| CONTACT: | Buel C. Young
| | MVA Organization Relations
(410) 768-7386 |
Changes Sought to Strengthen and Protect Driver's License and Identification Card Integrity
GLEN BURNIE, MD (July 20, 2006) - Due to an unprecedented 233% increase in fraudulent cases of individuals applying for driver's licenses and identification cards, the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) today announced that it has completed and filed emergency regulations that will strengthen and protect the integrity of the Maryland driver's license and identification card. In 2003, 146 cases of fraudulent documents were handled by the MVA. Last year, over 515 cases of fraudulent documents were handled, a 233% increase.
Along with the tightening of accepted documents, the MVA is also recommending the use of additional documents, not currently accepted as identification or proof of residency, to make the process more amenable for Maryland residents.
The Proposed Changes Allow a tax return no more than 18 months old, with proof of filing, to qualify as proof of Maryland residence. Allow a government employee/contractor photo identification card without a signature to qualify as source of identification. Accept only U.S. certified school records and baptismal certificates as proof of identity. Eliminate all first class mail and U.S. Saving bonds as acceptable proofs of Maryland residency. A minor's parent's certification will now be taken under oath and the parent must present a valid and verifiable ID or driver's license and must appear in person.
In addition, the MVA is also evaluating further refinements to the Out-of-Country application process. These refinements include: - Reinstating a more sophisticated applicant appointment system while not impeding individuals who have a valid U.S. Federal government identification source, such as a Valid U.S. Visa with an I-94, an Employment Authorization Card, or a Permanent Resident Card that is verifiable through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Systematic Alien Verification System for Entitlements (SAVE). Those individuals with valid U.S. Federal government identification will be able to walk-in for service at any full service MVA branch office.
- Hiring additional investigative staff to work hand-in-hand with front line employees and law enforcement agencies to identify and charge individuals who attempt to present fraudulent documents.
- Implementing a central issuance system similar to our current identification card issuance process.
- Strengthening the Applicant Certification Statement by adding language that includes documents and addresses presented.
The MVA's core mission is to ensure the safety of all drivers and protect their consumer interests. The proposed emergency regulations also mark the administration's first significant effort to come into compliance with the requirements of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Federal REAL ID Act. With an implementation date of May 11, 2008, the REAL ID Act requires all motor vehicle administrations nationwide to use only those documents that can either be authenticated or verified when issuing driver's license or identification cards. "By implementing these changes in an effort to combat fraud, the MVA believes that the
integrity of the Maryland driver's license and identification card will remain secure into the next decade and beyond. The MVA intends on meeting and achieving its goals to improve customer service for everyone and protecting consumers," added MVA Administrator John T. Kuo. ### Return to Press Release Main Page |
