Thread: Easley Approves Driver's License Changes

http://www.wral.com/news/9725996/detail.html

RALEIGH, N.C. -- North Carolina motorists will receive their new driver's licenses by mail, and some will only have to renew every eight years under a new law signed Wednesday by Gov. Mike Easley.

The law, which takes effect in July 2008, eliminates the need for all DMV offices to be equipped with card-making machines. Instead, licenses and permits would be generated at a central location.

Drivers will use temporary licenses during the 20-day renewal period, which DMV officials say will give them more time to determine whether a motorist is trying to generate a false identification or steal someone else's identity.

Drivers between the ages of 18 and 53 will be able to renew their licenses for eight-year terms, up from the current five. Young drivers' licenses will expire on their 21st birthday. Older drivers will have to renew every five years.

"Extending the license renewal period to eight years and centralizing license production will be more convenient and efficient for drivers and will reduce administrative work for the state," Easley said. "In addition, the new law will improve security of the states drivers licenses by giving Division of Motor Vehicles officials more time to verify applicants' identification information."

Lawmakers declined to include a provision that would allow people to renew over the Internet.

The law, which takes effect in July 2008, eliminates the need for all DMV offices to be equipped with card-making machines. Instead, licenses and permits would be generated at a central location.

Ok, now I am confused. Does this mean that, until 2008, the North Carolina DMV will continue to do business as usual (i.e. make it easy for illegals to obtain drivers licenses)?