OCTOBER 21, 2008

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land today reminded residents heading south for the winter to renew their driver's licenses and plates before leaving Michigan.

"I encourage snowbirds to take a moment to check the expiration dates of their license and vehicle tabs before leaving the state," Land said. "It's one less thing you'll have to worry about and it could save you from late fees."

People can renew plates for individually owned or leased cars, pickup trucks, vans and motorcycles up to six months before they expire. They must renew at a Secretary of State office. Company-owned passenger plates cannot be renewed early.

To renew a driver's license early, residents need to pass a vision test and bring their driver's license, and glasses or contact lenses if they are needed to drive.

Residents also can renew license plates online, by touch-tone telephone, mail or at a Self-Service Station up to 45 days before the plates expire if their renewal notice contains a personal identification number.

For more information on renewal options and other services, visit www.Michigan.gov/sos.