WETHERSFIELD, CT - DMV will start a series of statewide radio ads Monday telling people about a major change regarding identity verification when they renew their driver licenses and identification cards. A federal program is requiring DMV to ask people whether they want their identity verified.
It gives renewing customers a choice on whether they want to show original identity documents to establish an historical record of their identity with the agency as well as for federal identification purposes. Customers can also decline the verification and simply get a regular driver's license or ID card.
The statewide radio advertising campaign, paid through federal grant funds, will tell people about the choice and briefly explain the differences between the two options. It will also remind people to be prepared when they come to DMV for their renewal.
Through the program, called SelectCT ID, people verifying will get a gold star on the license or ID card. Those declining will have one stamped "Not for Federal Identification." Those without verification could face extra federal screening under a proposed program slated to go into effect in 2017 for airports and federal buildings and that also could be used for possible commercial transactions.
“This is a federal program that we must start now so that in six years we comply with federal law that all license and ID card holders have been given this choice,” said DMV Commissioner Melody A. Currey. Details of the program can be found at ct.gov/selectCTid
The program stems from national identification standards resulting from the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the U.S. It is also designed to offer residents additional protection against identity theft by having a historical record of proven original identity documents shown to DMV.
The overall program in brief:
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The program, which begins October 3, will be phased in during the next six years as all licenses and ID cards come up for renewal. The renewal date is on the front of the card.
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People wanting a license or ID card indicating their identity was verified by DMV will need to present certain original documents like a birth certificate, a valid U.S. passport or other primary documents, proof of name changes including as a result of marriage, divorce, etc. as well as of current address.
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Anyone not wanting this verification can simply decline and renew their regular license or DMV-issued ID card. If someone declines, a valid U.S. passport can serve the same purpose as the verified license or ID card at federal screening checkpoints.
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Non-U.S. citizens who request the identity check must show various identity documents and legal presence in the U.S. that DMV will verify online. Without legal presence, DMV will not renew the driver's license or DMV-issued ID card.
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Unless a non-U.S. citizen has a permanent resident card or a certificate of naturalization, the person should not ask for a verified renewal.
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Anyone with a renewed license can drive legally regardless of whether an identity check is done.
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Complete information about the program, including the kinds of identification needed, can be found at ct.gov/selectCTid
Connecticut currently requires all new applicants for driver licenses or DMV-issued ID card to have this identity verification. The cost of the driver license or I.D. card renewals cards is the same whether identity is verified or not. (Regular license renewal for 6 years is $66; anyone 65 years-old and older can renew for two years at $22; commercial driver's license renewal is every 4 years and is $60. DMV-issued ID cards are renewed for $22.50 for six years.)
