New Califormia Driver License and ID Cards Released

“See it, Touch it, Trust it”

California DMV goes high-tech

By Gregory S. Cleghorne

Freelance Writer

California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the California Highway Patrol (CHP) rolled out their newly designed and more secure driver license and identification cards today (Wednesday, Oct. 6) at the DMV field office in South Sacramento in an ongoing effort to improve driver license and ID card security.

The DMV’s supercharged cards are accompanied by the department’s new mantra, “See it, Touch it, Trust it,” referring to the license’ new look, feel and difficulty to counterfeit.

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

Sacramento resident, Nicole Nesbitt, was understandably concerned about any monetary changes involved. “As long as there’s no additional cost, it’s cool,” she said.

One of the changes is the vertical format for the under 21 ID card, but the rest of the information remains the same. The high-tech models have more than just a new paint job. When the cards are held to a light, the image of a bear appears in a star-like formation and when held under ultraviolet light, embedded information is revealed. When touched, the cardholder’s raised signature and identifying numbers can be felt.

Annually, the DMV issues about 8.25 million driver licenses and ID cards to Californians and since the cards are designated as the state’s primary identification document, law enforcement officials and the DMV say it’s critical that it’s secure and accurate.

“We make millions of stops every year,” CHP Officer Mike Bradley said. “This will set the counterfeiters back about seven to 10 years.”

The cards, which have not changed since 2001, are the product of a joint task force including the CHP, DMV, Department of Alcohol and Beverage Control (ABC) and The Department of Homeland Security.

Matt Paulin, DMV Chief Deputy Director, summed up the changes with a touch of nostalgia, “The days of altering California licenses with a pen or a marker are over.”

Cardholders are not required to get new cards until the old ones expire unless they want one. Valverde said, “When it comes time to renew your card, DMV has many services that are offered online to help customers avoid going into to the field offices.”

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PHOTOS:

1501 - Matt Paulin, DMV Chief Deputy Director addresses the media with Steve Lerwill, CHP Division Chief, right and Jott Condie, far right, Executive Director, California Restaurant Association at the DMV South Sacramento field office.

1516 – Matt Paulin, DMV Chief Deputy Director explains the changes to the California driver license and ID cards.

1527 – CHP Officers Mike Bradley, left, and Adrian Quintero examine new license and ID cards

1536 – CHP Officer Jeanie Hoatson gives a news cameraman a close look at the new license and ID card.

1544 – Long line curls around DMV building in South Sacramento the day the new license and ID card are released.

1547 – Driver license replica.

1548 – Under 21 ID card is now vertical.