NC again extends expiration dates for DMV credentials, but only a few this time
Drivers with commercial licenses and learner’s permits now have longer to get them renewed under a provision in the coronavirus relief bill signed by Gov. Roy Cooper last week.
People with state IDs and handicapped placards issued by the Division of Motor Vehicles also received an extension of their expiration dates, as did holders of inspection mechanic licenses.
The provision in the Coronavirus Relief Act 3.0 means those five DMV credentials will not expire until 30 days after the governor lifts the state of emergency order related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The order, issued March 10, was the first in a series of executive orders from Cooper that initially curtailed businesses and public activities to reduce spread of the virus and then gradually eased restrictions.
The bill marks the second time the General Assembly has extended expiration dates so people can avoid a visit to the DMV during the COVID-19 pandemic. In early May, Cooper signed a bill into law that added five months to the expiration date of any license, permit, registration or other credential issued by DMV and waived all fees, fines or penalties for not complying with the old date.
Those extensions apply to 27 DMV licenses and credentials that expire on or after March 1 and before Aug. 1, including driver’s licenses, learner’s permits and vehicle registrations. Motor vehicle tax payments and inspection deadlines were also delayed to match the new expiration dates.
The recent bill offers more targeted relief only to the holders of the five DMV-issued credentials.
To prevent crowding that could help spread coronavirus, the DMV closed dozens of its smaller driver’s license offices in March and began seeing customers by appointment only at offices that remain open. As of Thursday, 89 of the state’s 115 driver’s license offices are open statewide. To find an open office and make an appointment, go to www.ncdot.gov/dmv/.
