Officials say the new cards will combat document fraud and protect the identities of Georgia's citizens by using credentialing technology.
"Everyone knows all we have done to reduce lines and waits at driver's license centers, but another key priority of the department is safeguarding the identities of Georgia citizens and preventing document fraud," Perdue said. "These new cards will be the most secure our state has ever issued."
New card production will begin at Conyers, Covington and Locust Grove in September. Statewide implementation will to take approximately two months with all customer service centers producing the new cards by the end of November. All previously issued Georgia licenses and IDs will remain valid until their expiration dates.
"We are very excited about these innovative changes allowing Georgians to have one of the most secure cards in the nation," said Gregory C. Dozier, DDS commissioner. "It is a bright and modern card that our customers will be proud to carry."
The new documents are designed to be more difficult to counterfeit, alter or replicate. The license will remain roughly the size of a credit card. The new cards have several security features including "ghost" photos, a laser-engraved signature over the primary photo and a tamper resistant coating. The cards will feature machine-readable barcodes that can be used by banks, retailers and other businesses to verify information.
Fees will not increase, and customers will continue to choose between a five-year or 10-year license or ID.
"Under 21"
A major security feature of the new process is designed to combat underage drinking. Cards issued to those younger than 21 will be printed in a vertical format, aiding retailers and law enforcement in identifying minors.
Interim
Another new security practice will be the issuance of an interim driver's license or ID. Interim documents will be printed on paper that will discolor after any attempt to alter it. It contains a photo and signature to allow its use as and ID. Interim cards will be valid for up to 45 days or until a permanent, laminated license or ID is mailed from the central production print facility to the applicant's mailing address on file with DDS.
Permanent license/ID
The permanent licenses and IDs will be mailed to the customer on a mailing carrier that is folded and enclosed in a generic envelope without exposing the cards. When the permanent card is received, the interim should be destroyed in accordance with Georgia law and to safeguard personal information. The carrier should be filed by the customer to access later should their license be lost or stolen.
For more information, visit www.dds.ga.gov.