Nevada DMV rolls out new driver's license design, security features beginning Monday
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Sun, 07/11/2021 - 1:54pm
CARSON CITY — The next new driver’s license or ID card you get from the Nevada DMV will have a new look and updated security features. A rollout of the new Nevada Driver’s License begins Monday, July 12 and will continue through July and August.
“Our new licenses and ID cards are sleek and modern but still pay homage to Nevada's heritage. They also have enhanced security features that help protect Nevadans against identity theft and aid our law enforcement agencies,” said DMV Director Julie Butler.
“The cards are beautiful but please don’t visit a DMV office just to get one,” Butler continued. Existing licenses and ID cards will remain valid until expiration. Customers will receive the new design at renewal or another license transaction such as a name or address change.
The new design will be phased in at each of the 18 DMV offices across the state as the camera equipment at each location is upgraded.
Cards issued by the Sahara office in Las Vegas will feature the new design beginning Monday, July 12. The Reno office will begin issuing the new design on Wednesday, July 14. DMV Online Services will convert to the new cards no later than August 1. All DMV offices will be issuing the new credential by September 1. All cards will continue to be mailed to customers.
Features
The new license was designed by a committee of DMV experts working closely with the Nevada Highway Patrol, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, other law enforcement agencies and the DMV’s card production partner, Idemia.
Nevada’s “Battle Born” insignia is featured prominently on the front of the license and is complemented by the year of Nevada statehood, 1864.
To capture the diversity and sheer growth of the state, the card design team incorporated two Nevada skylines. The front of the card features the Las Vegas skyline while the back of the card proudly displays Carson City. The back of the card gives an artistic interpretation of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the Playa in the Black Rock Desert to provide a unique portrait of Nevada.
One unique touch is that the federal Real ID marker has been changed from a gold circle to the outline of Nevada.
Security
The card contains top of the line overt and covert security features. Those features are embedded throughout the card, with some personalized to the cardholder. The card adheres to, and in some cases, exceeds, all federal security standards to protect Nevadans for the life of the credential. The new credential’s increased security features include:
— A laser engraved ghost image repeated from the photograph
— A laser ablation or etching of the card holder’s initials and year of birth over the top of the driver photograph
— The holder’s date of birth is restated in larger type with a raised feel
— The background features a guilloche security design with waves and patterns printed in very fine lines that are not able to be scanned or easily reproduced
— High resolution, “split fountain” printing in which the background colors fade from blue to green and back to blue across the face of the card
What about my current license?
Previously issued credentials are still valid until the expiration date listed on the card. Individuals are not required to replace their current driver’s license or ID card unless their current credential is expiring, the holder needs a duplicate card or there is a need to update the information such as a name or address change.
“It is important to note that documents with the old design will remain valid and in circulation until 2029,” Butler said. “Those who have a card with the previous design will still be able to use it for all its intended purposes until it reaches its expiration date.”
The Nevada DMV unveiled the current design in 2008 and made significant modifications to it in 2014.
See Driver’s Licenses Designs on the DMV website for more information.
