Almost 100 REAL ID's and over 20 road tests for permits were issued in New Stuyahok, despite a few bumps. Two more locations have been announced for March and April.
The state’s first mobile DMV is on the move after its pilot run in New Stuyahok. The Bristol Bay Native Corporation and Department of Motor Vehicles issued 94 REAL ID’s, and more than 23 road tests for driver permits.
BBNC’s Faith Andrew in New Stuyahok was the proctor for both tests. Despite some challenges, she was happy overall with the results.
“From experiencing the DMV in Anchorage, it was sort of like that in a small village.” Andrew said. “We had lots of people lined up; sitting around so it was kind of exciting. I went around and made sure they had all their documents.”
The largest challenge was that some residents didn’t have proper
documentation. BBNC’s Martha Anelon worked on the program, and she says they had to turn some people away.
“Some people had laminated social security numbers." Anelon said. "Some people had copies of their social security number and that won’t work either because the DMV needs the original documents. For some of the ladies, they didn’t have their original marriage certificate which showed and displayed their name change.”
With a three- day trip to Port Heiden scheduled for next month (3/8), Anelon wants to make sure that people know what they need. Tribal Administrator John Christensen is helping with that mission.
“We’ve been helping people print out their tribal cards." Christensen said. "One of the requirements is having a physical address, a lot of people have been using a P.O box. We’ve been changing those over to street addresses and reminding people to gather up all that information – well over a week ago.”
Port Heiden will have bunk houses and Air B&B’s available for those who travel to the village. Invites were sent out to the Chigniks, Perryville, Pilot Point and Ugashik.
After Port Heiden, the mobile DMV will make a five day stop in Illiamna and Newhalen. BBNC is coordinating with the Lake and Peninsula Borough to set up the event for students and their guardians.
All Alaska residents will need a Real ID by Oct. 1, 2020, to travel on commercial airlines. A list of acceptable forms of identification can be found here or viewed below.
Contact the author at tyler@kdlg.org or 907-842-2200
