Texas Unveils New Driver License, ID Card Design With Added Security

Staff Report

Edinburg TX – The Texas Department of Public Safety has begun issuing driver licenses and identification cards with a new design that incorporates stronger security features, the agency announced Monday.

All licenses and IDs issued on or after Aug. 18 will reflect the updated format. Existing cards will remain valid until their expiration date.

The new design uses polycarbonate material, which DPS officials said is more tamper-resistant and difficult to counterfeit. Among the most visible changes is a black, laser-engraved star in the upper right corner to indicate compliance with federal REAL ID standards, replacing the gold star used on previous cards.

Other updates include a clearer layout of personal information to make identification and verification more straightforward.

“The way driver licenses are made can make a big difference in terms of public safety,” said Sheri Gipson, chief of the DPS Driver License Division. “This new card design will make it even more difficult for criminals to produce counterfeit cards, and it enhances ways we can protect Texans’ identities from being stolen.”

Source — Texas Department of Public Safety.