Starting March 5, the State of Hawaii will implement stringent new rules for those applying for or renewing their Hawaii Driver’s License or getting a learner’s permit. The State, in compliance with the Federal government’s “REAL ID Act of 2005″, will require proof of “legal presence.” Dan Meisenzahl, spokesman for the State Department of Transportation, will join the morning team on LAVA 105.3 fm radio Monday morning, January 30, just after 7 a.m. to talk more about the rules. Meisenzahl says he wants to alert drivers now so they have time to gather their documentation. The discussion may also be heard online, www.lava1053.com.
One of the biggest issues is that the new form of identification will be required for air travel, and Meisenzahl says the State is working to make sure state residents have no problem when traveling out of state.
Individuals must provide a valid or certified copy of their Social Security card, or equivalent documentation. In addition, to demonstrate legal presence, the Drivers Licensing Offices will also require at least one of the following documents:
• 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.
In conjunction with implementation of the Legal Presence Act, Hawaii will be issuing temporary licenses, and upon completion of all verifications, the plastic license will be mailed. If there are no subsequent issues that come up after the initial processing, applicants should receive their plastic licenses within two weeks of the date that they applied.
A full list of the Legal Presence Act requirements and frequently asked questions can be found at www.hawaii.gov/dot and click on the legal presence banner. Links to the site are available on all four county websites.
Note that anybody who renews their Driver’s License prior to March 5 will not have to meet the new requirements.
