NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – On Monday, the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security began issuing new driver’s licenses and identification cards with a new design and improved security features.
The new driver’s licenses and ID cards, pictured below, feature a stylized version of the State Capitol and Tennessee state flag. They also feature waves and patterns printed in very fine lines that cannot be scanned or easily reproduced.
According to officials, the new ID cards are made of a robust polycarbonate composition and feature intricate overlapping of data and graphics, as well as laser-engraved elements that show whether the document has been altered or forged.
In addition, the back of the card contains a machine-readable barcode with the applicable classes, notations and restrictions. A mini ghost image taken from the photo is encoded as an automatic validation element to prevent identity theft.
“The new Tennessee driver’s licenses feature the latest technology, making them harder to counterfeit, alter or duplicate,” said TDOSHS Commissioner Jeff Long. “These countermeasures help prevent theft and fraud and protect your identity.”
Officials reminded citizens that driving licenses and identity cards with the old design could be used alongside the new cards, adding that previously issued driving licenses would be valid until the expiration date indicated on the card.
In addition to a new design for driver’s licenses and ID cards, new self-service kiosks will be introduced to reduce waiting times at Driver Service Centers.
“We are excited about the added flexibility and convenience that the new self-service kiosks will provide to the citizens of Tennessee,” said Commissioner Long. “Citizens will be able to complete many driver service transactions at one of these new kiosks, which will help reduce wait times at driver service centers.”
The kiosk can be used for many driver service transactions, including renewing or replacing a secondary driver’s license or ID card, changing an address, updating emergency contact information, renewing a youth/graduate driver’s license, paying reissuance fees, and requesting a license reissue after reissuance requirements have been met. It can also take photos and process payments using Apple Pay, Google Pay, or a credit or debit card.
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