Getting or Renewing a Driver’s License, ID Card or Learner’s Permit?

Massachusetts RMV Announces New Requirements:

Lawful Presence and REAL ID

 

BOSTON – The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles is reminding the public that on March 26, 2018, to get or renew any driver’s license, ID card, or learner’s permit, customers will need documentation showing United States citizenship or lawful presence as required by federal and state law.

Lawful presence means that a person is legally living in the United States according to federal immigration laws. All United States citizens and lawfully permanent residents have permanent lawful presence in the U.S. Non-U.S. individuals who are studying, working, or living temporarily in the U.S. may have temporary lawful presence that may vary in length.

On March 26, customers will have the choice between a REAL ID Driver’s License or ID Card or a Standard Massachusetts Driver’s License or ID Card. REAL ID is a Federal Security Standard for IDs that was created in 2005 as a result of increased federal security measures after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

REAL ID will be available on March 26, 2018; however, people will not need a REAL ID until October of 2020. And if they have an active passport and don’t mind carrying it, they will never need a REAL ID. After October of 2020, citizens will need either a passport or REAL ID Massachusetts Driver’s License to fly in the United States, or to enter restricted areas of federal buildings.  The Standard Massachusetts License or ID card will not be valid as a federal ID after October 2020.

“We encourage the public to review information on our website at mass.gov/id to learn what documents they must provide for the credential they seek,” said Registrar Erin Deveney. “In most cases, people will have the required documents on hand as these documents are regularly requested when a child starts school, when someone travels outside the country, or in order to get married.”

 

On March 26, 2018, individuals applying for Registry credentials are encouraged to start their applications online at mass.gov/rmv and answer a few questions to determine if they should choose a REAL ID driver’s license or ID or a Standard Driver’s license or ID, and exactly what identification documents are necessary for each. Customers who visit the RMV’s website will be able to print online applications or have an application that can be displayed on a mobile phone. The website tells customers exactly what to bring to complete the transaction and also directs AAA members to closest AAA offices for renewals. The online application includes a bar code that will be scanned to retrieve the customer’s information in the system to save time in line. Renewal customers requesting a standard card may be able to perform their renewal successfully online, without coming in person.

 

Before March 26, 2018: Customers can process renewals as usual: online or in person at an RMV Service Center or AAA Location (if they are a member). We encourage the public to renew early.

Lawful Presence Documentation

For U.S. citizens, a valid, unexpired U.S. passport is sufficient proof of lawful presence. U.S. citizens may also provide a certified copy of their U.S. birth certificate.

For permanent residents, a valid permanent resident card (green card) is sufficient proof of lawful presence.

For customers who are not U.S. citizens, valid, verifiable immigration documents as well as proof that they have been granted a legal stay in the U.S. for at least 12 months is required. Their license or ID will expire when their legal stay is over.

For Massachusetts Learner’s Permit Holders, that were issued a learner’s permit prior to March 26, 2018 and have not passed a road test by March 26^th, they will need to prove U.S. citizenship or lawful presence before receiving a driver’s license.

Drivers over the age of 75 seeking a REAL ID or a Standard driver’s license or ID card, may begin their application online at mass.gov/rmv, but must present official required documentation in person to complete the renewal or issuance process, and pass a vision screening if obtaining a driver’s license. AAA members, can visit a AAA office to renew their driver’s license or ID card.

March, 2018 – Leominster Credit Union donated 102 new blankets to area homeless shelters and charities.  Twenty Massachusetts Credit Unions along with the Cooperative Credit Union Association participated in the 2018 Blanket Drive during the month of January.  The credit unions donated a total of 838 blankets and hundreds of warm clothing items to the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless and 20 other local agencies across the state. LCU has participated in the Cooperative Credit Union Association’s initiative along with area Credit Unions since 2011.

“We are extremely pleased with the number of blankets we collected this year,” said John O’Brien, LCU President & CEO.  “The generosity from members and staff was exceptional.  A special thanks to Lorrie Brodeur and the residents from Sun Rise Senior Living Center for the blankets they made and donated to the drive. Giving back to the community is a core value of the LCU employees and one we strongly believe in. We are pleased that we are able to assist so many through this blanket drive.”

Blankets were distributed to the following area organizations: Montachusett Interfaith Hospital Network, Leominster; Our Father’s House, Fitchburg; Ginny’s Helping Hands, Leominster; Battered Women’s Shelter, Holden Senior Center; Andy’s Attic, Worcester; Wheat Community Connection/ Hidden Treasures, Clinton; Sterling Fire Department, McKay School, Fitchburg and Leominster Emergency Management to assist 15 people who were recently displaced by fire.

Founded in 1954, Leominster Credit Union (LCU) is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative with a full range of deposit, lending and other financial services.  Headquartered in Leominster, Massachusetts, LCU is proud to claim nearly 50,000 members and more than $600 million in assets.  LCU has seven branch locations in Leominster, Worcester, Clinton, Holden, Sterling and North Leominster with ATM services at all branch locations.  24-hour online banking services are available at www.leominstercu.com and by telephone at 800-649-4646.

 

Digital Federal Credit Union will return again as this year’s Premier Sponsor for the Dueling Pianos event to help raise funds benefiting the work of Habitat for Humanity North Central MA.  Laughter and tomfoolery will be on tap for Friday, April 6^th at the Devens Common Center.  This fundraiser has become one of Habitat’s most well-attended and fun-filled annual events! The musical event will support the Agency’s latest new home builds in Acton and Stow.  Proceeds will also go to help support the organization’s critical home repair program.

Tickets are $70 per person for Dinner and the Show -OR- $40 per person for the SHOW ONLY.  The Dinner and Show package includes a three-course plated dinner with choice of Baked Jumbo Gulf Shrimp, Marinated Beef Tips, or a Stuffed Pepper vegetarian selection.  Dinner will be served at 6:00pm.

A Cocktail Hour with cash bar and complimentary light appetizers and desserts for “Show Only Patrons” will begin at 7:00pm. The show starts at 7:30pm.  A Silent Auction is slated for the start of the evening and winners will be announced during the show’s intermission.

Joining DCU in this year’s Sponsor line-up is Leominster Credit Union as the event’s Entertainment Sponsor.  Community Partner Sponsors include Mitrano Removal Service LLC and Phoenix Park Business Center, both located in Shirley, MA.  Sponsorship opportunities for the event are still available at a variety of levels, allowing an affordable option for local businesses and community groups to come out and support Habitat NCM’s mission.  Civic organizations and individual donors are also invited to be sponsors for the event.

To purchase tickets, please visit www.ncmhabitat.org.  Tickets and sponsorship information are also available by calling the Habitat for Humanity NCM office at 978-348-2749.  The Devens Common Center is located at 31 Andrews Parkway in Devens, MA.

Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts offers a hand up, not a hand out, to hard-working, low-income central Massachusetts families seeking affordable homeownership.  Through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, Habitat NCM builds and rehabilitates simple, decent houses alongside our homeowner partner families. Habitat NCM also operates the Leominster ReStore which raises funds through the sale of discounted or recycled materials and furniture.

The North Central Career Center has partnered with the MA Dept. of Revenue’s Child Support Enforcement (CSE) Division to offer a free informational workshop about the responsibilities of employers related to child support.  The workshop will be held on March 28, 2018, 1:00pm-3:00pm at the North Central Career Center, 100 Erdman Way, Leominster, MA

The Massachusetts CSE Division has consistently relied on a partnership with the employer community in assisting children to obtain the financial support to which they are entitled. More than 75% of all money collected on behalf of America’s children is collected by employers through income withholding.  When employers report newly hired employees, that information helps to prevent erroneous benefits payments and public assistance fraud.

This free workshop, presented by CSE staff, will give you the opportunity to learn and ask questions about your responsibilities as an employer.  To register for this free event, please rsvp by March 19th^st to spercifull@ccncm.com