DEAR SUN SPOTS: I read your Nov. 4 column concerning the Maine state identification cards and want to make a couple of suggestions that your readers should be aware of to save them multiple trips to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. I work at the Maine BMV and have firsthand knowledge of the requirements.

The requirements for obtaining a Maine state ID are found on the reverse side of the application. One must include their date of birth and another their signature. We do not accept any photocopied documents.

In addition, two laws that were passed a couple of years ago that govern the issuance of licenses and IDs.

1. Proof of residency. Everyone receiving a Maine license or state ID has to prove they physically live in Maine. One could have a mailing address such as a post office box and actually live in another location. A document from the approved list must be presented to prove the individual’s physical address.

Proof of residency items include utility bills, town tax bills, phone bills, cable TV bills, fishing/hunting licenses or pay stubs. It must display your name and physical address.

2. Legal presence or proof that individuals are in this country legally. This can be done by one’s documents. For citizens it would mean a certified birth certificate or a passport. Noncitizens would have proper documents that DHS would have issued upon arrival in this country.

The birth date requirement can be met by the birth certificate or passport for citizens or for noncitizens their DHS authorized documents that display their date of birth.

The additional document supplied needs to show their signature. One item which displays the signature and is readily available is a Social Security card. The card is not valid unless signed (the exception is young children). There are several other documents that are acceptable, which are listed on the reverse side of the ID application.

Computer literate individuals can go to www.maine.gov/sos/bmv to print the state ID application. This site also gives all the details for acquiring those items.

Or you can phone us at 624-9000, ext. 52114

I hope this is a help for you and your readers. — David Roy, Lewiston, david.roy@maine.gov

DEAR SUN SPOTS: With regards to your column in the Thursday, Oct. 28, paper on chocolate-powdered doughnuts, the answer is that the location I go to in Augusta at 201 Civic Center Drive (aka Route 27), 629-9088, does indeed carry these as well as many others that are not available at any of the L-A locations.

As you stated in your answer, they no longer make doughnuts on site. In a nutshell, if the location is serviced from the Lewiston bakery, it does not carry my favorite flavors, while if it is serviced by the Bangor bakery, it does.

I live in the Farmington area and all three of our Dunkin’ Donuts do not carry chocolate-powdered, chocolate coconut, chocolate sugared or, my all-time favorite, chocolate-cream filled, as well as many other flavors.

Dunkin’ Donuts old motto was “It’s Worth the Trip” and believe me, this holds true when I trek to Augusta. — Dennis, Farmington, dennis@pmclan.org

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Recently you had some readers ask about cribbage boards in your column. My father, James Betsch, makes cribbage boards. These boards are constructed with solid oak and brass. They can be used for two or three players.

They are very unique and come with a storage bag and instructions. When playing with three players, the board comes apart to make three separate lanes so each player can score easily.

He sells them on consignment and the Internet. If any of your readers would like to purchase a board, they can contact him at 782-8072.They are selling for $29. He lives right here in Auburn. Thanks. — Diane Landry, DLandry@millettrealty.com

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I would like to add my name to the list for people who make cribbage boards. I can do almost any picture woodburned on most types of wood. Pictures available on request via e-mail or cell. Thanks! — Susan Caron, suzyq30s@aol.com, 740-5613

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be e-mailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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