News Releases
Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 31, 2004
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Gov. Gary Locke Signs Supplemental Transportation Budget That Enables Online Driver License Renewal

Gov. Gary Locke today signed several House and Senate bills into law, including the $11 million supplemental transportation budget.

“This is a responsible transportation budget that meets the goals I set at the start of the session,” Locke said. “This will help keep on track the vital transportation projects approved by the 2003 Legislature – projects that are creating thousands of good-paying jobs all across our state.”

The legislation (Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2474) includes funding the governor requested for the state Department of Licensing (DOL) to allow citizens to renew their driver licenses online or by mail. The system is expected to be up and running by October.

“This is real government service – harnessing technology to make state government even more responsive to its citizens,” Locke said. “Soon, they will be able to take care of this task from the comfort of their homes, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

This online service reinforces the state’s leadership role in offering vital services to citizens via the Internet and by phone. Washington has been repeatedly recognized as the No. 1 digital state government in the nation.

Locke also signed related legislation (Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill No. 5428) that establishes the online license renewal program in statute.

DOL started issuing digitally produced driver licenses in 2001, which opened up new avenues to provide services and choices for the public.

“By October, those citizens that qualify with digitized licenses and have appropriate driving records will be able to renew their license online, saving them time and expense,” said Fred Stephens, DOL director.

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Editor’s Note: For a complete list of the transportation projects, visit www.ofm.wa.gov.
Related links: www.governor.wa.gov; www.dol.wa.gov


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