New ID verification
to slow driver’s
license process

The wait for a driver's license will get longer as a new step in verifying identification is launched Monday.

Online resources Driver's license applicants will find the list of ID documents accepted by licensing agencies at county Web pages: » www.co.honolulu.hi.us/csd/ vehicle/dlrequirements.htm » www.hawaiipolice.com » www.kauai.hawaii.gov » www.co.maui.hi.us/departments/ MotorVehicles/dmvDriver.htm

Licensing agencies on all islands will electronically check each person's Social Security number with the Social Security Administration database. It applies to renewals as well as first-time applications.

There could be a detour to the federal building for people whose name, date of birth and number do not match the Social Security online files. Or, drivers might be required to submit documents for proof of name or date of birth, according to a state Department of Transportation announcement.

"Please go early, don't wait until the last day for renewal," said Dennis Kamimura, administrator of the Honolulu Motor Vehicle and Licensing Division.

The division has run the names of all licensed drivers in the state through the Social Security Online Verification System and already sent letters to people whose records contain a discrepancy. But people who have moved since their last license renewal six years ago might not get the letters and could come to the counter unprepared, he said.

A common discrepancy occurs when someone marries but does not inform the government of the name change. Others could surface if any digit of the birth date or Social Security number does not match the federal database, perhaps because of an entry error.

The change coming Monday might be just a preview of longer waits in line ahead.

Drivers would need to come to the counter with original or certified copies of their birth certificate, Social Security card and documents linking them to their home address under the REAL ID Act before Congress. The House of Representatives passed the bill Thursday, and Senate approval is expected next week.

The REAL ID Act is seen by proponents as a curb on foreign terrorists. Although its goal is to deter illegal immigrants from obtaining driver's licenses, the new law will affect all U.S. citizens who drive motor vehicles.

Kamimura predicts it will be costly for Hawaii to comply with electronic requirements in the act.