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Trying to get an enhanced driver's license with a P.O. box

By Mike Kelly

I recently went to DMV/Batavia to apply for a non-driver enhanced ID. This option is available even if you have a drivers license. Being over 62, this option is cheaper than the Enhanced Drivers License.

I presented all the proofs required. Drivers license, SS card, birth certificate along with an electric bill and property tax bill for proof of residence.

The electric bill and property tax bill were rejected as proof of residence. Both these documents have my home address listed on them, but they were mailed to my PO box.

There are 36 types of documentation listed on DMV/ID-44EDL which can be used as proof of residence; but have to be MAILED TO YOUR RESIDENCE. No PO boxes.

Therefore, I was rejected and the only option I was given was to cancel my PO box and install a mail box at my home address.

Upon returning home, I called the DMV helpline. I spoke to a very pleasant young lady explaining my situation. No help. I then spoke with her supervisor who also could not help with my situation. He did state though that "apparently the politicians didn't think this through completely". (Nothing new there)

Bottom line; if you receive ALL your mail at a PO box, you are not eligible to receive an Enhanced Drivers License/ID. (I can't be the only person in the state with this problem.)

I'll be going to Sen. Ranzenhofer's mobile office at Pembroke Town Hall tomorrow; perhaps I can obtain a more logical explanation. (I won't hold my breath, but will report on what transpires.)

Peter O'Brien

Mike, this is a security measure.

PO Boxes can be rented by anyone. And though your home address was listed on the bills anyone could make up an address and then have the bills sent to a PO Box and there address could not really exist.

I'm sorry you are having trouble but I don't think this is a bad measure.

Oct 1, 2010, 10:18am Permalink

I disagree, Peter. There are some areas locally where the towns do not deliver to homes and only have PO boxes. Are they not able to get one then?

I understand the line of thought, but people who are doing wrong will do wrong regardless. I have seen people literally use addresses on new build homes to get away with crap. Much like gun laws that only seem to hurt law abiding citizens, this is no different.

If a PO box is such a security risk, the they shouldn't have them.

Oct 1, 2010, 10:28am Permalink
C. M. Barons

I live in the village of Bergen and have a P O Box rather than street mailbox. However, mail addressed to my physical, street address is delivered to my P O Box. I doubt this is a unique situation. Under the circumstances, I would check with the Post Office and determine if a street address presents a delivery problem in this case. I know the Post Office "prefers" the box number, but many official documents (such as property tax bills) are sent to a physical address by default. The only exception I can imagine is a private mailbox service such as Mail Boxes Etc. If in fact having a U. S. Post Office box precludes participation in this program, the law needs to be revised to bridge the exclusion.

Oct 1, 2010, 11:13am Permalink
Chris Chilano

I have had a PO Box for my address since 2002 and I have had my enhanced license for over a year. Had no problem getting it with my PO Box address..

Oct 1, 2010, 11:17am Permalink
Mardell Lamb

Here in Pavilion, there are a few streets that the mail carries do not deliver mail to. People who reside there HAVE to have a PO box. I used to live right behind the post office & did not have to pay for my PO box.

What's a person to do if it's not possible to have a physical address for the mail to be delivered to?

Oct 1, 2010, 2:47pm Permalink
Mike Kelly

Well, here's the report. Sen. Razenhofer stated that he would look into the situation. He did mention that some Federal rules are in affect.

Here is one item I forgot to note in my post. On the application for EDL/ID there are two lines for address. One line asks "Address Where You Get Your Mail". The other asks "Address Where You Live". Strange?

Chris: Do you receive ALL your mail at the PO Box?

Jason: I'm only planning on driving to Canada. Passport, over $100. ID, zero.

Oct 1, 2010, 7:56pm Permalink

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