ITD To Issue More Secure Driver’s Licenses

In just a few months Idaho will be unveiling a new driver's license and identification card design. The cards have been in the planning stage for over a year and officials say the reason for the new design is to improve the security and safety of Idahoans.

Idaho hasn't upgraded their driver's licenses in almost 10 years. The Idaho Transportation Department says they intentionally purchased a fake version of an Idaho license online, and when it arrived, they had trouble telling the difference between the real one and fake one. But the new cards will be virtually impossible to duplicate illegally, which will provide an extra layer to protect against identity theft. Ed Pemble, Driver Services Manager says the new cards will be virtually impossible to manufacture illegally, whereas the current licenses are easily copied.   Officials also say the cards will be slightly more expensive for the state to manufacture, but would be cheaper than having to update all 44 counties to the new system. There will be no additional cost for the licenses when they do begin production in July.