After more than a decade, Utah has unveiled a new design for their state-issued ID cards. This new design is aimed toward protection against fraud and identity theft.
Driver License Division Director Chris Caras stated, “We recognize that a driver’s license is really the most widely accepted identification document in our society.” Caras knows from his time in this field that counterfeiters will target ID cards and try to alter the content to steal your identity. He went on to say, “We’ve seen it snowball. It’s just exponentially been increasing and it’s been tougher and tougher to have a card in circulation that thwarted those efforts.”
Here are some of the new features that have been implemented to combat the increase in this type of criminal activity:
- Laser Perforation – You can see the outline of a Beehive on the card if you hold it up to the light.
- Ghost Image – The ghost image is another good security implementation. In this case the ghost image is applied to the ID cards with a laser.
- Barcodes – 1D & 2D barcodes contain identification numbers and demographic data that is unique to the individual.
Caras went on to say, “We strategically place the overlapping of information and security features on the card. So if someone tries to alter a date of birth, or alter some key information, you will see that because it will violate the security feature.”
As of right now, people are able to apply for the new ID cards. They do not have to wait until their current ID card expires. They simply need to bring their current ID to the Driver’s License Division. There will be an $18 duplication fee for those who are updating a non-expired ID card.