Posted on 12/01/2006 7:20:54 AM PST by FLOutdoorsman
Beware. Big changes are coming for anyone with a Texas drivers license or state ID.
If you thought you could avoid the lines at the DMV and renew by mail -- think again.
A new federal law will force you to renew the license in person.
Beginning in 2008, every driver will have to get a new license -- even if their old one hasn't expired.
Right now states have different requirements to get a license.
But Congress, driven by Homeland Security concerns, recently passed the Real ID act. That means Texas will have the same standards as California, New York and all the other states.
Right now, a new Texas license costs $24. That may seem like a bargain under the new federal law because it didn't give states money to make changes.
That is up to Texas to figure out.
"We have anticipated a very rough estimate of $167 million the first year and $101 million every year thereafter," said Judy Brown with the DPS Driver's License Division.
It won't just cost money -- it will cost you time.
You won't be able to renew online or even change your address. That means the DMV lines will likely be out the door and around the building.
In January, DPS will go to the legislature to ask for 500 more people to handle the load.
"In the future, we'll have to reprocess all your credentials. We're anticipating the time will quadruple," said Brown.
"The standing in line part is going to be difficult but I think as long as we have secruity, we can't have enough security," said Sheryl Young, a Texas driver.
Whether you think it's worth it, doesn't really matter. Not only do you need the license to drive -- you won't be able to get on an airplane without the Real ID.
I have to renew my TX license in early '07 anyway. I have no problem waiting in line if it will help cramp down on illegals.
I think the uber-libertarians will have an issue with this, but if the states were to cease reciprocity on recognizing the legality of out of state drivers, I think that would be a far greater problem.
Citizens will have to wait in line, but the illegals won't.
Be very wary of this.
True. I give these IDs about 5 minutes before a near-perfect copy appears on the streets for next to nothing.
This story is like sunlight to us citizens and also the to the illegal vampires.
Both the Miscellaneous and Unclassified topic-fields are not intended to be used in the method you selected.
This is the first I've heard about this, but ping anyway.
The story reads as if its just Texas that's affected, yet a federal law is cited. But this would affect all states, I presume?
Why?
I have always renewed my DL in person, no matter what state I lived in. This is no deal for me. If it makes it one iota more complicated for illegals, criminals, or terrorists to get a valid (key word here) DL, so be it.
KHOU (the source of story) is local Houston channel.
If they change this, they better change the Voter ID requirement as well. Bringing in a utility bill or bank statement of any registered voter will get you a ballot without any other checking.
Wow, that's just unreal! Good to hear.
Unless you are a proud noble honorable undocumented uninvited guest immigrant. Then you can do whut ya want. No problemo.
I had a similar experience on Wednesday.
ML/NJ
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