Dear Mr. Naland:

Governor Warner has asked me to thank you for and respond to your letter regarding the difficulties that members of the U.S. Foreign Service are experiencing when attempting to renew their driver's license.

I understand that you have spoken with Mr. Jim Davidson with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) regarding this matter. He advised that effective July 1, 2002, Virginia law requires all holders of Virginia driver's licenses to maintain a Virginia dwelling and mailing address. There are exceptions to this requirement, such as active members of the military and citizens employed outside of the United States (including spouses and dependents), including includes members of the U.S. Foreign Service.

Any member of the Foreign Service that maintains a non-Virginia address will be mailed an information packet that explains how to qualify for an exception to the Virginia address requirement in lieu of a renewal notice. Once an individual has provided proof the he qualifies as an exception, his driving record will be updated accordingly and a driver's license renewal packet will be mailed back to him. Those individuals visiting a DMV customer service center can show their proof as an exception and renew at the same time.

For your information, enclosed is an information sheet that provides detailed information on how to qualify for an exception to the Virginia address requirement. If you or members of the U.S. Foreign Service have additional questions or concerns, I encourage you to contact Mr. Davidson. I can assure you that he will be glad to lend any assistance he can. You can contact him at: Department of Motor Vehicles, Attention: Mr. Jim Davidson, Post Office Box 27412, Richmond, Virginia 23269-0001, Phone Number: (804) 367-0379, E-Mail: James.Davidson@dmv.virginia.gov.

Again, thank you for writing Governor Warner.

Sincerely,

Whittington W. Clement

WWC:es
Attachment
Copy: Mr. Asbury W. Quillian, Commissioner
Department of Motor Vehicles