The Office of Motor Vehicles will continue the normal American Samoa driver’s licenses for non-US citizens and non-US nationals, says Deputy Commissioner of Public Safety, Terry Letuli.
Since news that OMV is issuing REAL ID drivers licenses and ID cards, for US citizens and nationals only, residents who are neither have called or taken to social media to ask what about them.
Letuli explains that OMV is continuing to issue American Samoa drivers’ licenses.
However, the paperwork required for driver’s licenses for foreigners is the same documents required for REAL ID licenses.
For identification, OMV accepts a passport or old driver’s license.
You must also provide a Social Security card but it cannot be laminated as the card has to be scanned. An acceptable alternative is a check stub with your SSN and name or a tax statement which has your SSN.
For proof of residency, OMV will accept a bank statement with your name and address, or a utility bill from ASPA, ASTCA, Bluesky or a cable bill. It will also accept an affidavit certifying you are a resident.
Letuli says, most people are obtaining affidavits from American Samoa Insurance Company which is producing affidavits for $10 and the company is situated close to OMV, at the Moso’oi Center.
You must also provide a court clearance.
The driver’s licenses for non-US nationals and US citizens are 1 year, for those who are granted 1 year residency, and 3 years for permanent residents. The cost is $40, regardless of whether its valid for 1 year or 3 years.
This past Monday, OMV began issuing REAL ID cards and driver’s licenses.
Letuli says, the process takes a bit longer because all documents have to be scanned into the system and passports provided as proof of identity have to be certified off island.
“It takes a bit longer than before,” said Letuli, adding that “with anything new, there are always hiccups and we appreciate the public’s patience.”
