New ID requirements for driver's licenses go into effect July 1

By Lynn A. Wade

Nevada Daily Mail

Nevada's Missouri license fee office is getting ready for a big change. Starting July 1, new identification requirements for those seeking a new or renewed driver's license go into effect.

Tara Balk Elliot, who operates the Nevada license office, said it's really not as daunting as people may think.

"Generally, the basic thing you're going to need is your birth certificate," Elliot said. According to information supplied by the Missouri Department of Revenue, almost everyone will need to supply a certified copy of their birth certificate; some people will have to provide other information relating to name change, such as a marriage license or divorce decree.

In lieu of a birth certificate, a valid Passport will also do the trick.

Those born locally can get a copy of their certified birth certificate from the Vernon County Health Department; others will have to enquire with the state or county in which they were born, Elliot said.

Elliot said she's already heard from many people who are not happy about the new rules, and has already fielded many questions -- and complaints -- about them.

"People are not happy about this, but there have been so much fraudulent activity out there, I'd say that there are probably five people a day who've had their wallet stolen, or somebody's used their Social Security number. A lot of things like that go on," Elliot noted, adding that the new rules are mostly an effort to put the brakes on some of that activity.

"A driver's license has become the most requested form of ID in America and we all depend on the accuracy of the information present on a license. I understand some of our customers will find the new requirements difficult, but we are committed to providing the best customer service possible, and also to ensure the work we do can be counted on by our customers, taxpayers, law enforcement and everyone else who uses driver licenses as a means of identification," said Trish Vincent, director of the Missouri Department of Revenue.

Elliot said there are many guidelines relating to what's required for a variety of situations.

"People all have their individual history, their unique circumstances. We'll start with that unique circumstance and go from there," she said.

Several examples were provided by the Missouri Department of Revenue, in a press release.

Here are a few of them:

John Doe, a lifelong Missouri resident, wants to renew his Missouri license. He'll simply need his birth certificate, or a passport.

Jane Doe, born in the U.S., changed her name when she married and wants to renew. She needs a birth certificate and her marriage license (which explains the name change); or a passport in her married name.

Recently divorced women who've changed their name a second time will need the birth certificate, marriage license and divorce decree, tracking the name change history.

Other documentation rules may apply to specific, unique circumstances.

(For example, some people may need to provide a certificate of naturalization, a certificate of birth abroad or other documents, depending on their individual situation. Non-U.S. citizens must provide documentation as well, such as a valid passport, I-94, I-20, a VISA, or an Employment Authorization Document.)

Also, rules require proof of identity, (usually a Social Security card; other options are available) and proof of residency (like a utility bill, voter registration card, or bank statement showing a street address, not a post office box).

To make it easier for customers to meet the new requirements, the Missouri Department of Revenue offers a complete list of documents required and what will be accepted, and some tips on getting copies of the required documents.

Customers born in Missouri may contact the Department of Health and Senior Services at (573) 751-6387 or (573) 751-6400 or by visiting the DHSS Web site at www.dhss.mo.gov., for information on getting a birth certificate. Local county health agencies are also able to provide birth certificates. Customers born outside of Missouri can find lists of appropriate state agencies in their state of birth at www.cdc.gov.

For more information and a guide to getting the documents you need, visit the department's Web site at www.dor.mo.gov or call (573) 751-2730. On the department's Web site, click the "Show Me Proof" icon to go directly to the new requirements.