New security measures for the issuance of a driver’s license in Nebraska has the state Department of Motor Vehicles looking for more space in Nebraska City.
Formerly, photographs for the license were taken and fees were paid at the Otoe County treasurer’s office.
That procedure left a security gap, state officials said, because the person who showed up to take the photograph did not necessarily have to be the same person who showed proof of identification and took the test.
Now, the photo is supposed to taken by driver’s license examiners, but Otoe County Commissioner Tim Nelsen said there is not enough room.
Commissioners voted 4-0 Tuesday to spend about $8,000 to remodel the driver’s examination room.
The removal of a counter in the middle of the room is expected to leave enough space for taking photographs.
The license examiners use a room in the lower level of the county courthouse two days a week. The room has been used for vision tests, a service counter and two test takers at a time.
At their July 23 meeting, commissioners discussed moving the child support enforcement office from the courthouse to Nebraska City Center for Children and Families facility at 917 Wildwood Ln.
Commissioner Nikki Kreifels, who was absent from Tuesday’s meeting, suggested that rather than shuffle offices, the conference room that was built as part of the Emergency Management remodeling in 2006 be used by the DMV.
Commissioner Rick Freshman, who is in charge of the county’s buildings, said the conference room is not suitable because it is used by EMA and state probation.
Other changes at the DMV intended to close security gaps includes a requirement for more documentation when applying for a license. A person will now have to show two forms of “proof of principal residence,” such as a utility bill or bank statement bearing the person’s name.
Nebraska City, Neb. —
