DMV Driver's License Information
The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is a state-level government agency that administers driver licensing and vehicle registration in the U.S. Each state has its own policies in issuing a driver's license and vehicle registration within its jurisdiction. And for an individual intending to operate any vehicle from mopeds and motorcycles to cars and buses, the applicable driver's license for the kind of vehicle/s to be driven is required by law.
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Driver's Licenses and Identification
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Since the driver's license has often become the de facto identification card in the U.S., a resident who does not intend to operate any vehicle should still apply for an ID card at the DMV. This shall serve as his form of identification in the state. The state requires proofs that a person is lawfully present in the U.S. and is able to operate a motor vehicle safely (if applying for a license).
After passing the driving test or applying for an ID card, the resident will be issued an interim document valid for 30 or 60 days until the permanent license or ID card is received in the mail.
Driver's License Validity
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The license is generally valid for four years and expires on the motorist's birthday unless immigration documents are presented as evidence of the name and date of birth. If immigration documents are used, the expiration of the driver's license will coincide with the departure date of the immigration documents, or in four years, whichever is sooner.
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Instruction Permit
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Before acquiring a driver's license for the first time, an individual needs to pass a knowledge test that checks his understanding of the state's traffic laws and signs. Upon passing this and the vision test, the person will be provided an instruction permit. Minors need 6 months of continuous driving practice with a licensed driver on the passenger seat to accompany him every time he is driving. It is recommended that the driving experience includes day and night driving situations in various places. For minors, a driving log is also required. This will be submitted along with the other requirements for the driving test.
Commercial and Non-commercial Driver's Licenses
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Unlike the basic requirements for a non-commercial driver's license (NCDL) application, which mainly requires a person to pass the knowledge, vision and driving test using the applicant's private vehicle of choice, a commercial driver's license (CDL) is issued in accordance with Federal Regulations that allows an individual to operate a commercial vehicle. The policies vary from state to state, but, generally, each DMV follows the same basic requirements. Additional requirements for CDL may include passing a pre-trip inspection, acquiring a Certificate of Driving Skill and obtaining a medical report of the person's capacity to drive a commercial vehicle.
By general definition, a commercial vehicle is a motor vehicle or combination used for hire to transport passengers or property. And an applicant must be from 18 to 21 years of age to drive a commercial vehicle across state lines (interstate commerce) or to transport passengers or hazardous materials or wastes (intrastate or interstate commerce).
Driver History Records
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All state Departments of Motor Vehicles (DMVs) maintain and provide driving records in one way or another. Usually, a motorist can readily get a copy of his driving record for a minimal fee. The fastest way to obtain one is to order it online using credit or debit card as form of payment. This usually provides a three-year history that shall be delivered and ready to print out within minutes. There are also available kiosks at DMV offices where the motorist can request for a driver history record. If an individual needs a certified copy of the record, he must contact the DMV records section by mail. He should prepare a written request and a check or money order payable to DMV.
Prospective employers of job applicants, regardless of the kind of job applied for, may also look into the person's driving records for background check purposes. Third parties, such as insurance companies and employers, must request an individual's driver history by using a record request form.
License Renewal
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Driver's license renewal can be done in person, by mail or through the Internet. To qualify for Internet or mail renewals, the motorist must have obtained the license or renewed it in person within the last four years and he must be at least 25 years old on his next birthday. There must be no more than two moving violations or any license suspension, revocation, cancellation or denial within the last four years.
Ideally, drivers must renew in person once every eight years regardless of driving history. If the person receives a post card asking for in-person renewal, he must do so. The only exception for this is for active-duty military members.
Advanced Secure Issuance (ASI)
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When required to renew in person, the motorist may wish to comply with the federal Real ID Act of 2005 under the title of Advanced Secure Issuance (ASI). New driver's licenses issued during the specified launch dates of ASI-compliant DMV offices (starting the first quarter of 2010) are also processed according to ASI requirements. Though people may renew one time without meeting the new proof of identity requirements under the ASI program (between 2010 to 2017), the DMV will eventually ask for this. And the motorist must present the existing license and additional proof of identity documents and proof of residential address, which may include any of the following: birth certificate, passport, green card, bank statement, credit card statement, utility bill statement, Homeowner Residency Affidavit and Certification of Residency Form.
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References
- Photo Credit driving 4 image by Andrzej Borowicz from Fotolia.com
