Gov. Benigno R. Fitial said this privilege “is a small token of appreciation and esteem to which the commonwealth holds these military members.”
In a directive issued on Friday, the governor instructed the Bureau of Motor Vehicles not to require active duty personnel stationed overseas or in the U.S. to be physically present when renewing their driver’s licenses.
“Renewal of driver’s licenses by mail is reasonable means to provide such service members with continued valid CNMI driver’s licenses. Renewal fees may be received by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles,” said the governor.
BMV, which is under the Department of Public Safety, was told to make a report to the Office of the Governor, the speaker of the House and the president of the Senate 180 days after its effective date.
“The Department of Public Safety shall adopt such procedures as are necessary and appropriate, including the renewal of expired CNMI driver’s license held or in the possession of active duty military personnel stationed outside the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands within one year of effective date of this directive, to effectuate this directive,” said the governor.
Hundreds of men and women from the CNMI were called to active military duty since the U.S.-led war in Iraq broke in March 2003.
