Tougher to Get a License

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Updated: 7:50 PM May 25, 2005

Tougher to Get a License

Most of us will notice the changes when we go to get our license renewed; we'll need to fill out a lot more paperwork to make that happen, and officials say that will make the lines at the DMV longer for all of us.

Posted: 5:53 PM May 24, 2005
Reporter: Justin Ware

Drivers License Renewal Change/Longer Wait, But Better Terrorism Protection

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During the lunch rush at the Department of Motor Vehicles the lines were moving pretty quickly Tuesday, and that meant most people were happy with the time it took them to get their driver’s license.

But a new federal law will make that process more difficult for Wisconsin drivers. Right now, all you need is your old license and two official pieces of mail with your address on it.

But transportation officials say under new, federal guidelines that will take affect in 2008, you'll have to prove who you are and that you're legally living in the United States.

Lawmakers say that will add time to your trip to the DMV.

"It's not clear what it would require and how it would work, but it will make it more difficult for people to obtain driver’s licenses," said Sen. Herb Kohl, (D) Wisconsin.

The reason behind the new law is safety. Supporters of the bill point out that many of the 9/11 hijackers had fake IDs, and the new license requirements should make it more difficult for that to happen again.