Ten years after the September 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, in New York, the federal and state governments are still taking precautions to protect the identity of American citizens.

Beginning January 3, the West Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles instated the new secure driverﾒs licenses and identification cards regulations. Now, when applying for a new license or renewing your license, West Virginia residents are required to provide proof of identity, Social Security Number and residency.

DMV Public Information Director Natalie Harvey explained that the regulations are, in part, for the safety of West Virginia residents.

ﾓThe biggest reason for the change is because the 9/11 terrorists obtained fake driversﾒ licenses and were able to take flying lessons with those IDs,ﾔ Harvey said. ﾓThe government was looking for ways to stop that. Itﾒs for the safety and security of the public. It will cut down on fraud and identity theft.ﾔ

When applying for a new license or getting a renewal, the following items are required:

Proof of identity requires one of the following:

ﾕ U.S. birth certificate, either the original or a certified copy. U.S. Department of State and U.S. Military birth certificates are acceptable but hospital birth certificates are not.

ﾕ A valid, unexpired U.S. Passport.

ﾕ A valid, unexpired Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Document, if foreign born.

Proof of social security number requires one of the following:

ﾕ Original Social Security Card.

ﾕ Wage and tax statement (W-2) or payroll stub with employer name and employer ID number, as well as your name, address and Social Security Number.

ﾕ SSA/1099 Form, a Social Security benefit form.

Proof of West Virginia residency documents, must provide two:

ﾕﾠWest Virginia utility bills, not more than 60 days old.

ﾕ Tax records with a West Virginia street address.

ﾕ West Virginia mortgage documents, homeowner insurance document or proof of home ownership.

ﾕ West Virginia W-2 form not more than 18 months old.

ﾕ West Virginia weapons permit.

ﾕ Valid West Virginia motor vehicles registration card.

ﾕ West Virginia voterﾒs registration card.

ﾕ West Virginia driverﾒs eligibility certificate, or school enrollment form, if under the age of 18, with West Virginia street address.

ﾕ West Virginia Homestead Tax exemption.

ﾕ Proof of West Virginia public assistance.

ﾕ Residential rental or lease agreement.

ﾕ DMV affidavit of West Virginia residency.

A post office box address cannot be used as proof of West Virginia residency.

If applying for a new license due to a name change, the applicant must have one of the following documents as proof of a legal name change: marriage certificate, certified copy of a birth certificate, court order, or divorce decree with name change.

For more information or the view the Secure Driverﾒs Licenses and Identification Cards pamphlet, visit www.dmv.wv.gov

Suzanne Stewart can be reached by e-mail at sastewart@pocahontastimes.com