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Tips to Get Your License

Posted by: euser
August 08, 2006
Topic: Driver’s License / Revocations

Prior to even going to DMV, you need to be prepared.  Here are some helpful tips to make the process a little easier:

• Be Prepared.  You'll need proof of Identification, Insurance, Money and Patience.

• Show I.D.  Identification can be proven by several different methods, but Picture I.D. is normally the best.  North Carolina has traditionally allowed more usual forms, such as a family Bible with birth / death entries, Birth Certificate, etc. 

1. Valid, unexpired Driver License or State-Issued Identification Card from another state, Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory, or a Canadian province.

2. Certified or original birth certificate.

3. Original Social Security card (may not be laminated)

4. Official North Carolina School Registration records signed by a school official and Diplomas issued by North Carolina schools, including secondary schools, community colleges, colleges and universities

5. Unexpired U.S. Military Identification, including DD-2, DD-214, Common Access Card, and U.S. Military Dependents Card

6. Valid, unexpired Passport from any nation

7. Certified marriage certificate from a Register of Deeds or appropriate government agency in the United States, Puerto Rico, U.S. territories or Canada.

8. Limited Driving Privilege issued by North Carolina.

9. Valid, unexpired documents issued by the U.S. Bureau of Immigration Services (BIS) formerly known as Immigration & Naturalization Service (INS)

10. Court documents from U.S. jurisdiction, Puerto Rico, U.S. territories or Canada.

11. U.S. Veterans Universal Access Card.

• Bring Cash.  Government agencies pay with checks, but demand cash.  A list of fees and costs are available on-line.  It's just not worth the hassle trying any other form of payment.  We tell clients to always bring $25 more than expected.  Yes, they DO charge to notarize documents.

• Liability Insurance.  The BEST form of proof is the DL-123.  Your insurance company will provide you a form, free of charge.  The DL-123 is valid only 30 days from the date of signature.
Proof of liability insurance includes providing insurance documents such as: DMV form DL-123; or an original liability insurance policy binder; or an insurance card with: your name, policy number, issue and expiration date.

• Social Security Number.  New rules targeted against illegal immigrants now requires documentation of SS # or Tax Identification Number.  Other accepted forms of ID include:
Social Security Card (but not the metal or plastic card or laminated card or other reproductions); A computer generated W-2 tax form or other computer-generated document from the IRS or a state or county revenue department; Payroll stub

• Be Patient.  Despite being busy, most DMV representatives want to help you. 

• Don't Fake It.  Save yourself the time, if you don't have the required documentation or materials, DMV is NOT going to "let it slide just this once."  Nice smile withstanding, they are going to require proper materials. . .nothing more, nothing less.

• Listen & Read.  It is very common to have representative of DMV talk to people waiting in line, looking for documentation.  The hope is to speed up the process and avoid long waits.  Listen to what is being said.  Also, READ the notices on the walls.  They're not posted for decoration.

• Call Ahead!  You may not know it, but there are regional branches for certain DMV offices in the Charlotte area.  Smaller locations generally are faster.  Call ahead, ask "what is the best time or day to come in?"  They'll normally tell you the "slow" times. 

• Be Nice.  Working at DMV is a thankless job.  The employees are well trained.  They know what they're talking about.  They also can have you arrested. 

• Donate Your Organs.  If you're not using them, let someone else live. 

If you have more questions, for a free legal consultation call Bush & Powers at 704-342-4357. 
http://www.ncdot.org/dmv/driver_services/drivingpublic/applying.html#Step%201

 



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