The processing of REAL ID cards is the target of mounting complaints since the Office of Motor Vehicles began issuing the federally mandated documents.
People say they have had to wait for 2-3 hours and then find out that the documents they bring for verification of identity and residency are not acceptable. Some say they have had go to OMV 3 or more times, and to other offices, to obtain the needed paperwork and it has taken up their whole week.
KHJ News understands that many of those who are having difficulty getting documents to verify they are residents, are foreigners working as commercial drivers. Another group that’s having problem are teenagers who do not hold jobs.
One woman expressed frustration trying to renew the drivers license for her husband who is a non-US citizen or national. She said, OMV asked for a utility bill or a bank statement in her husband’s name.
She said, they live with her parents and the utility bills are under her parents’ name. Also their bank account is under her name not her husband’s, as it’s just easier since she’s a US citizen.
She said, OMV will not accept her husband’s American Samoa immigration ID as proof of residency. Their story is that the ID can only be used for proof of identity. The woman said, OMV advised that she buy a phone and register it in her husband’s name and they can accept that as proof of residency.
Deputy Commissioner of Public Safety Terry Letuli said, people can also obtain affidavits to be used as verification.
A mother said that her son, who lives with her, also couldn’t get his REAL ID drivers license because he doesn’t have a bank account or a utility bill in his name.
OMV suggested he get an affidavit certifying he has been a resident of American Samoa for his 21 years.
The woman also complained that the driver’s license for foreigners is just for one year, yet it costs the same as a three-year driver’s license.
A businessman said, OMV has to come up with a better system. He said, time is money and they are wasting up to 3 hours waiting at OMV because it doesn’t have a good system.
