Connecticut motorists this fall will face new license renewal procedures aimed at minimizing identity fraud, the state motor vehicles agency says.
Beginning Oct. 3, the Department of Motor Vehicles will ask renewing customers whether they want to show original identity documents to establish an historical record of their identity with the agency as well as for federal identification purposes.
Customers can also decline the verification and simply get a regular driver’s license or ID card.
Through the program, called Select CT ID, people verifying will get a gold star on the license or ID card.
Those declining will have one stamped “Not for Federal Identification.” Those without verification could face extra federal screening under a proposed program slated to go into effect in 2017 for airports and federal buildings and that also could be used for possible commercial transactions.
The program stems from national identification standards resulting from the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the U.S. It is also designed to offer residents additional protection against identity theft by having a historical record of proven original identity documents shown to DMV.
Complete information about the program, including the kinds of identification needed, can be found at ct.gov/selectCTid
This identity protection and verification program is a one-time review of original identity documents. This new program will be available in all DMV and AAA offices.
In addition, DMV beginning May 10 will periodically close different offices statewide for part or all of the day to conduct a uniform review of processes associated with this new identity protection program.
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Connecticut currently requires all new applicants for driver licenses or DMV-issued ID card to have this identity verification.
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The cost of the driver license or I.D. card renewals cards is the same whether identity is verified or not. (Regular license renewal for 6 years is $66; anyone 65 years-old and older can renew for two years at $22; commercial driver’s license renewal is every 4 years and is $60. DMV-issued ID cards are renewed for $22.50 for six years.)
