RICHMOND — After two successful pilot programs, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will permanently implement mailing postcard-style vehicle registration renewal notices to some customers rather than the full-size registration renewal packets.

“The move to a postcard notification will save DMV an estimated $325,000 annually,” officials said in a press release. “In addition to reducing costs, the postcard encourages customers to renew their vehicle registrations online which saves them money and a trip to DMV.”

The release cited that DMV piloted the postcard in April 2017 and Oct. 2017.

“During the pilot, the agency saved about $25,000 each month and saw a 40 percent increase in online renewals,”

By renewing online, customers will receive a $1 discount and avoid the $5 in-person renewal fee. If eligible, customers can renew their registrations for multiple years and save more.

For more information, visit www.dmvNOW.com.