DMV To Issue Six-Year Licenses

WATERBURY — Beginning in September some drivers will come to DMV only every six years, rather than the current four years, for a photo-license renewal. The change is part of a multi-year program to convert to a six-year license.

The six-year license, sought by customers, will be given randomly to more than half of the motorists receiving notification each month to renew their licenses. Those receiving a four-year license will be extended at their next renewal.

“We’ve made the change because we’ve heard from a number of customers who want an extended renewal date. We studied the issue and found no problems with accommodating this request,” said DMV Commissioner Gary J. DeFilippo.

“It is a strong customer-service initiative and we’re happy to accommodate our customers. The change will help reduce the number of people going to a branch office for licenses and that will mean faster service,” he said.

The change will gradually bring all license holders into the six-year date by 2005.

The yearly cost for the license remains at about $8.90. The renewal cost for a six-year license will be $53.50.

Commercial driver licenses, which also were renewed every four years, are included in the six-year renewal program. The yearly cost of $12.50 remains the same and the total cost for the six-year CDL will be $75.

The change also affects drivers getting a first-time license and a designation to drive a commercial motor vehicle. DMV pro-rates the cost and expiration date of new drivers so that they will have a renewal date on their birthday every six years.

The six-year renewal will not affect motorists using DMV’s senior citizen option. License holders who are at least 65 years old can renew for $19 every two years.