Proof of citizenship to renew TDL prompts need for birth certificate

According to Grimes County’s County Clerk Vanessa Burzynski, the law recently changed with regards to renewing driver’s licenses. Applicants must now present proof of citizenship from a list of 16 documents which includes a full birth certificate from the county of birth.

Burzynski said, “Although Grimes County now has the ability to obtain ‘remote birth certificates’ from other counties, this type of birth certificate is not acceptable. You must get a copy of the full birth certificate from the county you were born in, or you can obtain a copy from the Texas Department of Health and Human Services in Austin, Texas.”

Burzynski hopes that publicizing this change will alleviate standing in line only to find the proper documentation is lacking.

Burzynski said that the birth certificate is the most common proof of citizenship presented but not everyone has theirs. She said her office has seen a large increase in the number of people who need to get a copy despite the fact that they’ve had a driver’s license for many years.

The changes were implemented by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to reduce the risk of identity theft, enhance security and protect the integrity of the licensing process. In situations involving name changes, additional documentation such as a marriage license, divorce decree, court order is required.

The DHS recommends that applicants renew their driver’s licenses at least seven days before expiration. While most documents will be verified through the DHS SAVE Program with instantaneous verification, if verification is delayed, the receipt of the driver’s license or ID could be delayed up to 30 days.

Newcomers to Texas are required to present documentation verifying Texas residency for at least 30 days. In some situations, documents that verify the name and Texas physical address will be accepted.

For the newcomer, the unexpired, valid ‘local’ driver’s license is good for 90 days but continuing to drive after 90 days without a Texas driver’s license is unlawful and the driver can be given a citation.

For additional information, go to www.dps.texas.gov/DriversLicense/.