BMV to implement new security measures

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Another state agency is taking steps to cut down on identity theft and fraud. Earlier this week, the Attorney General's Office announced an effort to make it quicker and easier to protect your credit.

Wednesday, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles rolled out new rules for driver's licenses and ID's.

BMV Commissioner Andy Miller said his agency is embracing a whole new role.

"Our number one objective is to verify identity," Miller said. "Our driver's licenses started out to prove that you could go out and drive. But today they really are the primary source of identification that we use, not only here in Indiana but around the country."

Under the program called "SecureID", beginning in 2010, Hoosiers will not be able to renew their license by simply bringing in an old one.

Everyone will have to bring a Passport or birth certificate to prove their identity.

Hoosiers will also need two items to confirm their address; things like a bill, a paycheck, or a voter ID card will work.

And drivers must provide their social security number with either their original Social Security card or a W-2 tax form.

The goal is to prevent criminal "chameleons" that get one ID, then another with a different name, then another, and another.

Miller said, "To no longer be able to walk out of a license branch with a fraudulent ID, we'll be able to stop that dead in its tracks."

Even those who follow the new rules will go home without a new card. Instead, state computers will check the info and photo and if there are no problems a card will be sent in the mail.

Administrators expect some objections to the new rules, but they say the payoff will make it all worth while.

The changes start on January 1. Drivers who renew before then do not have to bring all the extra documentation.

According to the BMV, "SecureID" is aimed at bringing the state in line with recommendations from the 9-11 Commission Report.