QUESTION: I am a senior citizen and have to renew my driver’s license every two years. Last time, it was very frustrating. I finally got all the documents requested and got my license. I noticed that the clerk was scanning all my documents into the computer. That makes me think they have all my information on file. My question, if you know, is, Do I have to take all those documents with me when it’s time for me to renew again? My thinking is, they scanned all my stuff, so they should have everything on file. But it’s probably safe to take it all there with me.
ANSWER: Here’s good news for drivers 72 and older who have to renew their licenses every two years: If you’ve already presented all the documents required under the federal REAL ID Act, you do not need to show them again for the next seven renewals.
The next time they’ll be required, under current regulations, is in 16 years.
The same thing goes for all other drivers, including those 24 and younger, who are issued four-year licenses.
However, here’s a warning to all drivers: You may be required to bring in additional documents — "Proof of Principal Residence," for one — the next time you renew, whether in two years, four years or eight years, if you haven’t already done so. (See below for an explanation.)
Previously, the city Motor Vehicle and Licensing Division said drivers had a pass in producing documents proving legal presence and legal name at their second renewal but would have to provide them again the third time (see is.gd/E2c81V).
But that was based on the standard eight-year license, which is issued to motorists 25 to 71 years old. For those motorists, documents are not required at the next renewal, in eight years, but would be on the subsequent renewal, in 16 years.
That requirement has since been clarified and tied to an actual time period, 16 years, rather than renewal period.
"Once a person’s documents have been scanned into the system, they are valid for 16 years," said Sheri Kajiwara, director of the Department of Customer Services, which includes the licensing division.
However, she said this applies only to U.S. citizens. Noncitizens must provide proof of legal presence at every renewal.
To see what documents are needed, go to the city’s website: is.gd/ku7y8l.
PROOF OF RESIDENCE
Meanwhile, Kajiwara explained, the requirements for obtaining state identification cards, now issued by the city, include the federal requirement of "Proof of Principal Residence."
While this is now required for state IDs issued across the nation, it is not yet a requirement for driver’s licenses.
However, it will be "very soon," Kajiwara said.
Currently, people renewing driver’s licenses are asked to bring in two bank statements or utility bills showing "Proof of Principal Residence," as well as other required documents, including birth certificate and Social Security card.
"But if they come without (any proof of residence) for a license, we have no grounds to deny it," Kajiwara said. "It will just be missing in their scanned folder," and they will likely be required to show it upon the next renewal.
MAHALO
To truck driver Daryl Sabourin, who found our grandson’s wallet. Our grandson carelessly placed his wallet, iPad and new cellphone on the roof of his car and drove off for an appointment. By the time he remembered what he had done, only his cellphone remained on the roof of his car. Just as we were leaving for a doctor’s appointment, the police arrived with the wallet. Daryl found the wallet and immediately called the police. After the appointment, we went to his work site to thank Daryl, but he could not be found. We tried several times to find him but were not successful. Daryl saved our grandson from having to renew his driver’s license, cancel credit cards, etc. All his cash and important papers were still in his wallet. So, Daryl, we thank you very much. — Grateful Grandma
Write to “Kokua Line” at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu 96813; call 529-4773; fax 529-4750; or email kokualine@staradvertiser.com.
