New ID requirements cause few bumps

Those seeking a driver's license must provide additional identification.

Tanya Sadler and her co-workers at the Chaffee license bureau haven't been yelled at nearly as often as they'd expected over the past 12 days.

As big a hassle as most people considered the old system of obtaining drivers licenses, Sadler was sure the new requirements effective July 1 would upset her customers.

The new program, dubbed "Show Me Proof," requires anyone obtaining or renewing a drivers license, a picture identification or instruction permit to present proof of lawful presence, proof of identity and proof of residence.

"It's going really well. We're not having nearly the problems I expected," said Sadler, manager of the Chaffee bureau.

The biggest problem for Sadler's office and other license bureaus in Cape Girardeau County has been renewing licenses for older residents who do not have the correct birth certificates.

Kandi Sailer, manager of the Jackson license bureau, said some seniors have hospital certificates of live birth or government census certificates, but not the state-certified birth certificates now needed.

This has proved a problem especially for those born outside Missouri, Sailer said. Such cases represent the bulk of extensions her officer has handed out.

"We've run into a couple snags, but basically everybody is accommodating," said Sailer. "Most people understand the need for it to change."

The extra paperwork has meant additional workload for employees in the license bureau.

"It's taking a little more time to process people," said Sarabeth Moore, manager of the Cape Girardeau license bureau. "We're trying to get used to the new changes along with everybody else."

Moore said one problem she's encountered has been with married women's licenses. Not only do they need a copy of their birth certificate, said Moore, but married women also need either a copy of the marriage license or a social security or Medicare card with their married name on it.

According to the Missouri Department of Revenue, between 1 and 10 percent of customers throughout the state have required extensions on their licenses in order to obtain the newly required documentation, indicating most are dealing with the changes well.

"I am very pleased that most of our customers have heard of Show Me Proof and have responded in such a positive way," said Trish Vincent, director of the department. "I understand that the new requirements are a bit of a hassle, but the benefits of Show Me Proof greatly outweigh the costs."

cmiller@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 128