It’s back and drivers aren’t happy.

Drivers are once again being charged a pesky “convenience fee” for online Motor Vehicle Commission transactions that was banished by Gov. Chris Christie in 2016.

Now called a service fee, the charge started showing up again this spring, just before the agency announced it was encouraging drivers to do as much business as possible online to keep agencies clear for those expected to get a Real ID driver’s license.

“We began charging the online fee effective April 24 after the suspension of the credit card convenience fees expired,” said Jim Hooker, an MVC spokesman. “The convenience fee is charged by the credit-card processing service, not by the State of New Jersey.”

That means drivers will pay a $1.50 service fee in addition to the cost of their document. Some who were aware of the suspension questioned why they were being charged a fee.

We've worked hard to enhance our online services. "Skip the Trip" to the #NJMVC by visiting our website to get a replacement #registration, change your address and more! #NJMVC https://t.co/7mtStPWiI4 pic.twitter.com/8N1TCc2bHs — New Jersey MVC (@NJ_MVC) July 5, 2019

Christie ordered the suspension of the online fees on Aug. 24, 2016, which took effect on Oct. 1 of that year, to shorten lines in agencies by encouraging motorists to use the MVC’s online services.

But the inventive didn’t work as expected, officials said.

“During the 18-month trial period, in which the fees were suspended (and paid by MVC), there was zero increase in usage on online services,” Hooker said. "Therefore, when the suspension expired, (MVC) Chief Administrator (Sue) Fulton declined to renew.”

The credit card fees paid by the MVC ranged from 75 cents to $2.50 per transaction, he said.

Suspending the fees was one of several MVC changes Christie announced in August 2016. They included changing the expiration date of an individual’s driver’s license to his or her birthdate instead of the end of the month. That change started in 2018.

Traditionally the end and beginning of the month is the busiest time at agencies, as drivers realize their license or vehicle registration is about to or has expired and rush in to renew them.

In June, Fulton announced the MVC was adding more transactions that could be done online, including renewing a driver’s license, in order to keep agencies clear for drivers seeking a Real ID license. That more secure license is required by October 2020 if travelers plan to use a driver’s license as identification at airports. REAL IDs can only be obtained in person.

The state has almost 6.5 million licensed drivers and the MVC issued a total of 13.9 million documents in 2018.

In fiscal year 2020 budget documents, the MVC estimated implementing Real ID would cost $35 million. However, in June, Fulton said fees would not be increased to pay for Real ID and that the MVC would cover the cost.

Despite the fee, MVC officials said it’s worthwhile for drivers to do as much business online as possible.

“There are direct benefits to improving and expanding online services – namely convenience for our customers and reduction of foot traffic in the agencies,” Hooker said.

Larry Higgs may be reached at lhiggs@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @commutinglarry. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips.

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