The Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) has recently received a flood of inquiries regarding the vehicle registration renewal notification program. OMV has learned of emails circulating which incorrectly state that OMV is no longer sending vehicle registration renewal notices to citizens due to budget cuts. “This is absolutely false,” said OMV Commissioner Nick Gautreaux. “OMV sends all renewal notices to eligible customers both for vehicle registrations and for driver’s licenses and identification cards. The only reason someone would not be sent their renewal invitation, is if OMV cannot validate their correct address.”

Driver’s license and ID renewals are mailed out 100 days prior to the expiration date while vehicle registration renewals are mailed out 60 days prior to the expiration date. Customers who receive the invitations can renew by mail or on the internet (www.expresslane.org) without ever having to visit an OMV office.

“It would hurt us more than help us to lose the renewal invitation program,” Gautreaux added. “This program saves the customer from having to leave work or home and drive to their local OMV office and it helps OMV by reducing wait times in those offices. However, we are still happy to process renewals for anyone who prefers to go to their local field office.”

Colonel Mike Edmonson, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Public Safety, added “Customer service and protecting the integrity of our customers’ personal information continues to be our number one priority at the Office of Motor Vehicles. I have directed Commissioner Gautreaux to continue to explore ways to provide vital services to our customers through the Internet without compromising our security protocols.”