Missouri residents will soon have a new addition to their driver’s licenses that aims to enhance security and protect personal information. The Missouri Department of Revenue announced that starting next year, all driver’s licenses issued in the state will feature a unique document number.
This document number is a randomly generated alphanumeric code that will serve as a unique identifier for each license holder. According to the Department of Revenue, the addition of this document number is part of a broader effort to combat identity theft and fraud.
“By including a document number on each driver’s license, we are taking a proactive step to enhance the security of our residents’ personal information,” said Sally Smith, spokesperson for the Missouri Department of Revenue. “This document number will make it more difficult for criminals to steal and misuse someone’s identity.”
In addition to improving security, the document number on driver’s licenses will also streamline processes for law enforcement officers, government agencies, and businesses that rely on driver’s license information for identification purposes. With a unique document number, these entities can quickly and accurately verify the authenticity of a driver’s license.
While the addition of a document number may sound like a small change, it has the potential to have a significant impact on protecting Missourians from identity theft and fraud. In recent years, cases of identity theft have been on the rise, with criminals using stolen personal information to open fraudulent accounts, make unauthorized purchases, or commit other crimes.
The Missouri Department of Revenue is confident that the inclusion of a document number on driver’s licenses will make it harder for criminals to perpetrate these types of crimes. By creating a unique identifier for each license holder, the department is adding an extra layer of security to protect residents’ personal information.
To ensure a smooth transition to the new system, the Missouri Department of Revenue will be rolling out the document number on driver’s licenses in phases. Starting next year, all new driver’s licenses issued in the state will include the document number. Current license holders will receive their new licenses with the document number when they renew their licenses.
“We want to make sure that this transition is as seamless as possible for our residents,” said Smith. “We are working closely with our partners in law enforcement, government agencies, and businesses to ensure that they are aware of the new document number and how to verify its authenticity.”
Missouri residents who have concerns or questions about the document number on their driver’s licenses can contact the Missouri Department of Revenue for more information. The department has also set up an online portal where residents can learn more about the new security feature and how it will protect their personal information.
Overall, the addition of a document number on driver’s licenses in Missouri is a significant step forward in enhancing security and protecting residents’ personal information. With identity theft and fraud becoming increasingly common in today’s digital world, this new security feature is a welcome development that will help safeguard Missourians from falling victim to these crimes.