New licenses will expire before federal requirement arrives

New federally compliant drivers licenses issued in Nevada so far will expire before the state's motorists are actually required to have one.

People have been crowding DMV offices under a misconception that the new advance secure issuance licenses, marked with a gold star, will be required by the federal government for boarding aircraft and other federal purposes. The new licensing program is now operating in the DMV's 18 field offices. Licenses issued so far will expire in the first quarter of 2014, nine months before the requirement goes into effect.

All existing Nevada cards will remain valid for federal purposes because the state has met the required federal benchmarks. Under federal rules, those born after Dec. 1, 1964, have until December 2014 to obtain a compliant license. Those born prior to Dec. 1, 1964, have until December 2017.

"This new program is running smoothly," DMV Director Edgar J. Roberts said. "But we are asking motorists to help us keep the lines as short as possible by waiting to get their new ASI license on or shortly before their usual expiration date."

What motorists should do now is ensure they have the proper proof of identity ready. Under the new program, all license and identity card holders will be required to show proof of identity in the coming years.

Proof of identity will be required at the next major license change including drive tests, names changes, reinstatements or adding endorsements. If a motorist has no changes, proof of identity will be required at one renewal in the coming years. Nevada, for the first time, is also requiring proof of residential address such as mortgage or lease contracts, utility bills and bank statements.

This is required for a change of address as well as the most other transactions. Full details of the proof of identity requirements and the ASI program are available on the DMV Web site at www.dmvnv.com