The state is setting new standards for Hawaii drivers. Beginning in 8 weeks on March 5th, you will have to provide proof of "legal presence" to renew, re-instate and apply for a drivers license or learner’s permit.
"We need to get the word out there because a lot of people aren’t going to realize what’s happening until they get in line at the DMV and boy some big changes are happening," says Dan Meisenzahal, Department of Transportation spokesman.
What’s happening is that the state will begin requiring US citizens to provide various forms of documents including:
• A valid, un-expired U.S. passport
• An original or certified copy of a birth certificate filed with a state Department of Health or equivalent agency in the individual’s state of birth
• A Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) issued by the U.S. Department of State, Form FS-240, DL-1350 or FS-545
• A valid, un-expired permanent resident card issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Form I-551
• A certificate of naturalization issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Form N-550
• A certificate of citizenship issued by the DHS, Form N-560
• A valid U.S. Active Duty/Retiree/Reservist Military ID Card (DOD ID DD-2)
• A valid foreign passport with Visa and I-94 issued by Customs and Border Protection, DHS
Additional requirements may apply. For instance, married women who have changed their last names must also provide a valid or certified copy of their marriage licenses.
"This will create as you can imagine longer lines at the DMV, especially for those not aware of these new strict requirements," says Meisenzahal.
All the paperwork you provide will be scanned into a state-wide system and stored for up to 10 years.
"It took a number of years to make sure we got a system in place that is absolutely secure," says Meisenzahal.
You will be issued a temporary license and after your paperwork checks-out… A valid, plastic license will be mailed to you within 2 weeks. The new license will have a gold star on it, indicating you are compliant with the new requirements.
"This is really stemming from the 9-11 terrorist attacks a number of those terrorists were found to have drivers licenses from a number of different sates," says Meisenzahal.
The new requirements are said to make it much more difficult for criminals to commit I.D. Fraud and is a major component of the federally mandated REAL ID Act of 2005 that will require residents to have a specified ID for air travel within the United States.
"Out of that, there’s been a movement to makes sure the standards are the same for every state," says Meisenzahal.
But, there is no rush, if your drivers license doesn’t expire for 5 years you can wait until then. For everyone else, Meisenzahal says get your paperwork in order early.
"We want to encourage everyone to be patient and get the word out there," says Meisenzahal.
For more details on Hawaii’s legal presence law CLICK HERE
See the original article at: KHON2 Local News
