New Mexicans could renew their driver's licenses or identification cards over the Internet if a bill the House passed on Saturday becomes law.

The change, approved unanimously, is being proposed by the state's Motor Vehicle Division.

Electronic renewal would be easier for many customers, according to MVD Director Ken Ortiz.

"It could also alleviate some of the crowds at the MVD offices, so we could serve those customers a little bit quicker," Ortiz said in an interview.

The division would establish rules for electronic renewal.

First-time applicants would have to get their licenses or ID cards in person, he said. After that, the rules likely would allow a driver to renew electronically every other time.

It's not clear whether the department would issue eight-year licenses electronically, or whether those renewals would be limited to four years.

Nor has it been decided how the current requirement for a vision test with each renewal would be handled, Ortiz said.

The legislation now goes to the Senate. If it were to pass both houses and be signed by the governor, the new system could be implemented as early as July, according to Ortiz.

The measure also provides that the vertical-format license or ID card currently issued to those under 21 would automatically expire 30 days after the cardholder's 21st birthday, requiring him or her to get an adult, horizontal-format license.

The bill's sponsor, Rep. Elias Barela, D-Belen, said some cardholders over 21 who still have vertical licenses are being refused service at liquor establishments that are being careful not to serve underage customers.

"They want the assurance of having a normal, horizontal driver's license" as proof of age, Barela said.

The fee for a new, over-21 license would be pro-rated, so applicants wouldn't lose money if their 21st birthdays occurred before the renewal period otherwise would have ended.

The Motor Vehicle Division bill is HB149.




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