FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 22, 2011
Contact: Charles E. Summers, Jr.
207-626-8400

Secretary of State Summers Reveals Newly Designed Driver’s License and Identification Cards

 


Roll-out of new card begins Thursday

AUGUSTA – Secretary of State Charles E. Summers, Jr. held a press conference in his office this morning to introduce a new Maine State Driver's License and State Identification Card. 

The new state credentials were designed utilizing suggested guidelines published by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators.  “The updated credentials contain enhanced security features that have been added to better protect against security threats,” stated Summers. 

A ghost portrait, security indicia and barcodes are some of the features that will protect against counterfeiting, alteration/forgery, photo substitution and cannibalization; which is using parts from an actual credential to build a new card.  When scanned, barcodes reveal the same demographic information that appears on the front of the card. 

The most obvious change to the credential is a new graphic depicting a moose in front of a landscape of Mt. Katahdin.  An option to print cardholder’s residential address on the back of the card is available. 

Secretary Summers pointed out a new, vertical format for minors including red font depicting, “Under 18 until,” or “Under 21 until,” with the appropriate date following.  “In collaboration with the Attorney General’s Office,” said Summers, “the new format provides a means to assist the retail industry and law enforcement in identifying minors.”

The updated security features, system hardware and software were included in a scheduled contract renewal for credential production services.  

The cards will be phased in as citizens renew or obtain a credential.  However, if a card is desired prior to the renewal date, a duplicate may be issued for a $5.00 fee.

The new design will be available:

  • Thursday, March 24, 2011 at the Augusta Bureau of Motor Vehicle (BMV) Office located at 19 Anthony Avenue
  • Thursday, March 31, 2011 at the Portland BMV Office located at 125 Presumpscot Street
  • All locations, mobile unit locations and InforME online renewal services are scheduled to be fully implemented by June 1, 2011.

For more information, visit the Bureau of Motor Vehicles Driver License Services.