Really wasn't that bad. I took my military id, and my passport. Didn't need the proof of citizenship with those docs.

I was however born and raised a German, but changed citizenship in 1996

Moni

Part of it is to prevent identity theft. Up until April 19 this year, when you renewed your driver's license in Iowa, they gave you you new one on the spot. Now they mail it to you about 2 weeks later. The DMV clerk told me they can do more thorough checks this way.

You're just needing to supply those documents now? In our state, that's been the rule for many years now (at least my last 3 license renewals--and we renew for 4 years at a time)

I don't know how old you are, but keep in mind that a church-issued marriage certificate probably won't be accepted. You have to go to the town hall in the town where you were married, and get an official, legal marriage certificate (I had that problem first time around--didn't realize that the marriage certificate I'd had for 30 years wasn't 'legal').

If this is the first time you've been through this, don't wait till the last minute to renew--just in case some of your documentation isn't accepted.

But don't let it bother you. It's for your protection. There are far, far too many people who use fake or 'borrowed' documents to get licenses they shouldn't have. And they're out driving on the roads with you--generally without insurance. This is one way the state is trying to make it harder for people to scam a license they don't deserve.

I had to get a new birth certificate a couple of years ago because the one I was issued by the state when I was born had a stamped seal and not a raised one and wasn't printed on the special paper with the watermarking. Oklahoma made me go back to using my middle name that I dropped when I got married. I started using my maiden name as a middle name when I got married so I didn't have to do the hyphen thing.

I renewed mine a March of 09 in FL. Had to provide birth certificate, and a couple of bills with new address.

Msmarion, I renewed mine Dec. '09 and just had to give them my old license--nothing else. The new law went into effect in January, 1020.

Sounds like another reason not to change your name. ;)

Amen, Sue36. My thoughts exactly!

I've never had to show anything to get a license, other than the ability to drive a car.

Had to renew my license last June because I turned 85. That required a vision test. Got my license and it is good until 2013!

I do think that is wrong. If vision is checked at age 85, I think it should be checked every year after that.

I wasn't asked for my old license, in fact I still have the last two before last year. Same picture on both of them.

But whatever it takes to weed out any unqualified drivers is fine with me,

Sue

After 80, we need attend a training session for an hour and a half or so, then write a test relating to signs and multi-choice questions. When graded, they ask some to take a driving test.

I had mine issued in 2009, after my 80th birthday and passing the tests and it's good for two years - then I have to pass them again.

No extra documentation required last year - we'll see about next.

I think that we all should have to pass a written test every four years, and a road test, as well. So many change lanes in intersections, don't move into the closest available lane when turning into a multi-lane road, etc.

Flying is much safer than driving, in terms of millions of person-miles travelled, but many who fear to fly travel in vehicles or walk without giving it a second thought. It seems to me that every time that we break the rules, we add to that higher risk factor ... and every now and again, there's a bigger possibility that someone will be killed, or long-term maimed, when we do so.

When I see folks with a fish on the back of the car (sometimes with a cross where the eye should be) and see them breeaking the rules of the road, I'd like to ask them whether, when they advertise their Christianity like that, wouldn't it be a good idea were they to be sure to always obey the rules of the road?

Jews are supposed to be people of the Law - I was told that Christians are supposed to go beyond that, to love others as ourselves, to show extra care and courtesy to all.

Lawyers help scoundrels who are careful to stay within the letter of the law while they practise their skullduggery to avoid getting into trouble for it, no?

I hope that you're all having a really fine week - raining here, as it has been for days (and chilly) ... but I have a lot of garden seeds that should be in the ground.

ole joyful

Patti:

I see you're in FL like me. These new rules are a major PITA, and are related to Federal security requirements mandated after 9/11. All states are supposed to require such documentation, but FL is only one of a handful that have actually done it - lucky us!

What is REALLY irritating is all the extra documentation women need, like marriage licenses, & divorce decrees.

It seems to me that if you have a valid U.S. passport, your identity has already been established, and you shouldn't need birth certificates, etc.

My license doesn't expire until 2012, so I'm going to call the DMV and find out about stuff beyond a valid passport. I have to line up 2 marriage licenses & divorce decrees from my 2 previous "mistakes".

Ellen

A couple of years ago to get a state ID, I had to provide all sorts of things, took a bit of searching to get everything for them. It is good for two more years.

Sue

Ellen, that's what bothers me--the fact that if I'd kept my maiden name all these years I wouldn't have to bother finding the other stuff that men don't have to. Are you in Central Florida? I'm in Ocala.

Sue, I wonder why a state ID would expire??? I guess they make more money by having you renew it.

OJ, you're probably right we should all have to take those tests. I'm wondering if I would pass :-)

Sue-va, I did have to take an eye test. That's when I found out I didn't need my glasses any longer.

I know that in New York when you renew your drivers license, they ask for your Social Security Number and check it against the name you currently use. Many women forget to change their name with Social Security when they marry and/or divorce. If it doesn't match, DMV makes you go to Social Security first to "fix" your name. So you habe to deal with TWO beauracracies!

Oregon has some new rules also, not sure about ND

Yikes, that's a lot of hoops to jump through, Patti.

I renewed my license about a month ago. All I had to do was give them my old one and take the usual vision test. I had been a little worried because I heard that our state wasn't allowing smiles in the photos anymore, due to facial recognition software, but that wasn't the case and I got lucky and have a great (IMO) photo on my license for the next 4 years.

Glad your picture's good, Flamey--I look like Michael Jackson in mine. :-(

Patti, we're almost neighbors! I live in Leesburg. Some friends and I are driving up to Ocala next week to shop.

Ellen

I guess we are either lucky or behind the times! Here in PA, at least to my knowledge, we don't need anything other than our authorization from the state showing we paid for it!

Patti, I think the reason the state i.d. expires is the photo.