Washington unveils new driver license

Washington State Department of Licensing recently unveiled a new driver license, identification card and temporary license format. The new formats began rolling out Monday, Feb. 13.

Features of a new driver license and ID card include color headers which distinguish the standard driver license from ID cards, with a driver license having a blue header, ID cards having a violet header, an enhanced driver license being salmon and an enhanced identification card being green.

Additional security features are incorporated; the image of the state seal is on the back of the cards rather than the front, and there is better readability of signatures.

Some of the updated security features include a barcode with a unique card ID number that does not contain personal information, state seals being preprinted in ultraviolet, the definitions of class and restrictions and endorsements printed on the back of the card. The security features are meant to assist retailers, banks, law enforcement and government agencies in verifying the authenticity of cards.

Also new is the temporary license format. The current format has temporary licenses as wallet-sized cards that include the driver's information, photo and signature.

That will now change to a letter-size (8.5x11) sheet of paper without a photo or signature. This change is meant to reduce fraudulent activity.

The new format will first roll out in Shelton later this month, and three or four offices will receive the new format every week until the end of June when all 56 of the state licensing offices are expected to be updated and utilizing the new systems and cards.

All new driver licenses, permits and ID cards will be issued with the new formats. Drivers are not required to obtain a card with the new format until their present licenses expires.