OMV swamped with drivers seeking new digital driver's licenses by Tina Mata'afa Samoa News Writer Since June 19, the Office of Motor Vehicles, a division of the police department, has issued more than 200 of the new tamper-proof American Samoa digital driver's licenses, averaging 44 a day. On Monday, a government payday, more than 60 driver's licenses were issued. "A majority just want to get a new one," said Fred Scanlan, project manager for OMV systems. "Especially those who are traveling." Since the OMV has been able to issue the new driver's licenses, the office has been swamped to such an extent that OMV employees have had to go without lunch breaks. OMV is able to issue a private driver's license valid for three years or a provisional driver's license (learner's permit) good for two years. Both cost $12, the normal fee. However, commercial driver's licenses are currently "on-hold" according to Scanlan. He said the OMV will be issuing a new set of requirements for driver's who seek to obtain a commercial driver's license. Only commercial permits are being issued at the moment. Compliance with emerging federal identification card rules or "Real ID" has increased the number of required documents to obtain the new driver's license. This in addition to compliance wtih local statutes. Required documents differ for U.S. citizens or nationals and foreign nationals (see below for list of documents). "We really want to get the word out on the new requirements," he told Samoa News. "Compliance level is not just for local statute but we have to meet emerging Real ID standards. The new digital licenses are really a step up for American Samoa." Scanlan said the OMV has many drivers coming to their office who are not aware of the new documents required to obtain the new license. "It's hard when their licenses are expired and they come here and don't have all the documents," said Scanlan. "A lot of folks who come in are missing documents and get really frustrated." Scanlan said he "is pleased with the way the new system integrates American Samoan demographic information, driver licensing and vehicle registration in one reliable and secure system" and noted "the new system provides law enforcement and the court instant access to accurate information for the first time." OMV's new digital driver licensing system was provided by WEI, Inc., an engineering firm based in Old Saybrook, Conn. OMV Manager Marie Ripley said in a statement that "the licenses come with advanced security features, many of which have been adopted nationally, that will make counterfeiting difficult." Each license has a computerized barcode that stores a driver's personal information that takes only a few seconds to retrieve when needed. Scanlan said priority is being given to drivers who hold expired driver's licenses. Residents who have the old driver's license which is still valid may obtain a new card nevertheless. With the new licenses, Scanlan said "that once drivers have the license which is valid for three years, the next time they come in they don't have to bring in anything as long as their license is cleared for three years." Wait time for a driver's license can last from 15 to 40 minutes but Ripley said it is also a good idea to have drivers submit required documents in the morning and pick up their new license in the afternoon. When documents are submitted in the afternoon, Ripley said plan on picking it up the following morning. "The Office of Motor Vehicles would really like to work together with the people of American Samoa on this," said Ripley. "People can drop off their information today and pick up their driver's license the next day." "Everyone really wants these new licenses and OMV staff is still getting used to the system," said Ripley. "It is very important that everyone bring in the original documents when they come in because we won't take copies of anything. We want the real thing." In order for U.S. Citizens or U.S. Nationals to obtain the new American Samoa Driver's license you will need these documents: 1) A court issued traffic clearance; 2) Your U.S. Passport or Birth Certificate; 3) Your Social Security Card; or - a letter from the Social Security office verifying your Social Security number; or - a W-2 form showing your Social Security number; or - a paycheck stub that shows your Social Security number. For foreign nationals, (i.e. citizens of Samoa), you will need all of the above documents plus: 4) A valid Immigration Identification card Reach the reporter at tina@samoanews.com. © Osini Faleatasi Inc. dba Samoa News reserves all rights.