For Immediate Release
Date: June 30, 2005
Contact: Trish Vincent
Phone: (573) 751-8222

Law Enforcement Community Backs Goals of Show Me Proof

        JEFFERSON CITY – As the Missouri Department of Revenue worked toward implementation of Show Me Proof – new lawful presence requirements passed in 2004 by the General Assembly – it recognized that driver and nondriver licenses were no longer just for driving.  Licenses have become the primary piece of identification for most Americans, and the department realized a much greater responsibility to protect Missourians and assist law enforcement.

        Beginning July 1, customers will have to Show Me Proof and will be required to show proof of lawful presence, show proof of identity, and show proof of residency when the customer obtains a new license or permit or renews a license or permit for the first time after July 1.

        Missouri Department of Public Safety Director Mark James believes the new driver’s license requirements sends a positive message to citizens, ensuring the safety and security of Missourians will not be sacrificed.

        “While it may seem like an inconvenience for some, the reality is these few extra requirements will enhance our security by making it more difficult for terrorists and criminals to obtain fraudulent driver licenses.  Let’s not forget the lessons we learned on 9-11 where many of those terrorist had falsified forms of ID obtained through these very systems.”

        Cole County Sheriff Greg White also supports Show Me Proof.  “This will allow the Cole County Sheriff's Department to use the Missouri driver license, nondriver license, or instruction permit to assist us in establishing identity and residency for the issuance of permits to acquire a handgun, concealed weapon permits, other civil processes, and for emergency contacts and notification.  I applaud this fine effort by Director Trish Vincent and the Missouri Department of Revenue.”

        Homeland Security Director Michael Chapman said, “A drivers license is just a piece of plastic, as vulnerable to fraud as any credit or debit card. The new 'Show Me Proof' program ensures a driver license has integrity and validity.  For relatively little inconvenience, the state is ultimately providing a wealth of protection to Missourian citizens.”

        “On a daily basis the Highway Patrol relies on the information on driver licenses to be accurate and in the hands of its rightful owner,“ said Colonel Roger D. Stottlemyre, Superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol.  “I am confident that the 'Show Me Proof' initiative will make our jobs less complicated so we can spend more time patrolling Missouri's highways." 

        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.