Las Vegas, NV (KXNT) - The next new driver’s license or ID card you get from the Nevada DMV will have a new look and updated security features. A rollout of the new Nevada Driver’s License begins Monday and will continue through July and August.
“Our new licenses and ID cards are sleek and modern but still pay homage to Nevada's heritage. They also have enhanced security features that help protect Nevadans against identity theft and aid our law enforcement agencies,” said DMV Director Julie Butler.
“The cards are beautiful but please don’t visit a DMV office just to get one,” Butler continued. Existing licenses and ID cards will remain valid until expiration. Customers will receive the new design at renewal or another license transaction such as a name or address change.
The new design will be phased in at each of the 18 DMV offices across the state as the camera equipment at each location is upgraded.
The card contains top of the line overt and covert security features. Those features are embedded throughout the card, with some personalized to the cardholder. The card adheres to, and in some cases, exceeds, all federal security standards to protect Nevadans for the life of the credential.
The new credential’s increased security features include:
- A laser engraved ghost image repeated from the photograph
- A laser ablation or etching of the card holder’s initials and year of birth over the top of the driver photograph
- The holder’s date of birth is restated in larger type with a raised feel
- The background features a guilloche security design with waves and patterns printed in very fine lines that are not able to be scanned or easily reproduced
- High resolution, “split fountain” printing in which the background colors fade from blue to green and back to blue across the face of the card
Previously issued credentials are still valid until the expiration date listed on the card. Individuals are not required to replace their current driver’s license or ID card unless their current credential is expiring, the holder needs a duplicate card or there is a need to update the information such as a name or address change.
“It is important to note that documents with the old design will remain valid and in circulation until 2029,” Butler said. “Those who have a card with the previous design will still be able to use it for all its intended purposes until it reaches its expiration date.”
The Nevada DMV unveiled the current design in 2008 and made significant modifications to it in 2014.