BMV Announces Big Changes

Wednesday, July 8, 2008 (reprinted with permission)

This morning, I'm announcing big changes that will take effect on January 1, 2010, concerning the documentation necessary to obtain a driver's license or state-issued identification card. The program, called "SecureID," allows Indiana to comply with recommendations from the 9/11 Commission Report and will improve the BMV's ability to protect your identity from theft and fraud.

Beginning January 1, 2010, every person renewing, replacing or applying for a new driver's license or identification card will be required to present documentation proving his or her:

• Identity. An original or certified copy of a U.S. birth certificate or a U.S. passport will meet this requirement. If you are a foreign national, a U.S. immigration document, such as foreign passport with a Visa and an I-94 form issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is acceptable.
• Social Security number. A Social Security card, a W-2, tax form, an SSA-1099 form, or a pay stub showing the name and Social Security number on it will meet the requirement.
• Lawful status. Again, an original or certified copy of a U.S. birth certificate or a U.S. passport satisfies this requirement. If you are a foreign national, a U.S. immigration document, such as foreign passport with a Visa and an I-94 form issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is acceptable.
• Residency. Two recent statements from a utility company, bank, credit card company, doctor or hospital showing name and residence address. Computer-generated bills are acceptable.

If you do not have a copy of your birth certificate, contact the health department in the state where you were born and request an official copy. Indiana county health departments can be found here . A change in the name listed on your birth certificate requires additional items to be brought in - such as a marriage license. Those who have been through multiple name changes because of marriage, divorce or adoption must show proof of each name change.

After you present all documents, you will receive an interim license at the BMV branch. You will receive your permanent license or identification card within 10 business days. It will be mailed from a secure, government-run facility to your mailing address. This added step is to provide yet another layer of protection of your identity.

If your driver's license expires in 2011 or later, it is valid until the normal expiration date. You do not need to come into the license branch any earlier. If you are updating your name or address before the expiration date, you will have to bring all of the required documentation to the license branch.

To learn more about SecureID, please visit myBMV.IN.gov. Also, if you do not have a myBMV account, please sign-up for one here. A myBMV account allows you to conduct many regular transactions online at your convenience. The service is free and your information is confidential and will not be shared with third parties.

Please feel free to forward this email to your family and friends so they can learn more about SecureID. The BMV will send future updates to keep you informed of the program's progress.

Sincerely,
Andy Miller, Commissioner
Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles

(for more information on how to protect your personal identity, call Bob Hutt at 866-722-4715)