My "Fake" Drivers License is a Done Deal
May 6, 2008, 1:20 pm
#16
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I claimed the Florida DL lost, so I could dispose of it myself - the information on it was too sensitive to let out of my hands. They went into the national database and canceled the FL license for me, so although I can lock up the card at home (or shred it), the license itself is no longer valid.
The smaller ID card is one benefit - my old license being 'self laminated' was pretty huge, and never fit properly into my wallet. The new one tucks in perfectly.
The discount is a very small part, but not a motivating factor for doing the license there. From what I was told, they guard the issuing of State ID cards more tightly to prevent people from just getting the card for discount purposes. Truthfully, I've been spending so much time in Hawai'i for many years now and feel closely bonded to it - add in the 'no residency requirement' and no address verification for the DL, and it was a natural fit.
One potential hazard - the license has the state flag of Hawai'i prominently displayed across the top band. Of course, the state flag of Hawai'i is comprised partly of the Union Jack, along with stripes which don't match the US flag colors. I am now taking bets on how long it will take for a TSA screener to reject the license on the grounds that it's 'foreign'.
I think the jury duty is not an issue as they make provision for folks who are living on the mainland, even for license renewal.
The smaller ID card is one benefit - my old license being 'self laminated' was pretty huge, and never fit properly into my wallet. The new one tucks in perfectly.
The discount is a very small part, but not a motivating factor for doing the license there. From what I was told, they guard the issuing of State ID cards more tightly to prevent people from just getting the card for discount purposes. Truthfully, I've been spending so much time in Hawai'i for many years now and feel closely bonded to it - add in the 'no residency requirement' and no address verification for the DL, and it was a natural fit.
One potential hazard - the license has the state flag of Hawai'i prominently displayed across the top band. Of course, the state flag of Hawai'i is comprised partly of the Union Jack, along with stripes which don't match the US flag colors. I am now taking bets on how long it will take for a TSA screener to reject the license on the grounds that it's 'foreign'.
I think the jury duty is not an issue as they make provision for folks who are living on the mainland, even for license renewal.
May 6, 2008, 1:26 pm
#17
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I claimed the Florida DL lost, so I could dispose of it myself - the information on it was too sensitive to let out of my hands. They went into the national database and canceled the FL license for me, so although I can lock up the card at home (or shred it), the license itself is no longer valid.
May 6, 2008, 1:31 pm
#18
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If you've got some statutes to read somewhere, I'd be interested in perusing them.
May 6, 2008, 1:32 pm
#19
Join Date: May 2006
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I can't find the original ID thread where I stated my intention to do this, so pardon the new topic.
After a recent altercation with SEA TSA over my very old FL drivers license, the new 'ID regulations' and the fact my FL license has my SSN on it (making me a sitting duck for ID theft if I ever lost it), I decided to get a new drivers license in Hawai'i where they don't really care what your real address is. My goal with this project was securing a new license which was both legal for driving and met the TSA's silly new regulations for acceptable ID, while at the same time, not show my actual legal home address or have an address on file which is traceable back to where I really live. In the case of the TSA 'writing down' the info off my DL, or losing the license, I would be protected from ID theft or other TSA miscreant behavior, not to mention the satisfaction of 'sticking it to The Man' as far as this ID nonsense goes.
I rented a mailbox in Honolulu for my 'Hawai'i residence', visited the DMW office on Dillingham after arriving in Honolulu, and filled out the forms to transfer the Florida DL. The experience, save for the harder-than-expected written test was a pleasant breeze. Total time was under 1 hour, which was less time than it would have taken me to get *into* any Florida DMV office, let alone finish the process. Everyone at the DMV office was so nice, I almost fainted from shock - smiles, patience, laughter - I wasn't sure if it was really the DMV.
Total cost was $20 including the test, and the license paid for itself after saving $24 with my new Kama'aina discount at the Bishop Museum. I also noticed I was treated differently everywhere from my hotel, to restaurants, even to the ABC store if they saw the Hawaiian license - kind of a 'you're one of us and we'll treat you better' feeling.
Pro - I have a TSA compliant ID, they have no idea where I really live (so much for security, eh?), and I'm better insulated from ID theft since my name will not officially match with the DL address as far as the credit bureaus go.
Con - One of my worst photos, ever!
After a recent altercation with SEA TSA over my very old FL drivers license, the new 'ID regulations' and the fact my FL license has my SSN on it (making me a sitting duck for ID theft if I ever lost it), I decided to get a new drivers license in Hawai'i where they don't really care what your real address is. My goal with this project was securing a new license which was both legal for driving and met the TSA's silly new regulations for acceptable ID, while at the same time, not show my actual legal home address or have an address on file which is traceable back to where I really live. In the case of the TSA 'writing down' the info off my DL, or losing the license, I would be protected from ID theft or other TSA miscreant behavior, not to mention the satisfaction of 'sticking it to The Man' as far as this ID nonsense goes.
I rented a mailbox in Honolulu for my 'Hawai'i residence', visited the DMW office on Dillingham after arriving in Honolulu, and filled out the forms to transfer the Florida DL. The experience, save for the harder-than-expected written test was a pleasant breeze. Total time was under 1 hour, which was less time than it would have taken me to get *into* any Florida DMV office, let alone finish the process. Everyone at the DMV office was so nice, I almost fainted from shock - smiles, patience, laughter - I wasn't sure if it was really the DMV.
Total cost was $20 including the test, and the license paid for itself after saving $24 with my new Kama'aina discount at the Bishop Museum. I also noticed I was treated differently everywhere from my hotel, to restaurants, even to the ABC store if they saw the Hawaiian license - kind of a 'you're one of us and we'll treat you better' feeling.
Pro - I have a TSA compliant ID, they have no idea where I really live (so much for security, eh?), and I'm better insulated from ID theft since my name will not officially match with the DL address as far as the credit bureaus go.
Con - One of my worst photos, ever!
Anyway, glad you had some fun.
TB
Last edited by TerminalBliss; May 6, 2008 at 1:37 pm
May 6, 2008, 1:34 pm
#20
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Whenever the State Department gets around to issuing US Passport Cards (June/July), they should be valid for domestic travel ID. TSA Link
Cost is only $20 if you hold a valid Passport and are willing to mail it with your application. It'd be valid for 10 years and there's no need for a P.O. Box. You just miss out on a 'vacation' in Hawai'i.
Cost is only $20 if you hold a valid Passport and are willing to mail it with your application. It'd be valid for 10 years and there's no need for a P.O. Box. You just miss out on a 'vacation' in Hawai'i.
May 6, 2008, 1:45 pm
#21
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Whenever the State Department gets around to issuing US Passport Cards (June/July), they should be valid for domestic travel ID. TSA Link
Cost is only $20 if you hold a valid Passport and are willing to mail it with your application. It'd be valid for 10 years and there's no need for a P.O. Box. You just miss out on a 'vacation' in Hawai'i.
Cost is only $20 if you hold a valid Passport and are willing to mail it with your application. It'd be valid for 10 years and there's no need for a P.O. Box. You just miss out on a 'vacation' in Hawai'i.
May 6, 2008, 1:46 pm
#22
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The license was issued in '87, long before the Internet and before identity theft was a glimmer in the eye of some crook. Back then it was considered 'handy' to put the SSN on the license (why carry two cards?), just like we used to write it on personal checks.
May 6, 2008, 1:58 pm
#23
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My husband actually did lose his CA DL last year; most annoying as we had to drive to LAX and fetch him since he was afraid to try renting a one-way car with his expired one. Anyway, to get it replaced I just made an appointment, he turned up at DMV with his passport and they didn't even take a new photo like they do for in-person renewals or state ID cards. They just gave him a replacement with the same photo and number.
May 6, 2008, 2:02 pm
#24
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Well, seems like you went a little overboard if you're concerned about the TSA finding out your address and other such information. Is your date of birth on you license and is it accurate? If so, assuming they have a legitimate purpose, that's all they need. Honestly, that's enough information to find a good deal of information on most people using search engines and "web-detective" sites on the internet. Unless you are truly "off the grid," you may find it more difficult than you believe to "stick it to the man." Another thing...you might want to check Florida's laws regarding your driver's license since a quick review might indicate you are in violation of said laws.
Anyway, glad you had some fun.
TB
Anyway, glad you had some fun.
TB
I'm also equally interested in protecting myself from identity/credit theft should the wallet and license ever get lost. The address from the mailbox center leads nowhere - the data on the USPS document references my office, and given my mailroom's inability to even know who I am 5 years into my job, it's unlikely they will remember me should anyone trace the address there and want to verify something.
Florida law requires residents to have a FL drivers license, but they cannot address the issue of dual residency - they can claim I'm a resident, so can Hawai'i. Since I can drop anchor in either port, I'm not going to flip flop licenses. I can register to vote in FL before next November, then change my registration to HI right after.
Either way, it's mostly for privacy protection and partly for fun.
May 6, 2008, 2:24 pm
#27
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....Florida law requires residents to have a FL drivers license, but they cannot address the issue of dual residency - they can claim I'm a resident, so can Hawai'i. Since I can drop anchor in either port, I'm not going to flip flop licenses. I can register to vote in FL before next November, then change my registration to HI right after...
...
1) no, you don't need a FL drivers license to register a car in Florida or get insurance - many folks, especially snow birds, have cars both in FL and other states. The car registration is independent from the license. There are no 'out of state' licenses in FL - they want proof of residency and address...
1) no, you don't need a FL drivers license to register a car in Florida or get insurance - many folks, especially snow birds, have cars both in FL and other states. The car registration is independent from the license. There are no 'out of state' licenses in FL - they want proof of residency and address...
FL does issue to Non-United States Citizens. I have one.
May 6, 2008, 2:42 pm
#29
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http://www.freebooter.com/camouflage...t-pictures.asp
I bet TSOs can't tell a difference.
May 6, 2008, 2:49 pm
#30
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If I claim Homestead in the future, that would technically require me to get a FL DL - but that's a wild card right now.