Temporary is official
Starting this week when someone goes into a state Motor Vehicle Division office in Los Alamos and Santa Fe to renew or obtain a new driver's license they may be surprised to get a black and white temporary paper license. The temporary license is part of a new process being implemented by the state to thwart ID theft.
The temporary license serves as an official license or ID until the license holder receives his or her new secure license by mail. In most cases, that should be within seven to 10 days from when they apply. The temporary license is good for up to 45 days, said Alicia Ortiz, deputy director for field operations with the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division.
Ortiz noted that the new process will only affect applicants applying for or renewing their license or ID. If someone's license doesn't expire for several years, there is no need to renew the license now.
"We will begin issuing temporary licenses in our Los Alamos office starting this week, and we want the public, businesses, public safety offices, and others to know about the new licenses and be assured that the temporary licenses are official and should be accepted as a form of identification," said Ortiz.
"We [badge office staff] will work with employees and the state to adopt the interim and new license into our proof-of-identification procedures," said Larry Freestone of Personnel Security (PS-3).
Anyone requesting a Laboratory badge should be prepared to present the temporary license, if they have been issued one, as well as their old license or another form of photo ID such as a current passport, valid state identification card, or current student ID card, said Freestone.
The new licensing process uses facial recognition technology, holographic and microprinting, and laser watermarks for added security. The new IDs are being produced in an offsite secure production facility, offering a more secure process and making it more difficult to copy or counterfeit New Mexico driver's licenses. The new process will eventually be implemented statewide.
"In addition to the security features, the temporary license also gives MVD the time it needs to verify identification and flag any applicants who may have more than one ID in the system," said Ortiz. "This will help prevent multiple aliases, fake IDs, and anyone trying to steal someone else's identity."
For more information, go to www.IDNM.us. Questions? Write to info@IDNM.us by electronic mail. To verify an ID, call (888) 683-4636.
For more information about valid photo identification requirements for Laboratory issued badges, click here.
