Driver’s license requirements to change in 2012 [The Dominion Post, Morgantown, W.Va.]

Dec. 28--Starting Jan. 3, West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) customers who need a new driver's license will have to bring additional documentation to prove their identities.

Spokeswoman Natalie Harvey said new federal regulations were made in response to a report that found many of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorists fraudulently obtained driver's licenses.

When DMV customers apply for a new license, a duplicate or a license renewal, they will be required to bring proof of identity, proof of their Social Security number and proof of residency.

Harvey said customers who have changed their names will need to provide proof of their name change, if they use a form of proof of identity that doesn't have their correct name on it. However, if, for example, a passport contains the proper name on it and has the same name as the Social Security card, proof of the name change is not needed. The following list of acceptable documentation meets each requirement:

Proof of identity (must bring one)

Original or certified copy of U.S.-issued birth certificate Valid unexpired U.S. passport If foreign born, valid, unexpired Department of Homeland Security documents

Proof of Social Security number (must bring one)

Original Social Security card Wage and Tax Statement (W-2) or payroll stub with the applicant's employer's name and employer ID number, as well as the applicant's name, address and Social Security number SSA/ 1099 Form (Social Security benefit form)

Proof of West Virginia residency (must bring two)

West Virginia utility bills, not more than 60 days old Tax records with a West Virginia street address West Virginia mortgage documents, West Virginia homeowners' insurance documents for a West Virginia residence, or proof of West Virginia home ownership West Virginia W-2 form, not more than 18 months old West Virginia weapons permit Valid West Virginia motor vehicles registration card West Virginia voter's registration card West Virginia Homestead Tax exemption Proof of West Virginia public assistance Residential rental or lease agreement West Virginia DMV affidavit of West Virginia residency If the applicant is under 18, West Virginia driver's eligibility certificate (school enrollment form) with applicant's West Virginia street address

If name change documents are required (must bring one)

Marriage certificate

Certified copy of a birth certificate with name change

Certified copy of a court order with name change

Certified copy of divorce decree with name change

Drivers can also choose between receiving a regular license or a "for federal purposes" license, Harvey said. The federal license costs the same and requires no additional documentation, but will be sent out to a secure federal center to be printed. The federal license, which is received via UPS about 10 days later, looks the same as other West Virginia licenses except for a gold star. It will allow holders to go through airport screening faster and to get into federal buildings easier, Harvey said.

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