“This is one more tool in our initiative to bolster Michigan’s border and document security,” Land said.  “It also puts Michigan’s procedure in line with those of most other states.  The department will maintain its highest standards of customer service by sharing information with the public and working with applicants so that they understand the requirements.  We all share the goal of a safer Michigan and America.”

As of Tuesday, applicants for an original driver’s license or state-issued ID card must meet four standards in addition to Michigan’s driving and physical health requirements by providing documentation of:

A valid Social Security number or ineligibility for one.  Applicants will have to bring their Social Security card or other acceptable document to a Secretary of State office, or a letter of ineligibility from the U.S. Social Security Administration. 
Legal and permanent presence in the United States.
Their identity (legal name and date of birth).
Michigan residency.

A list of acceptable documents is at www.Michigan.gov/sos.  The Web site includes information on obtaining a Social Security card from the federal government.

Land encouraged customers to make sure they have the documents necessary to complete their applications before going to a branch office.

She added that the new policy actually complements the department’s commitment to speeding up branch office service.  Because fewer foreign identity documents will be accepted from applicants, employees at the counter won’t be confronted with as many time-consuming transactions and can serve other customers.  Documents that need additional verification will be reviewed in Lansing rather than in branch offices.  In those instances a customer may be asked to visit the branch again.

Land also pointed out that the number of original applications processed in branch offices is relatively small, accounting for less than 4 percent of all branch transactions.

A state lawmaker recently asked Michigan’s attorney general to revisit a 1995 opinion that has guided Michigan’s policy to this point.  The 1995 opinion said the department could not refuse to issue a license simply because the applicant was not legally in the country.  The most recent opinion takes precedence over the earlier opinion.

Land already has been working to enhance driver’s license security.  In December 2007 she proposed the creation of an upgraded “standard” driver’s license and an optional “enhanced” version that can be used in place of a passport at the Canadian border.  The plan is being considered by the Legislature.

Her proposal would change the law to allow residents who are in the U.S. legally but temporarily to apply for an upgraded standard license.

“Michigan has many outstanding residents who contribute greatly to our economy and society even though they’re here on a temporary basis,” Land said.  “Businesses rely on these talented individuals as well.  Under the attorney general’s opinion, those who are in the country legally but on temporary student or work visas are ineligible for a Michigan license, though most still can drive using the license of their home country.  We need to reconsider that aspect of the law to avoid unintended consequences for individuals or job providers. I encourage citizens to voice their support for our proposal and contact their legislators.”

Information on Land’s initiative is at www.Michigan.gov/sos.  It is titled “The Drive for a Safer Michigan” and is found under “News and Headlines”.