Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) recently announced that they will no longer be issuing driver’s licenses with the old design, starting from next month. The decision comes as a part of their effort to modernize the license and enhance security measures.
The old Virginia driver’s licenses have been in circulation for several years now and are easily identifiable by their green and black color scheme. However, the DMV has decided that it is time for a change. The new licenses will have a more modern design and will incorporate the latest security features to prevent counterfeiting and fraud.
According to DMV spokesperson, Sarah Johnson, the new licenses will feature a color photo of the driver on the front, along with a holographic strip for added security. The back of the license will have the driver’s information encoded in a barcode, making it easier for law enforcement officers to verify the authenticity of the license.
“We are always looking for ways to improve the security of our driver’s licenses and identification cards,” said Johnson. “By updating the design and incorporating new features, we can better protect our residents from identity theft and other forms of fraud.”
The DMV will begin issuing the new licenses on a rolling basis, with all current license holders required to renew their licenses with the new design by the end of the year. The cost of renewing a license will remain the same, at $32 for an eight-year renewal.
Some Virginia residents have expressed concern over the change, citing the inconvenience of having to renew their licenses earlier than expected. However, Johnson assures that the process will be quick and easy, with most residents being able to renew their licenses online or by mail.
“We understand that change can be difficult, but we believe that the new licenses will ultimately benefit our residents by providing better security and more modern features,” said Johnson.
In addition to the new design, the DMV is also planning to introduce a digital driver’s license option in the near future. The digital license will be stored on a resident’s smartphone and can be used in place of a physical license for identification purposes.
“We are excited to bring the convenience of a digital driver’s license to our residents,” said Johnson. “This will allow people to have easy access to their license at all times, without having to worry about carrying around a physical card.”
Overall, the changes to the Virginia driver’s license system are aimed at enhancing security and convenience for residents. The DMV is confident that the new design and features will help protect against identity theft and fraud, while also providing residents with a more modern and efficient form of identification.
