The US Government started a program of pre-documenting US international airplane travellers here years ago. The idea was that citizens' driver licenses would have a marker on them showing that proof of residency was documented. Apparently, few people participated in that program. And I'm not making any political statement here. I don't object to proving who I am, within limits.
The program morphed...
So early this year, I received a notice from the Maryland Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) saying that I had to present certain documents by December 12 2019 or I couldn't use my drivers license to prove who I was more airplane flights. I ignored it. I don't plan on any flights in the future and it seemed "bothersome".
Then they said I wouldn't be able to renew my license without presenting the documents. OK, Mine is good for 4 years, no rush.
Then they said my license could be recalled if I didn't present the documents. And that was a problem. The documents included my Social Security Card, an original or certified copy of my Birth Certificate, 2 proofs of Maryland residency, and a Tax W-2 form.
Well, my Social Security Card was gone when I lost a wallet 30 years ago. And since (as a Federal Employee) I was never qualified for Social Security anyway, so I didn't worry about it.. I also didn't have an original or certified copy of my Birth Certificate (just a photocopy). And as a retired Federal Employee, I don't get a W-2 form (just a different one..
But since Maryland threatened to recall my license, I decided I had to comply. There WERE allowances. Other legal documents showing my Social Security Number were permitted, alternate tax forms were permitted. Proof of State residency was acknowledged via utility bills, property tax bills, etc. Photocopies were fine but I missed the part about the Birth Certificate having to be original or certified.
The website appointment section was unusable. I don't know WHY government offices can't get such simple things to work. I actually tried for several months. I would fill in all the data and then the site would just "stop".
So I called to make an appointment. It only took 3 telephone menus and 20 minutes hold time, but I got through. The agent was friendly and helpful. I got a "15 minute wait time guarantee". I arrived and was called up in 5 minutes.
My Birth Certificate photocopy was rejected. I said it was all I had. The agent expalined that I could drive to the State of my birth and get one or contact them by phone for instructions to mail me one. OK. Well, it WAS my fault I missed the "original or certified" requirement on the email they sent.
So I got home and checked my birth State website, got instructions and started to write a letter. But in filing away my "precious" birth certificate (BC) copy, I noticed a few other folded stuff in the file I got after Dad died.
You guessed it, one was a certified copy of my BC! I was amazed.
So I called the DMV again, dreading a weeks-long appointment back-up. I have one for tomorrow! All will be legal again...
I'm still not sure why the State government was involved. Probably some Federal threat of reduced funding. I don't really blame them for it all. And the Federal Government seems to have been merely trying to have been trying to speed up airflight check-in faster by pre-clearing passengers.
And, like I said, this isn't a political statement. But it sure could have been easier and less-threatening a process. And this is one of those situations where legal residents have to jump through some hoops and people wanting to be deceptive could have easily faked the documents.
Oh well, one more thing off the to-do list...
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2 comments:
It's a nuisance. When things like this need to be addressed and I struggle a bit with them, I always spare a thought for those who don't have good literacy skills, don't have ready access to the internet and good googling skills, don't have fluent English and don't have the time to be mucked about by public servants - who are probably doing their best but are sometimes employed to implement poorly designed systems and processes without sufficient staff or training. You've got to wonder how all of those such people manage!
Megan
Sydney, Australia
Following on what Megan said, I got mine last year, in regular renewal process. It cost $35 US. For some people, $35 is a lot of money. If you'd completed the application for a new BC, I'll bet there was a fee (there was for mine, 40 years ago); ditto for a replacement SS card. For me, a utility bill was problematic, as the utilities are in DH's name, or are paid online (no bill, but I suppose I could print one out). The point here is that for some people getting a driver's license can be expensive and overwhelming, yet some sort of ID is being required to vote. There are alternate ways to prove you're eligible to vote, but they are also complicated and expensive. End rant.
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