The Journalist's Creed Headlines  NewsBook: MDN headlines   NewsNow: Headlines from across the state  NewsViews: Editorials across the state Stories  Search 2008  Text Search  By Date  By Subject  By Reporter  Blogs  2007  2006  2005  2004  2003  2002  2001  2000  1999  1998  1997  1996  1995 Data 2008 General Election Results Campaign Contributions Candidate Info Boxes Candidate Info Boxes Office Responsibilities Campaign Issues  August Primary  Feb. Special Elections Presidential Primary  House Votes  Senate Votes  2009 Budget  Registered Lobbyists  Meeting Notices  Bills  House Roster  Senate Roster  Calendars  Supreme Court Dockets  Supreme Court Decisions  2007  2006  2005  2004  2003  2002  2001  2000  1999  1998  1997  1996  1995 Audio  House Live   Senate Live  MDN Map

House committee approves six-year license

JEFFERSON CITY - Missouri drivers would be keeping their licenses longer under a plan passed Thursday by the House Motor Vehicle Committee.

The proposal would extend the current three-year license to six years, and would also link a driver's renewal date to his or her birthday.

Rep. Don Koller, D-Summersville, the bill's sponsor, said its main goal is to make things easier.

"It's just a convenience to the customers and cuts down on the lines at the busy motor vehicle department," he said. "And I just think it's good government."

Koller said the new system of using birthdays would also make license renewal easier to remember. He said the plan would create a setup that's similar to surrounding states.

"Presently, the driver licenses in Missouri are good for three years, and most of our neighboring states are good for 5 or 6 years," he said. "I'd like to be consistent."

Despite committee approval, the chances of the measure clearing the legislature this late in the session are slim.