Posted on: Tuesday, May 10, 2005

New driver checks present few hassles

By Mike Leidemann
Advertiser Transportation Writer

The first day of a new program to more closely check the identity of those applying for a driver's license went smoothly, Honolulu officials said yesterday.

Officials across the state yesterday began using the new system, which requires that an applicant's name and number match those on record in Social Security Administration files. It applies to new or renewed licenses.

The change is part of a tightening of driver's license requirements across the country after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, officials said.

"I didn't hear of any lines or other problems," said Dennis Kamimura, administrator of the Honolulu Motor Vehicle and Licensing Division.

In the past, officials have done a once-a-year check of all driver's licenses to ensure that names of applicants are the same as those on record. Now, each applicant's name will be checked when applying for a license or a renewal, Kamimura said.

"I didn't notice anything different. In fact, it's the fastest it's ever been," said Jim Howard, who along with his wife, Montse, picked up a renewal license at the Fort Street Satellite City Hall yesterday.

A common discrepancy occurs when someone marries but does not inform the government of the name change. Other problems can arise when a birth date or Social Security number is improperly entered in a database.

When a discrepancy is noticed under the new system, licensing officials can either require additional identification from the applicant or delay issuing a new license, he said. Decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Applicants probably won't notice anything different unless there is a problem with software that links city and federal databases, he said.

"Normally, the check will be instantaneous," Kamimura said. "But we have a backup system in place if anything goes wrong."

Reach Mike Leidemann at 525-5460 or mleidemann@honoluluadvertiser.com.