Driver's license renewals again available in Rhea County

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

photo Newlywed Raymond Sines talks with Rhea County Clerk Linda Shaver about renewing his driver's license in Rhea County. Shaver said three staff members recently were certified to do the work.

DAYTON, Tenn. -- Members of the Rhea County clerk's staff recently were trained to renew Tennessee driver's licenses after 15 years without offering that service.

"The Tennessee Department of Safety furnished all the equipment at no cost to the county," said County Clerk Linda Shaver, including hands-on training she and two employees received from a district manager.

Shaver, Irene Wilkey and Shirley Travis acquired their certification in Chattanooga on July 24.

Hamilton County resident Raymond Sines said "it's convenient for me" that Rhea County personnel now can renew licenses, since he commuted to work and oftentimes didn't make it to the Bonny Oaks office in Chattanooga before it closed.

Sines' wife, Gina Tia, said the service is "real handy," and that she wouldn't have to drive to Hamilton County to renew her license.

Rhea County resident Jerry Sneed said that he'd driven more than 30 minutes to Rockwood or Athens to renew in the past.

"[This service is] a whole lot better, and I don't have to leave town," Sneed said.

Shaver said her staff couldn't offer commercial drivers' licenses, handgun permits or picture identifications without licenses.

The office hours for renewals and duplicate licenses are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Each transaction will have an additional $4 clerk fee. The county clerk's office is in the courthouse annex at the corner of Third Avenue and Market Street in downtown Dayton.

Individuals will need their state form to expedite the license transaction, Shaver said, and voter registration also is available at the time of license renewal.

Kimberly McMillian is based in Rhea County. Contact her at kdj424@bellsouth.net.