March 20, 2020
By: Dwayne Page
The DeKalb County Clerk’s Office says an executive order by Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has given the green light for residents to delay getting their vehicle registration and driver’s license renewal due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The governor’s order delays vehicle registration renewals set to expire March 12 through May 18, 2020 to June 15, 2020.
The order also suspends the expiration dates on valid driver licenses and Class ID photo identification for 6 months from the current expiration date. This extension applies to driver’s license and IDs set to expire March 12 through May 18, 2020.
Below are the two sections issued by Governor Bill Lee that are applicable to the Clerk’s office:
• Section 22. “The provisions of Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 55-4-104(a)-(d), are hereby suspended to the extent necessary to delay the expiration of all valid motor vehicle registrations set to expire between March 12, 2020, and May 18, 2020. Such motor vehicle registrations shall instead expire on June 15, 2020; provided, however, that such registrations shall return to their original renewal schedules in subsequent years.”
•
• Section 23. “The provisions of Tennessee Code Annotated, Sections 55-50-336 and 55-50-337, are hereby suspended to the extent necessary to delay the expiration of all valid Class A, B, C, D, P, and M driver licenses and Class ID photo identification licenses set to expire between March 12, 2020, and May 18, 2020. Such licenses shall instead expire six (6) months from the current date the license is set to expire.”
The deadline for renewals of all Driver Licenses, Learner Permits, Commercial Driver Licenses, Photo Identification Licenses (ID), and Handgun Carry Permits that would expire between March 12, 2020, and May 19, 2020 has been extended by six months from the original expiration date.
The Department of Revenue will issue a letter of extension to the individuals affected and they will be required to keep the letter with them during the extension period.
The new deadline for obtaining registration renewals is June 15, 2020. The Department of Revenue hopes this extension of time will alleviate concerns of motor vehicle registrants so they can focus on their health and safety amid the ongoing COVID-19 situation.
Meanwhile, County Clerk James L. (Jimmy) Poss reminds patrons that all of its transactions in the County Clerk’s Office will be completed by the drive-thru service beginning today (Friday, March 20).
“As a precaution against the spread of the coronavirus, we are offering online and drive-thru service for the safety of our customers and employees, based on recommendations from the CDC and the Tennessee Department of Health”.
• “We recommend utilizing online services available at www.tncountyclerk.com whenever possible”.
• “While the DeKalb County Clerk’s office is implementing the CDC’s recommended social distancing practices, we are still committed to serving you. Full staff will continue working normal business hours providing services for both businesses and citizens”.
• “In-person services are currently Not available”.
• “Please contact our office for assistance. Our phone number is 615-597-5177. We apologize for the inconvenience during this time”.
Office Hours are Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and Saturdays 8:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m.