DMV Unveils New Driver License And Identification Cards

New driver license and identification cards started being issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, this week, leading up to Wednesday’s official unveiling of the new design.

DMV Director George Valverde headed up a news conference in South Sacramento, where he pointed out the new technology that he said will help protect Californians.

“The new security features, coupled with advanced technology, make California driver licenses and identification cards one of the most secure identification documents in the country,” said Valverde. “We are confident that they will be well-received by residents, businesses and law enforcement officials.”

The information on the new cards remains the same, but should be easier to read and feel, said Valverde.

Some of the new features include a vertical layout for persons under 21; the cardholder’s date of birth and signatures that can be felt by touch; images that can be seen only with the use of ultraviolet lights; a 2D bar code on the back of the card that replicates and verifies only the information on the front of the card (similar to the current magnetic stripe); and a laser perforation outline of the California Brown Bear, which can be seen from the front of the card when a flashlight is pressed against the back of the card.

Current license holders don’t need to get a new card until their current license or ID card expire.

This is the first major re-design of the card since 2001.