Driver Licence Photo ID Catch-22

A recent request from my local FBO for my ID prompted me to
upgrade to the soon to be mandatory NJ digital photo license from my
current paper license which expires in '06. ( I carry a separate State
issued photo ID to satisfy the FAA requirement for photo ID).

According to the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission website, a primary
and seconday documentation tier exists assigning values to types of ID
which must add up to 6 points.

A primary document such as a birth certificate equals 4 points. A
seconday document is an FAA pilot license which equals 2 points. I
presented these two documents to the receptionist when I entered the
Licensing Dept. and asked to upgrade to a digital photo license.

I was asked for additional documentation including my drivers
license and proof of insurance; provided a card to fill out with name,
address, drivers license and ss number, and instructed to go to the
photo license room.

Another receptionist required me to submit all documentation
previously submitted for a second verification and I was usherd to the
end of the waiting line. After waiting for 25 minutes, I was required
to re-submit all documentation a thirfd time to the computer/camera
operator.

After entering my information into the computer, I was asked to
wait for an additional 5 minutes while my ss number was verified. When
I was called to return, I was told the original Birth Certificate I
submitted was not acceptable, and only a copy of it would be accepted.

The catch is that the copy must be issued by the municipality
where the birth occured and bear the municipal seal. The original Birth
Certificate is issued by the hospital where the birth occured, which is
not a government agency and will not be accepted by the Motor Vehicle
Commission.

Therefore a new certificate must be obtained from the municipality
of birth, bear an appropriate embossed government seal, and require a
$21.95 issuing, shipping and handling fee.

I realize that many have already obtained a digital photo license,
but having the correct birth certificate may help those who are
transitioning from paper/paper photo, to digital-photo avoid delay by
obtaining the municiplal issued certificate.