For Immediate Release
Date: June 27, 2005
Contact: Maura Browning
Phone: (573) 751-8222
Revenue Promoting “Show Me Proof” to Protect Missourians and Ensure Address Accuracy
JEFFERSON CITY – The Missouri Department of Revenue today introduced “Show Me Proof,” a new, customer-friendly program that fine-tunes and simplifies the new “lawful presence” requirements to obtain a driver license, nondriver license, or instruction permit. By creating the “Show Me Proof” program, the department has emphasized the three primary requirements: proof of lawful presence, proof of identity, and proof of residency.
“Show Me Proof” becomes effective July 1, 2005, and affects all Missouri driver license, nondriver license, and instruction permit holders.
“People rely on the validity of the licenses and permits we issue,” said department director Trish Vincent. “Show Me Proof will help ensure that license holders are who they say they are and will help to protect the identities of Missourians.”
To show proof of lawful presence, a U.S. Citizen may show a certified birth certificate issued by a state or local government (with an embossed or raised seal), a valid or expired U.S. passport, a Certificate of Citizenship, Certificate of Naturalization, or a Certificate of Birth Abroad. Proof of lawful presence is a one-time requirement for U.S. citizens. Once a customer applies for a new license or permit or renews a license or permit after July 1 and shows proof of lawful presence, the customer will not be required to show proof of lawful presence on subsequent renewals. Non-U.S. citizens will be required to show lawful presence each time a license or permit is renewed.
To show proof of identity, a Social Security card or Medicare card with the customer’s current name can be presented. If the name on the Social Security card or Medicare card does not match the customer’s current name, additional documents must be presented to supply proof of the applicant’s name change. A complete list of documents that will be accepted as proof of identity is listed on the department’s web site. After showing proof of identity, the customer will only need to present proof of identity on future renewals should the customer’s name change.
To show proof of residence, customers will have a variety of options to prove their current address. Examples include a recent utility bill (including phone, electric, gas, water, sewer, and cable), property tax receipt, or most recent bank statement, voter ID card, or any official letter issued within the last 30 days by another state or local governmental agency on its letterhead. Proof of residency will be required each time a customer applies to renew a driver license, nondriver license, or instruction permit. A complete list of documents that will be accepted as proof of residence is on the department’s web site. If an applicant under the age of 21 cannot provide proof of residence, a parent or legal guardian may provide such a document on behalf of the young person.
If a customer visits a license office without appropriate proof of lawful presence, identity, or residence, the customer can be given a 60-day extension on the expiration date of their license or permit.
“I am asking Missourians to partner with us, to help us make sure that we are doing all we can to reduce the risk of identity theft and fraud to Missourians,” Vincent said. “There are people out there who want to prey on you, and we’re not insulated from that in Missouri. We are working to make the license process as easy as possible for our customers, while taking steps to protect our citizens and protect the integrity of a state-issued license.”
The department has partnered with the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) to determine the most convenient ways to obtain the required proof. As a result of those discussions these less expensive, easier methods of proving lawful presence will be accepted by the department.
Customers born in Missouri who must obtain a birth certificate may contact the Department of Health and Senior Services by calling (573) 751-6387 or (573) 751-6400 or by visiting the DHSS web site at www.dhss.mo.gov. Local county health agencies are also able to provide birth certificates. Customers born outside of Missouri can find lists of appropriate state agencies in their state of birth at www.cdc.gov.
For more detailed information about the new identification requirements, including a guide to obtaining the required documentation, please visit the department’s web site at www.dor.mo.gov or call (573) 751-2730. On the department’s web site, click the “Show Me Proof” icon to go directly to the new requirements.
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