ARIZONA NEWS
Feb 27, 2023, 12:02 PM | Updated: 12:10 pm
(ADOT Photo)
(ADOT Photo)
BY
PHOENIX — Arizona on Wednesday will switch to a new driver’s license that has an updated design to prevent counterfeits and other potential security issues.
“It’ll make it a lot more difficult for fraud or counterfeit IDs to be successful, which in turns helps protect everyone’s identity,” Bill Lamoreaux, a spokesman with the Arizona Department of Transportation’s Motor Vehicle Division, told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Monday.
The new driver’s licenses and other state IDs are being introduced at the start of March because the state signed a contract with a new vendor, Thales Group.
IDs with previous designs will remain valid.
Lamoreaux said Arizona is adopting some of Thales’ security features, including having laser-engraved information and a black and white photo.
The cards will be made of 100% polycarbonate material with layers of fused plastics without adhesives, a move ADOT said will prevent tampering and make them more durable.
Other security features include a raised surface with a subtle feel and two high-resolution images that appear based on the angle of the card. Both features are there to authenticate the cards.
Saguaro cactuses will give the cards an Arizona touch.
Drivers who request a new license starting Wednesday can expect to get them in the mail in a few days.
Lamoreaux said guidance is coming soon for those who have to check identification at businesses and other purposes.
KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Balin Overstolz contributed to this report.
Follow @KTAR923
Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.
Heidi Hommel
Arizonans could be drinking wastewater by next winter. The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality released its Advanced Water Purification roadmap and is seeking input from stakeholders.
49 minutes ago
Brandon Gray
A Chandler woman accused of abusing 55 dogs was rearrested Tuesday, according to the Chandler Police Department.
59 minutes ago
Brandon Gray
The city of Peoria announced the confirmation of its new Police Chief Tuesday night at its regular city council meeting.
1 hour ago
Brandon Gray
Governor Katie Hobbs announced Monday additional steps to expand construction apprentices in Arizona by adding more funding to the program.
1 hour ago
KTAR.com
A suspect was arrested almost two weeks after a fatal shooting on Halloween in Phoenix, authorities said Tuesday.
9 hours ago
KTAR.com
Police identified a suspect allegedly involved in a kidnapping incident that led to a deadly shootout with Scottsdale police detectives Monday outside a Mesa restaurant.
11 hours ago
Veterans Day is fast approaching and there’s no better way to support our veterans than to donate to the Military Assistance Mission.
SCHWARTZ LASER EYE CENTER
Fall brings new beginnings in different ways for Arizona’s professional sports teams like the Cardinals and Coyotes.
DAY & NIGHT AIR CONDITIONING, HEATING AND PLUMBING
An air conditioning unit in Phoenix is vital to living a comfortable life inside, away from triple-digit heat.
