SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) – Your Utah driver’s license is about to get a newer – and safer – look.
A statewide implementation of a new, more secure driver’s license and identification card design is now underway, according to the Department of Public Safety’s Driver License Division.
Officials say the new design advances fraud protection measures, compared to the old design, and improves the security of the physical license.
Some notable changes include replacing the Capitol building with Angels Landing in Zion National Park, adding the Delicate Arch in ‘Utah,’ and adding a new code – ‘JS69’ in the above photo – to the card.
Adding Angels Landing and the Delicate Arch are more than just an aesthetic design. The features incorporate technology and printing techniques using cutting-edge security protocols.
Other enhanced security features include:
- The date of birth printed on the card in red type as well as laser engraved in larger font on the card.
- A laser engraved ghost image repeated from the photograph.
- A laser ablation over the top of the driver photograph.
- A guilloche security design featuring waves and patterns printed in very fine lines that are not able to be scanned or easily reproduced.
Previously issued driver licenses in Utah are still valid until the expiration date listed on your card. You are not required to replace your driver’s license or ID card at this time, unless it is expired or requires a change following a name or address change.
These new cards will be REAL ID compliant, meaning a gold star will appear in the upper right corner.
The change comes just over a week before the mobile driver’s license and identification card pilot program is scheduled to begin in Utah.
It has been five years since the DLD rolled out a new design for Utah’s driver’s license and ID cards. Periodic updates are done to maintain the security and integrity of the document, according to Department of Public Safety Commissioner Jess Anderson.
