The Department of State's online renewal program for vehicle and watercraft license plate registrations has reached the 10-year mark and continues to grow more popular each year, Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land announced today.

"The number of online renewals is soaring as more customers learn of this convenient option," Land said. "We've made it a priority to promote the department's Web address on branch office signs and our online services at every opportunity so people can save time."

The number of online registrations has increased every year since the first one was recorded on June 19, 1998. During the program's first year, there were 50,267 transactions. The annual total has climbed each year to 994,885 transactions during the most recent 12 months ending May 31.

As the state continues to face budget challenges, the online renewal system stands out as an efficient use of tax dollars, Land said. On average, transactions handled over the Internet can be processed at half the cost of doing so at a branch office counter. They also mean a reduction in the number of customers traveling to branch offices, which allows staff to spend more time with those who do need over-the-counter services.

More than 4.6 million online renewal transactions have been recorded over the last 10 years, including more than 4.4 million vehicle and 190,000 watercraft registrations.

Records continue to be set as more people choose to do business with the department online. In March, there were 95,808 vehicle and 34,629 watercraft registration renewals over the Internet, for a total of 130,437 transactions - all record highs for one month.

By logging on to www.Michigan.gov/sos, customers can renew their plates from wherever they are-even if they are in another state or country. They'll be prompted to enter the PIN number from their renewal notice and the number of their valid VISA, MasterCard or Discover credit card. Their registration and license plate tab will then be mailed to them.

"Renewals only take a minute or two over the Internet and let you skip the trip to a branch office," Land said.

She said the department regularly receives comments from customers who appreciate the service. One recent e-mail read, "Wow!! Your online plate renewal is really great." Another said, "What a marvelous idea!...It took me less than five minutes to fill in the required forms-and I even saved the $.41 for a stamp. I'm old enough (74) to remember the days of waiting interminably in line to receive my new license plates. Thank goodness those days are over! Thanks for making it so convenient for me and keep up the good work!"

For more information on Department of State programs and services, visit www.Michigan.gov/sos or call 1-888-SOS-MICH.