State Rep. Mike Mueller’s plan to extend the time Michigan drivers have to renew their licenses and vehicle registrations was approved with unanimous bipartisan support today by the Michigan House.

During the ongoing pandemic, Secretary of State offices have not had the capacity to renew key documents and identification. Because of this, people have been unable to renew through no fault of their own. The changes brought forth by Mueller offer peace of mind to people during unprecedented times in our state.

“People should not face late fees or penalties because of something that has been out of their control,” Mueller said. “I’ve heard from people throughout our communities who have voiced concerns about this issue. This extension offers needed clarity for Michigan residents and law enforcement.”

Mueller, a former Livingston County sheriff’s deputy, went on to say that law enforcement also benefits from these extensions. The plan offers a clear explanation for what’s valid until when and what’s out-of-date as officers conduct stops and keep Michigan’s roadways safe. 

Other measures approved by the House today would:

• Provide flexibility to allow licensed health care workers such as physician assistants, registered nurses and pharmacists to continue testing people for COVID-19 (House Bill 6293).
• Allow important documents, such as wills, deeds and other forms to be signed and witnessed electronically through the end of 2020 (HBs 6294-97).
• Allow retirees to return to work to help the UIA or the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration with the overwhelming number of claims without forfeiting their retirement benefits (SB 911).
• Extend the validity of vehicle registrations, driver’s licenses and state identification cards that expired after March 2020, and waive late fees associated with renewing expired documents (HBs 5756, 5757, 6192).

Mueller’s legislation (House Bills 5756-7) now move to be considered by the state Senate.