State reports huge spike in license renewals in 2006

Trenton - Local N.J. Motor Vehicle Commission agencies will renew almost 2.05 million driver licenses in 2006, a record number that represents an increase of almost 90 percent over last year. A number of factors influence the increase, including the elimination of non-photo paper license renewal by mail, the introduction in 2004 of the N.J. “digital driver license,” and the requirement for all N.J. motorists to go through the state’s six-point I.D. verification program. The commission encourages individuals to access its toll-free number or Web site for transactions not requiring in-person processing, such as vehicle registration, address changes and surcharge payments. The agency urges motorists renewing their licenses in 2006 to prepare early and consider renewing before the last minute. To learn about the six-point I.D. verification, log on to njmvc.gov, or call, toll-free, 888 486-3339.