search "how to" articles, so users can easily and quickly find answers to their questions.
"The State of Washington is a long-time, valued customer of SafeHarbor, so we are excited to see—and help support—their continued strides as a leader in digital government," said SafeHarbor CEO and President Annette Jacobs.
About 800,000 of Washington's more than 4.4 million licensed drivers renew their license each year. The Department estimates 50,000 drivers will be eligible to use the new online renewal service in any particular month.
For more information on this online renewal service, visit www.licensemeonline.dol.wa.gov/
For more information about SafeHarbor, please visit: www.safeharbor.com or call Blake Cahill at (206) 922-5049.
Save Time — Go Online. The Department of Licensing has a wide variety of consumer services available online. Please visit our website at www.dol.wa.gov
For more information about how SafeHarbor can help your company increase productivity, customer retention, satisfaction and loyalty—while reducing support costs—please contact us at:
