New driver’s license, ID card design introduced

Louisiana is transitioning to a new driver’s license and identification card that looks much the same; however, it contains features for greater security, protection of privacy and resistance to tampering.
The new license has multiple layers of security features, all linked to each other, a Department of Public Safety news release stated.
A few examples are: tri-color overlay; multi-colored fine line printing; and “Ghost” image of the customer’s photo.
Louisiana last updated driver’s licenses and identification cards in 2001 with the introduction of digital licenses for improved security, the news release stated.
Col. Mike Edmonson, Department of Public Safety Deputy secretary, said, “We are always looking for ways to better protect Louisiana citizens from fraud and identity theft.”
Edmonson said, “Enhancing the security features of a Louisiana driver’s license and identification card reduces the possibility of criminals being able to counterfeit these documents that have become the national standard for identification.”
Customers are not required to obtain a new license or identification card until their current one expires, the news release stated. The process for obtaining or renewing a driver’s license will not change and the cost will remain the same.
Office of Motor Vehicle Commissioner Stephen Campbell stated, “We expect for all offices to have the new system in place by the end of May 2014. If you obtain a credential at an office that has not been converted to the new system, your license or ID is still valid.”
It will take a minimum of four years to phase out the old design, the news release stated.
Many OMV services are available via their website at expresslane.org.