Since last December, the Missouri Department of Revenue has been equipping license offices around the state with the tools to implement the new driver and nondriver identification card process.
The Washington License Office at 323 W. Main St. was updated Tuesday, Jan. 29, according to Amanda Griesheimer, marketing director for the Washington Area Chamber of Commerce which manages the license office.
The changes made to the license-issuing process and card design enhance security, Griesheimer said, and help reduce the risk of identity theft and other kinds of fraud.
The application process and fees will remain the same. Residents whose licenses do not expire immediately do not need to take action now.
There are three major changes for the new ID cards.
First, persons renewing their license will not leave the office with a new plastic license. A temporary paper license will be provided for use while the new permanent license is being produced.
All licenses will now be produced in one secure location and mailed to the applicant’s home within seven to 10 business days.
Second, the look of the license will change.
The new, permanent license has added security features and a different background from the old license. The location of the person’s picture has been changed, and color-coded headers indicating the type of license will be added.
There are some features, such as the organ donor and veteran logos, that will remain unchanged.
The third change applies only to licenses for persons under 21.
Those licenses contain the same information and security features, but the card will be in a vertical format instead of the traditional horizontal format.
Applicants for a new license or renewed license will be required to provide the following documentation before a license can be issued:
• Name, Date of Birth, Place of Birth;
• U.S. Birth Certificate (certified with an embossed, stamped, or raised seal issued by a state or local government), U.S. Military Identification Card or Discharge Papers accompanied by a copy of U.S. Birth Certificate, US Passport (valid or expired), or U.S. Certificate of Citizenship/Naturalization/Birth Abroad. (If you are renewing a non-commercial permit/driver license of nondriver license and are age 65 or older, you are exempt from presenting documents for place of birth);
• Social Security Number;
• Residential Address. Acceptable documentation for residential address include voter registration card, utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, property tax receipt, housing rental contract, mortgage document. A P.O. box is not acceptable as proof of residential address.
Details on accepted forms of documentation can be found at the Missouri Department of Revenue website — www.dor.mo.gov/drivers. Information also can be found on the renewal reminder cards that are sent in the mail.
