Motor Vehicle Division Document and Identity Verification 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which document is generally NOT accepted as proof of identity at a US Motor Vehicle Division?
- U.S. passport
- Expired foreign passport (Correct answer)
- U.S. military ID
- State-issued driver's license
Correct answer: Expired foreign passport
An expired foreign passport is not accepted as valid proof of identity; documents must typically be current and unexpired.
Question 2: When a legal name change occurs due to marriage, what document is typically required to update your driver's license name?
- A notarized affidavit
- A certified marriage certificate (Correct answer)
- A letter from your spouse
- A Social Security card only
Correct answer: A certified marriage certificate
A certified copy of the marriage certificate is the standard document required to process a legal name change at the MVD.
Question 3: What does the REAL ID Act require state DMVs to verify before issuing a compliant ID?
- Applicant's credit score
- Proof of lawful status in the United States (Correct answer)
- Applicant's employment history
- Proof of vehicle ownership
Correct answer: Proof of lawful status in the United States
The REAL ID Act mandates that states verify an applicant's lawful presence in the US before issuing a REAL ID-compliant credential.
Question 4: A customer presents a Social Security card that is laminated. How should the MVD clerk handle this?
- Accept it without question
- Reject it, as laminated SSN cards are not acceptable (Correct answer)
- Accept it only if other documents are originals
- Call the Social Security Administration to verify
Correct answer: Reject it, as laminated SSN cards are not acceptable
The Social Security Administration instructs people NOT to laminate their cards, and laminated cards are generally not accepted by MVDs.
Question 5: Which of the following is an acceptable primary proof of identity for a first-time driver's license applicant?
- A utility bill in the applicant's name
- A certified U.S. birth certificate (Correct answer)
- A high school diploma
- A pay stub with name and address
Correct answer: A certified U.S. birth certificate
A certified U.S. birth certificate is a primary proof of identity document accepted by MVDs nationwide.
Question 6: What is the purpose of the document verification step when applying for a REAL ID?
- To check the applicant's driving record
- To confirm identity, SSN, and lawful presence (Correct answer)
- To verify the applicant's insurance status
- To confirm the applicant has passed a vision test
Correct answer: To confirm identity, SSN, and lawful presence
REAL ID document verification confirms the applicant's identity, Social Security Number, and lawful status before issuing a compliant credential.
Question 7: If your name on your birth certificate differs slightly from your Social Security card due to a spelling error, what should you do before visiting the MVD?
- Bring both documents and hope they are accepted
- Correct the discrepancy with the issuing agency first (Correct answer)
- Submit a handwritten correction letter
- Ask an MVD clerk to make an exception
Correct answer: Correct the discrepancy with the issuing agency first
Name discrepancies between identity documents must be resolved with the issuing agency (SSA or vital records office) before the MVD can process the application.
Motor Vehicle Division Document and Identity Verification 2
Which document is generally NOT accepted as proof of identity at a US Motor Vehicle Division?