HAGÅTÑA (The Guam Daily Post) — The 37th Guam Legislature is taking steps to improve the efficiency and convenience of the island’s driver’s licensing system, the office of Sen. Roy Quinata announced in a press release.
Quinata, along with Sens. Joe S. San Agustin, Sabina Flores Perez, Chris Barnett, Dwayne T.D. San Nicolas, Amanda L. Shelton, William A. Parkinson and Thomas J. Fisher and Vice Speaker Tina Rose Muña Barnes and Speaker Therese M. Terlaje, introduced Bill 174-37 (COR) to extend the validity of Guam driver’s license from three years to eight years.
This extension aligns with the maximum period authorized under the REAL ID Act, a federal law enacted to enhance the security and integrity of identification documents used for various purposes, including air travel and access to federal facilities, Quinata’s office said in the release.
“Extending the validity of driver’s licenses issued by the Department of Revenue and Taxation from three years to eight years is a significant step towards improving the efficiency and convenience of our driver licensing system,” said Quinata.
By synchronizing the island’s driver’s license expiration period with the REAL ID Act, this legislation aims to simplify the renewal process for residents and bring substantial benefits to both drivers and the DRT, according to the release. Rev & Tax often faces challenges such as long lines, high transaction volumes and resource constraints due to frequent renewals. Extending the validity period of driver’s licenses will help alleviate these issues, allowing the department to allocate its resources more efficiently, Quinata said in the release.
This, in turn, will improve customer service, reduce wait times and enhance the overall experience for those seeking services, said Quinata. By streamlining its operations, he said, DRT can redirect resources to focus on other critical tasks, further benefiting island residents.
“This bill is an important step towards improving the efficiency and convenience of our driver licensing system,” Quinata said. “It will help reduce wait times, improve customer service and ultimately benefit our island residents.”
Roy Quinata
People applying for a Guam driver’s license – or renewing their current one – wait their turn in the process at the Department of Revenue and Taxation on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023, in Barrigada.
