California unveils new driver’s license redesign with advanced security

Yoonjae Jung
By Yoonjae Jung

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has rolled out a new design for driver’s licenses and identification cards, featuring updated technology and enhanced security. Existing cards will remain valid until they expire.

New California driver’s license redesign with advanced security features, including digital signature and no magnetic strip
California DMV unveils the redesigned driver’s license featuring redwoods, poppies, and a digital security signature. Courtesy of California DMV

The redesign showcases California’s natural landscape, including redwoods, poppies, and the coastline. The cards incorporate advanced anti-counterfeit features and a digital security signature embedded in one of the two barcodes on the back. The state is among the first to adopt this digital signature. The cards will also no longer have a magnetic strip.

According to DMV Director Steve Gordon, “The new cards use next generation technology to enhance security and with a design that shows California’s iconic redwoods, poppies and coastline.” He noted that drivers do not need to replace their current cards until they expire.

The DMV periodically updates card designs to prevent counterfeiting. The last major redesign with new security features occurred in 2010, followed by cosmetic updates in 2018 when REAL ID was introduced.

The fee for the updated driver’s license remains $45, while identification cards cost $39.

The DMV continues to encourage residents to use online services for most transactions, including license renewals and vehicle registration. Customers can also sign up for paperless renewal notices through a secure online account at dmv.ca.gov. In addition, customers may use the DMV Service Advisor tool to learn about available options for completing DMV tasks.

BY YOONJAE JUNG [jung.yoonjae@koreadaily.com]

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