WREX.com – Rockford’s News LeaderDrivers head to DMV at full speed to avoid hefty fee increase

Drivers head to DMV at full speed to avoid hefty fee increase

By Samantha Ptashkin

ROCKFORD (WREX)- Between long lines and the forms to fill out, a trip to the Secretary of State's office can be a pain for drivers and it's about to get even more painful.

If you're a driver who needs a license renewal, get in your car and make the trip as soon as possible. Starting October 11 the $10 fee to renew a four year license triples, and it's been a pretty long time since we've had to worry about that.

Next week it may be tough for some drivers to flash that smile while renewing their license. In 1983 the renewal fee went from $8 to $10.   For the first time in 26 years, legislators voted for another increase, this time instead of by $2, we're talking $20. "It's ridiculous. I don't spend my life out on the road to support Jesse White and his crew," said Driver Dan Johnsen.

Lawmakers voted on the increase to help pay for the state's $30 billion capital plan that will build bridges, roads and schools. "Right now with this economy, it's kind of difficult to take that kind of hit, but on the other side of the coin, if they are improving the roads and all those things, they need to increase some," said Driver Chandrant Shah.

Starting January 1 license plate sticker fees also go up by $20 to $99. Vehicle registration fees increase from $65 to $95 and if drivers want to transfer their registration, they have to pay five more dollars. "That's what they felt could be fair and even though we're in hard times they felt that could be fair," said DMW Assistant Manager Mark Mandell.

"I wish they would just choose another way to do it," said Driver Nate Williams.

If your license expires anytime over the next 12 months you can still renew this week for just $10. Senior citizens and people who hold commercial driver's license are excluded from the fee increases.