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| ODOT News |
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Public input sought on new driver license ID rules
March 27, 2008
For more information, contact David House (503) 945-5270
Starting July 1, everyone who applies for a new, renewal or replacement Oregon driver license, driver permit or identification card will need to bring documents to prove that they are citizens of the United States or otherwise in the country legally.
The new requirements are a result of Senate Bill 1080, passed by the February legislative session and signed by the governor to tighten issuance requirements for Oregon driver licenses and ID cards.
“It’s important for Oregonians to know that these requirements apply to all individuals, not just people applying for driving privileges or an Oregon ID card for the first time,” DMV Administrator Tom McClellan said.
Oregonians will need to show DMV documents that prove they are U.S. citizens or are in the country legally when they initially apply for a license or ID card, as well as each time they renew their license or ID card, or need to replace a lost or stolen card.
“Even if your license or ID card doesn’t expire for months or years, it’s a good idea to start preparing now,” McClellan said. “Make sure you have your government-issued birth certificate, Social Security card, U.S. passport or any other forms of ID stored safely. And remember, it takes time to obtain some of these documents.”
Oregonians have an opportunity during April to help DMV determine what documents will be required to prove citizenship or show that an individual is in the country legally. The public comment period for the administrative rules under the new law is April 1 through May 2.
“For example, we expect birth certificates to be one of the documents that proves U.S. citizenship, as well as identity,” McClellan said. “But what about citizens who’ve never had a birth certificate? Public input is vital in dealing with questions like that.”
In addition, the new law will require proof of Social Security number, such as a Social Security card or an income tax document. The number will be verified electronically – a step already automated in the DMV’s computer system since Feb. 4 under an executive order by Gov. Kulongoski.
For applicants who do not have a Social Security number, the new law will require proof they are not eligible for one before a driver license or ID card may be issued.
“That’s why it’s important to start preparing well before your license or ID card expires,” McClellan said. “If you are a U.S. citizen with no Social Security number or birth certificate, for example, it takes time to obtain these documents.”
Oregonians may read the proposed rules on these new ID requirements and submit their comments online here:
http://egov.oregon.gov/ODOT/CS/RULES/dmv_actions.shtml
They also may attend any of seven public hearings that DMV will hold across the state during April. All seven are scheduled to start at 6 p.m. in the following locations:
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April 15 – Transportation Building, Room 122, 355 Capitol St. NE, Salem
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April 16 – Multnomah Building, Commissioners Boardroom, 501 SE Hawthorne, Portland
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April 17 – Lane County Public Service Building, Harris Hall, 125 E Eighth St., Eugene
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April 23 – Coos Bay Public Library, Myrtlewood meeting room, 525 Anderson Ave., Coos Bay
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April 24 – Jackson County Community Justice, downstairs conference room, 1101 W Main St., Medford
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April 29 – Sky View Middle School, 63555 18th St., Bend
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April 30 – ODOT Region 5 Headquarters, large conference room, 3012 Island Drive, La Grande
In May, DMV’s proposed rules and a summary of public comments will be provided to the Oregon Transportation Commission, which must approve all administrative rule changes for ODOT. DMV is a division of ODOT. The commission is scheduled to consider the rules at its June 19-20 meeting.
Comments also may be mailed to: Administrative Rules Coordinator, DMV, 1905 Lana Ave. NE, Salem OR 97314.
Public input on these proposed rules must be received by May 2.
For more information about the new state ID requirements and on other changes or proposed changes to driver license and ID card rules, visit www.OregonDMV.com.
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