PA adds security features to newly designed driver's license
As part of ongoing security enhancements, PennDOT has updated the design and enhanced the security features of its driver license and identification cards.
As part of ongoing security enhancements, PennDOT has updated the design and enhanced the security features of its driver license and identification cards.
A pilot of the new licenses is being carried out at the Riverfront Office Center location in Harrisburg. All Driver and Photo centers will transition to the new cards by the end of October 2017.
The new licenses will be phased in over the next four-year renewal cycle and will replace existing cards. Both current and new card designs will be in circulation during the transition period.
PennDOT says the update is unrelated to the REAL ID Act which requires driver's licenses that are compliant with tougher federal anti-terrorism standards.
The new cards are not REAL ID-compliant. System, building infrastructure, and process changes will be necessary for Pennsylvania to issue REAL ID-compliant products. PennDOT anticipates that REAL ID-compliant driver licenses and identification cards will be available at customer's option in 2019.
The cards look very different, but they also have additional enhanced security features, which improve fraud prevention and protect from counterfeiting and alteration.
Some of the enhanced features include:
- Larger primary portrait and smaller ghost portrait
- 2D barcode, which contains data from the front of the card unique to the cardholder
- Laser perforation — The Keystone outline with "PA" is embedded into the cardstock and can be observed by holding the card up to any light source
- Laminate — Each card is laminated with an optically-variable pattern with the state motto, "Virtue, Liberty, Independence;" Keystone outline; and "1787," the year when the U.S. Constitution was ratified by Pennsylvania.
In addition, the magnetic strip has been eliminated on the back of the newly designed driver's license and identification cards.