Last week I wrote about upcoming new requirements for renewing a driver’s license or getting a learner’s permit.
I should’ve known that it would not be the last time I would write about the changes. Many of you sent me great questions.
To recap: After March 5, people seeking a permit or a license renewal must provide government documents that prove legal name, date of birth, legal presence in the United States and Social Security number.
Acceptable documents include a passport, original or certified copy of a birth certificate, valid permanent resident card or even an old driver’s license that lists your Social Security number. But you may have to bring more than one document to satisfy all the new requirements.
The state is doing this as part of a federal requirement to strengthen the reliability of state-issued identification.
Question: Can I renew my license early to avoid the new requirements?
Answer: If your license expires within six months of March 5, you can avoid the new requirements by renewing now. Those whose licenses expire after Sept. 5 are stuck with the requirements.
Q: Could a Medicare card (which has a Social Security number on it) be considered in lieu of a Social Security card?
A: Absolutely. In last week’s column, I don’t think it was explained clearly enough, but a number of documents can be used to verify your Social Security number besides a SSN card. Those include:
» Valid U.S. active duty/retiree/reservist military ID card.
» Wage and tax statement forms W-2 or 1099R.
» SSA-1099 form from a previous year.
» A pay stub with your name and SSN.
» A signed verification letter from the Social Security Administration, faxed directly to the driver’s license office, or the original letter.
Q: I found all my papers for the new license, so I’m happy and ready to renew. If I go to the Kaneohe satellite office before March 5, can I get them scanned and get the new national license?
A: Good question, and wouldn’t that be nice?
Unfortunately, the answer is no. You can only get the new license after March 5.
Again, for more information, go online and visit hawaii.gov/dot and click on the banner that says, "Hawaii’s Legal Presence Law."
And the state Department of Transportation is working on a website that will allow you to answer several questions, then will guide you to exactly the documents you need. We’ll be sure to report on it as soon as it’s ready.
Happy Aloha Friday everyone, and drive safe out there.
Reach Gene Park at gpark@staradvertiser.com, or Twitter as @GenePark.
