December 31st is the expiration date for year-long commercial driver’s licenses for non-US citizens and nationals licensed to drive in American Samoa.
This year with American Samoa transitioning to REAL ID driver’s licenses, there’s extra stress on drivers, as well as the staff at the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) facing so many complaints about the tedious process of obtaining the new documents.
Many have taken to social media to criticize the timing of the changeover close to the expiration date of commercial drivers’ licenses, and the time consuming process to obtain the necessary papers for the REAL ID documents.
Deputy Commissioner of Public Safety Terry Letuli was on the Morning Show yesterday to answer questions and explain areas that would help speed things up for those seeking REAL ID driver’s licenses and IDs.
The three main requirements are identity, Social Security and proof of residency.
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For Social Security, OMV is having issues with laminated SSN cards.
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Many non-US citizens and nationals are getting stuck with proof of residency.
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Letuli says, these documents are only needed the first time you apply for a real ID driver’s license or ID as once they’re “in the system,” they’re there for keepers.
