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    New Driver's License Design

    In September 2022, PennDOT began issuing new driver's licenses and photo ID cards with updated security features and design.

    Overview

    As a measure to help protect against counterfeiting, fraud and identity theft, PennDOT makes periodic improvements to its products and processes.

     

    PennDOT piloted the new products at the Summerdale Driver License Center in Enola in September 2022. All Driver and Photo centers transitioned to the new products in mid-November 2022. The new products will be phased in over the next four-year renewal cycle and will replace existing products. Both current and new card designs will be in circulation during the transition period.

    Both standard and REAL ID compliant products will use the new design and security features. REAL ID is optional in Pennsylvania, and customers are able to opt into REAL ID. Beginning May 7, 2025, Pennsylvanians will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, photo ID card, or another form of federally acceptable identification (such as a valid passport or military ID) to board a domestic commercial flight or enter a federal building or military installation that requires ID. More information about REAL ID can be on the REAL ID page.

    The cards look different and have additional enhanced security features that improve fraud prevention and protect from counterfeiting and alteration.

    Some of the enhanced features include:

    • Guilloche Security Design, a feature that includes sophisticated techniques to embed a variety of customized security patterning into the credential, using non-commercial software developed specifically for high security documents (banknotes, passports, ID cards, etc);
    • Optically Variable Ghost Portrait and Variable Data with UV, features that change their appearance when the viewing angle of the card changes, which moves them from fully visible to non-visible. The card also includes an ultraviolet (UV) response that fluoresces under UV lighting. The UV response is fixed – visible under UV light regardless of viewing angle;
    • Dynamic Look Through Element (DLTE), a dynamic feature with gold metallic tint that is visible under direct lighting.

    The new cards comply with American Association of Motor Vehicle Association (AAMVA) 2020 specifications. 

    For more information, visit the Newly-Designed Licenses/Identification Cards Frequently Asked Questions page

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