News
February 17, 2009
New Virginia Licenses, ID Cards Coming in March
Virginians will soon have the safest, most secure driver’s licenses and ID cards in the U.S. In spring 2009, DMV will implement new secure driver’s licenses and ID cards and a new issuance process.
The cards will have a new look and feel that includes state-of-the-art security features. Adult licenses will remain horizontal and include an outline of the state capitol building. Cards for those under 21 will be vertical and carry images of Virginia's state flower, the dogwood, and will show the dates that the individual turns 18 and 21. Driver's license banners will have blue lettering; ID card banners will have green lettering; and children's ID card banners will have gold lettering. “Commercial Driver’s License” is displayed in the banner of the CDL licenses. The primary photo will be black and white.
The most notable of the security features is a clear window, containing a black and white photograph of the cardholder, visible from the front and back of the card. Virginia's will be the third such driver’s license worldwide and the first in the U.S. to carry this feature. Other security features include laser engraved polycarbonate construction, raised lettering in the customer number, date of birth, expiration date and signature fields and an ultraviolet (UV) feature displaying the state seal. These features make the cards difficult to counterfeit.
When Virginians apply for or renew driver's licenses or ID cards in a DMV customer service center, they will not receive the new credential during their visit. The new process will be phased in and by mid-summer 2009, all driver's licenses and ID cards will be mailed to customers.
Virginia driver's who meet the requirements to renew driver’s licenses will retain their old Virginia driver’s licenses and receive a temporary driving permit. Out of state driver’s licenses will be invalidated with a hole punched through the expiration date. Virginians who meet the requirements for an ID card will retain their old ID and will be issued a receipt. The temporary driving permit and receipt will not serve as identification. Temporary permits are valid for 30 days but customers should receive their cards by mail in about five business days.
Licenses and ID cards will be mailed to customers from a central location in Danville. Central issuance will eliminate the appeal for nonresidents to attempt to illegally obtain Virginia licenses and will reduce the risks of fraud and use of false addresses. It is essential that customers provide DMV with their current mailing addresses.
The new design, security features and issuance process will make Virginia's driver's licenses and ID cards one of the most secure and trusted state-issued credentials in the nation.
Between March and July 2009, customers will begin experiencing the enhanced process and receiving the new secure credentials by mail. Currently issued driver’s licenses and ID cards will remain valid until expiration dates.
By March, law enforcement agencies will receive a training package from DMV’s division of Law Enforcement Services. The package will include more detailed information about new secure driver’s licenses and ID cards.
For more information, visit www.dmvNOW.com or contact DMV Director of Law Enforcement Don Boswell at don.boswell@dmv.virginia.gov or (804) 367-2994.
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