The state of Missouri has changed the look and feel of the official drivers licenses. The change also includes an old fashion method for receiving licenses. Does anyone remember what it was like to wait for nearly a month to receive their licenses in the mail? It wasn't until about 7-9 years ago that came the luxury of instant drivers licenses in every DMV office so that drivers no longer needed to wait at the mailbox. These days a driver can go to the DMV and leave with their new license in a matter of minutes; however, all of those timeless luxuries are about to change with 2013 reverting to the days before the millennium.
Once again, drivers will need to go to the DMV; wait in lines; wait for the instant printing of the license only to receive a temporary drivers license and then, they will need to wait about 7-10 business days for Jefferson City to make the permanent license while they patiently wait for the snail-mail to arrive at your doorstep in an unmarked envelope similar to the method for receiving credit cards. The license will have a new look and new security features including laser perforations and special printing that reacts to UV lights as well as overlapping data onto a ghost image in the lower right corner of the license.The new licenses offer laser perforations and two dimensional bar codes to help protect an owner’s identity and fight against fraud. The Department of Revenue hopes to have the new licenses phased in by April, and according to the state, the changes come at no extra cost to tax payers.
Over 21
- Horizontal design
Under 21
- Vertical design
So why is the state changing the license?
The changes enhance security and help reduce the risk of identity theft and other kinds of fraud. Driver licenses and nondriver identification cards will have new security features, and will be printed in one, secure facility.
When will the new licenses go into effect?
Beginning in December, license offices around the state will be converted to the new process at the rate of about 15 offices per week. The roll-out should be complete in April 2013.
Do drivers need to rush to the DMV by a specific deadline?
No. The new license or nondriver identification card will be issued to you when you renew, apply for a duplicate, or change your address on your license or card.
What will the temporary drivers license look like in comparison to the permanent license?
It’s a paper document with the same identifying information and photo that will be on your permanent license or identification card. The state seal and the word “TEMPORARY” are printed with temperature-sensitive ink that fades with exposure to warmth. The temp ID expires in 30 days from the date of issue.
Will bars, clubs, retailers, check cashing, and similar establishments that require a valid ID, accept the the temporary license as proper identification?
Although it is generally up to the business to make the final decision whether to accept the temporary license, the DMV is attempting to inform these establishments about the new license and process. The DMV suggests for drivers to carry their old license with them which will be punched with the word VOID stamped on it. However, as a former bouncer and bartender, I can honestly say that most companies not familiar with the new procedures may be reluctant to accept a license that appears to be voided. One theory is that a driver had their license revoked due to a DUI and they do not wish to take the risk of serving, selling, or allowing access to someone where alcohol is available to them. In the end, it comes down to a liability decision by the establishment.
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