LIVE BLOG: Nevada adds “Communication Need” symbol to driver’s license and more news…

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17 September 2024

Alaska to launch upgraded driver’s license, ID card this fall

The Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles recently announced that it will be issuing upgraded driver’s license and ID cards starting in late Fall 2024. The new cards are the first in the US to use translucent polycarbonate, a new generation of laser-engraved card technology for enhanced security protection. See the new driver’s license and learn more.

17 September 2024

The Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles recently announced that it will be issuing upgraded driver’s license and ID cards starting in late Fall 2024. The new cards are the first in the US to use translucent polycarbonate, a new generation of laser-engraved card technology for enhanced security protection. See the new driver’s license and learn more.

7 September 2023

Alaska Airlines digital app allows passengers to verify their U.S. passport before reaching the airport

Every traveler leaving or entering the United States is required to have their passport verified by their airline. Starting August 29, 2023, Alaska Airlines passengers traveling internationally using U.S. or Canadian passports have the option to use the airline’s new Mobile Verify digital app to verify their passport even before they reach the airport.

5 August 2024

New app lets Arizona retailers verify customer age via mobile ID

Just released: the Smart ID Verifier app, which allows Arizona retailers to easily and securely accept mobile IDs in person to verify the ages of customers purchasing alcohol. No additional hardware is required. The Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division partnered with the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control on this project. 

5 July 2024

Arizona to require safety course, driver’s license to operate Off Highway Vehicles

Starting in 2025, Arizona residents will need a driver’s license to operate Off Highway Vehicles (OHVs) on roads and highways maintained by the government. They’ll be required to complete a special OHV driving safety course and provide proof of course completion to the Arizona DMV.  (The safety course requirement will be repealed in June 2027.)  If a child under 12 is caught violating the state’s OHV operation restrictions, a citation will be issued to the child’s parents. A juvenile between 12 and 15 may receive a citation if they violate the licensing requirement.

01 March 2023

Arizona Driver License, ID Card get a new look and upgraded security features

The Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) will soon start issuing driver licenses and ID cards with an all-new design and upgraded security features. The new cards will be available in mid-March, for both the Travel ID (or REAL ID) and the standard driver license and ID card. The visual design of the cards reflects the diversity of Arizona terrain and communities. Images of saguaro cactus and ponderosa pine tree images are depicted in the artwork. Learn more.

9 January 2023

Arizona, Colorado, and Maryland residents can use Digital ID at certain airports

TSA PreCheck passengers who have a digital drivers license from Arizona, Colorado or Maryland stored in their Apple Wallet (in their iPhone or Apple watch) can use their digital ID at select security checkpoints at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. However, TSA cautions that all passengers should be prepared to present their physical driver’s license in case a TSA officer asks to see it.

29 March 2022

Arizona residents can use mobile DL or state ID for TSA PreCheck screening at Phoenix Airport

Starting March 23, TSA PreCheck passengers with driver’s licenses or state IDs issued by the State of Arizona will be able to use a digital version of their license or ID in their Apple Wallet for TSA identity verification purposes at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). PHX is currently the only airport with mobile driver’s license capability.

26 March 2021

Arizona and IDEMIA have just introduced a Mobile ID app in the state.

On 25 March 2021, the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division announced that it now offers a digital identification credential to residents via a new app, Arizona Mobile ID. Developed with IDEMIA, the app allows Arizona’s licensed drivers and ID cardholders to use their smartphones as a form of ID. The app supports physical ID verification while adding convenience and security.

20 March 2024

Arkansas no longer allows residents to change gender on driver’s license, ID card 

On March 12,  Arkansas  announced a revised policy intended to rescind its existing administrative practice that allows driver’s license holders to change their gender notation without any verifiable information, or to utilize an “X” in lieu of gender on their license. All previously issued licenses and ID cards with the “X” designation will remain valid through the existing expiration date. Updates will take place at renewal.

9 January 2023

Arizona, Colorado, and Maryland residents can use Digital ID at certain airports

TSA PreCheck passengers who have a digital drivers license from Arizona, Colorado or Maryland stored in their Apple Wallet (in their iPhone or Apple watch) can use their digital ID at select security checkpoints at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. However, TSA cautions that all passengers should be prepared to present their physical driver’s license in case a TSA officer asks to see it.

22 November 2022

Colorado driver’s license and ID card now available in Apple Wallet

The Colorado DMV has announced an integration of existing driver’s licenses and ID cards with the Apple wallet. This will enable alternative ways for Colorado residents to confirm their identity both with physical card options and the wallet, which can store driving licenses and other identity documents on a mobile device. With a simple tap, citizens can use Colorado ID on their iPhone or Apple Watch at select Transportation Security Administration (TSA) PreCheck® security checkpoints, at Denver International Airport and other select airports.

30 August 2022

Colorado offers disability identifier on driver’s license, ID card

The Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles now offers eligible residents the option to add a disability identifier to their driver license or identification card. This identifier (shown here) discloses that the holder has a disability that affects their ability to communicate with first responders. Learn more.

02 March 2022

Colorado launches “Iconic Credential”

On February 28, 2022 the Colorado DMV began issuing a driver’s license and ID card with a fresh new look. The state hosted a contest in 2020, inviting residents to submit original artwork celebrating Colorado’s natural beauty. The winning designs are featured on Colorado’s new “Iconic Credential.”

No information available.

22 November 2022

Delaware adds Veteran indicator to driver’s licenses, ID cards

The Delaware DMV has announced that Veterans of the United States Armed Forces, or the National Guard can now add a new Veteran indicator to their driver license or identification card. The Veteran indicator is available to any Delaware Veteran that served in the U.S. military and was honorably discharged. To apply for the indicator, veterans must have a valid Delaware driver license or ID card and provide proof of military service.

12 March

Delaware launches new mobile ID

On 9 March, the Delaware DMV announced that it now offers a digital identification credential to residents via a new app, Delaware Mobile ID. Developed with IDEMIA, the app allows Delaware’s licensed drivers and ID cardholders to use their smartphones as a form of ID, transforming the way residents prove and manage their identity.

10 July 2023

District of Columbia’s Launches New Driver’s Licenses, ID Cards
The District of Columbia DMV is bridging technology, exceptional security and a design that is “uniquely DC” with the release of its newly designed driver licenses and identification cards. The new credentials, to be issued starting July 17, 2023, are 100% polycarbonate and have superior security features that are difficult for counterfeiters to replicate. See the licenses and learn more.

31 July 2024

Florida driver license, ID card to include randomized numbers 

On July 31, 2024, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles will start implementing amended legislation requiring that the numbers assigned to a driver license or identification card include at least four randomly generated numbers. This new system aims to improve security and safeguard individuals’ identities. The license or ID card format will remain the same. Customers renewing or replacing their license or identification be issued a new number. 

18 July 2024

Florida terminates its Smart ID mobile app
The Florida Department of Highway Safety announced that it is removing the current Florida Smart ID application from app stores. It advises users who have downloaded the app to delete it from their devices, as it will no longer be functional. The agency plans to develop a new mobile app by early 2025.

13 February 2024

Florida bans trans residents from changing gender on driver’s license
Florida transgender residents will no longer be allowed to change the gender listed on their driver’s licenses or state ID, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Doing so would constitute fraud and could lead to “criminal and civil penalties, including cancellation, suspension, or revocation of his or her driver license.” 

29 August 2023

New Florida law for kids under age 18 driving golf carts

Effective October 1, 2023, children under 18 will be required to have a driver’s license or learner’s permit to drive a golf cart in Florida. More than 6,500 American children are injured in golf cart accidents every year, about half of them younger than 12. Currently, state law allows children over the age of 14 to drive with minimal supervision.

21 October 2021

Florida Smart-ID app for driver’s licenses, ID cards to launch in November

Floridians will soon be able to download their driver’s licenses and identity cards onto their smartphones via a mobile app developed by the state’s Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles. Department officials told the Senate Transportation Committee last week that they are prepared to launch the Florida Smart-ID on Apple App Store and Android Google Play store by mid-November.

30 May 2023

4 September 2024

Hawaii launches mobile driver’s license/ID card for Apple devices

Starting August 28, 2024, Hawaii residents can add their REAL ID-compliant Hawaii driver’s license or state ID card on their iPhone or Apple Watch. Officials say residents should still carry their physical ID cards. A variety of apps are available for businesses to download and use to securely and privately accept mobile driver’s licenses and ID cards, for in-person age verification.

08 March 2023

Hawaii: 2,000+ misprinted driver’s licenses issued in February

The Hawaii Department of Transportation reports that 2,450 driver’s licenses issued in February contain an error: an improper font used for “Hawaii” in the upper left corner of the cards. The correct font is a script style while the incorrect font is sans serif. Officials say the misprinted cards will be accepted as a form of identification by TSA and statewide law enforcement, who were notified of the error. In March, corrected cards will be issued at no cost to those impacted by the misprint.

3 July 2020
A new gender option is now available for Hawaii state IDs, driver’s licenses, and commercial driver’s licenses that allows the residents to apply, renew, or obtain a duplicate credential and select “X” or “Not Specified” in the gender data field instead of the binary “M” (Male) or “F” (Female). Credentials may be modified starting 1 July 2020.

18 July 2024

Idaho extends CDL validity to 8 years

Effective July 1, 2024, commercial drivers in Idaho will be able to get a commercial driver’s license (CDL) for eight years. The previous limit for CDLs was four years.

18 April 2023

Idaho rolls out new driver’s license and ID card design

The Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles began issuing driver’s licenses and ID cards with a new design on April 12, 2023. All new cards, renewals, and replacements will feature the new design, which integrates new technology and security features to prevent counterfeiting. The visual design showcases Idaho’s state bird (the mountain bluebird), the Sawtooth Mountains and the Idaho Statehouse.

 5 July 2024

Illinois makes standard driver’s license available to non-citizens as of July 1st

Effective July 1, 2024, undocumented immigrants living in Illinois can apply for standard driver’s licenses, replacing Temporary Visitor Driver’s Licenses (TVDLs) with four-year standard driver’s licenses that have the wording “Federal Limits Apply” printed on them. Applicants for a standard driver’s license must have lived in Illinois for more than a year and provide a passport or a consular ID card, proof of residency, and proof of insurance. Applicants must also pass vision, written, and behind-the-wheel driving tests.

04 April 2024

Illinois allows gender-neutral option on driver’s licenses and ID cards

Effective April 1, Illinois residents have a third option to choose from when stating their gender on driver’s licenses and state ID cards. The gender-neutral option “X” is now available alongside the traditional “M” (male) and “F” (female) identifiers. The law allowing this change was passed until 2019 but could not be implemented until now for practical reasons. 

20 March 2024

Illinois drivers license, ID card renewal deadlines extended to July 31

Illinois residents have been granted an extension, to July 31, 2024, to renew their driver’s licenses and state identification cards. The extension does not apply to commercial driver’s licenses or CDL learner’s permits. The reason for the extension: to prevent customers from rushing to driver’s facilities during inclement weather.

20 December 2023

Illinois issuing ID cards to inmates being released from Cook County jail

Individuals being released from Cook County jail in Illinois will now be given state-issued identification cards, thanks to a new program. The ID cards will help individuals who are finishing up their jail sentences and want to pursue job searches, opening bank accounts ,and buying a home or car. The first group of individuals to be considered are those who previously applied for a State ID card or driver’s license, or who have access to documents, such as birth certificates and social security cards, to apply for the first time.

10 July 2023

Illinois: Temporary visitor’s licenses to be replaced with standard ID document
Immigrants in Illinois with or without permission from U.S. immigration authorities will soon be able to obtain standard driver’s licenses that can be used for identification. A new law, which will go into effect July 1, 2024, will phase out the “Temporary Visitor Driver’s License,” (TVDL), which noncitizens currently use to drive legally in Illinois and replace it with a standard license with the words “Federal Limits Apply” at the top. The new license does not qualify as REAL ID for travel purposes. The new law will take effect July 1, 2024.

26 July 2022

Illinois extends expiration dates for driver’s licenses, ID cards, learner’s permits

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White announced that expiration dates for driver’s licenses, ID cards and learner’s permits are being extended until December 1, 2022. (The previous extension was scheduled to end on July 31, 2022.) This extension does not apply to commercial driver’s licenses (CDL) and CDL learner’s permits.

15 March 2022

Illinois extends expiration dates for driver’s licenses, ID cards

Expiration dates for Illinois driver’s licenses, ID cards and learner’s permits are being extended to July 31, 2022. The extension does not apply to commercial driver’s licenses and CDL learner’s permits. (Previously, the secretary of state’s office said the March 31, 2022 deadline would be the final extension.)

29 June 2021

Illinois driver’s license and ID card expiration dates extended

The expiration dates for Illinois driver’s licenses and ID cards have been extended for an additional five months, to January 1, 2022. This extension also includes expiration dates that will occur between July and December of this year. The extension does not apply to commercial driver’s licenses (CDL) and CDL learner’s permits.

31 August 2020
Illinois residents 75 years old or older now have an extra year to renew expired driver’s licences. The new expiration date will be one year from the 2020 expiration date. Letters are being sent to drivers that qualify for this extension. Drivers should keep the letter with them as further proof of the one-year extension.

No information available.

03 November 2023

The Iowa Department of Transportation has launched Iowa Mobile ID, an app that allows residents to keep a digital version of their Iowa-issued driver’s license or ID on their smartphone. The app is free and optional to download from the Apple Store and Google Play. Iowa Mobile ID can be accepted as a valid form of ID at businesses throughout the state by using the Iowa ABD Age to Purchase App from the Alcoholic Beverages Division of the Iowa Department of Revenue, as well as at TSA PreCheck® checkpoints within the Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and other participating airports. “Iowa is the first state in the nation to roll out a mobile ID with a large number of businesses across the state capable of accepting the ID,” stated Governor Kim Reynolds. Iowa Mobile ID is a companion to the physical card and does not replace it, so Iowans should still carry their physical card.

No information available.

18 April 2023

New Kentucky law allows residents with no permanent address to get a driver’s license or ID card

Kentucky is making it easier for people without a permanent address to get a driver’s license or state-issued ID card. A new law, which went into effect on April 7, 2023 allows state residents to obtain a driver’s license or ID card if they can provide a signed letter from a homeless shelter, health care facility, or social service agency.

08 March 2022

Louisiana Transitions to 6-year ID Cards

Effective March 1, 2022, the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles is issuing 6-year identification cards and will no longer offer the 4-year identification card option.

21 December 2021

Louisiana: Autism Indicator Now Available for Driver’s Licenses

The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles now provides an “Autism” indicator to be added to the driver’s licenses of qualified applicants, including any person diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder by a qualified medical or mental health professional. The autism indicator will appear under the license holder’s photo on the license. LA Wallet users can also display the Autism indicator on their license in the LA Wallet app. There are some restrictions; learn more.

19 May 2021

Louisiana adds COVID vaccine status to digital driver’s license
Residents of Louisiana can now have an electronic version of their COVID-19 vaccination records added to their digital drivers’ license app. Learn more about this secure, verifiable option.

No information available.

5 June 2023

9 January 2023

Arizona, Colorado, and Maryland residents can use Digital ID at certain airports

TSA PreCheck passengers who have a digital drivers license from Arizona, Colorado or Maryland stored in their Apple Wallet (in their iPhone or Apple watch) can use their digital ID at select security checkpoints at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. However, TSA cautions that all passengers should be prepared to present their physical driver’s license in case a TSA officer asks to see it.

27 May 2022

Maryland residents can use mobile DL or state ID for TSA PreCheck screening at local airports

Starting March 25, TSA PreCheck passengers with Maryland driver’s licenses or state IDs are able to use a digital version of their license or ID in their Apple Wallet for TSA identity verification purposes at Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall and Ronald Reagan Washington National airports only. TSA said it plans to roll out the program to other passengers soon.

22 June 2023
Massachusetts to issue standard driver’s licenses regardless of immigration status
Effective July 1, 2023, eligible Massachusetts residents can apply to obtain a Standard (Class D or M) driver’s license, regardless of immigration status. This is possible due to the Work and Family Mobility Act (WFMA) which removes the requirement that residents provide immigration status proof.
Wisconsin’s New-and-Improved Driver License and ID Card
The Wisconsin DMV debuted a new driver license and ID card on June 5th. The detailed artistic design and upgraded security features will boost the agency’s efforts to fight fraud. See and read about the new cards’ design and security features here. 

22 June 2023
Massachusetts to issue standard driver’s licenses regardless of immigration status
Effective July 1, 2023, eligible Massachusetts residents can apply to obtain a Standard (Class D or M) driver’s license, regardless of immigration status. This is possible due to the Work and Family Mobility Act (WFMA) which removes the requirement that residents provide immigration status proof.
Wisconsin’s New-and-Improved Driver License and ID Card
The Wisconsin DMV debuted a new driver license and ID card on June 5th. The detailed artistic design and upgraded security features will boost the agency’s efforts to fight fraud. See and read about the new cards’ design and security features here. 

08 June 2022

53K Massachusetts Driver’s Licenses, ID Cards Misprinted

More than 50,000 new Massachusetts driver’s licenses and ID cards are being replaced due to a printing error. The credentials were valid but lacked a particular security feature, according to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. IDEMIA, the company that prints the credentials, started sending some residents of Massachusetts new credentials on Monday, June 6.

13 February 2024

Michigan driver’s licenses, ID cards have a new design

Michigan is now issuing driver’s licenses and state IDs with a new, cutting-edge security design. The cards display the Michigan Coat of Arms, and the names of the five Great Lakes can be seen in multicolored text when the card is held at certain angles. REAL ID-compliant cards have a distinctive gold Michigan shape with a star in it.  

05 November 2021

Michigan to offer non-binary option for driver’s licenses, ID cards

Effective November 10, Michigan residents will be able to select a non-binary option, marked with an “X,” as the sex on their state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. Residents who want to change their current gender marker to “X” can do so by visiting any Secretary of State office in-person, starting on November 10.

07 July 2021

Michigan: Residents can add hearing loss, autism spectrum designations to driver’s license, ID card

Michigan residents who are on the autism spectrum and those who are hearing impaired can now get a special designation on their driver’s licenses and state ID cards. The designation is private and can only be seen by law enforcement officials, who will be able to see the designation in the Michigan Law Enforcement Information Network during traffic stops. The officers can then approach the card holder in an appropriate and sensitive manner.

23 March 2023

Minnesota to issue driver’s licenses to all regardless of immigration status

Minnesota residents who are in the U.S. illegally will be able to obtain a Minnesota driver’s license under a bill signed into law, which removes the requirement for license applicants to provide proof of citizenship or lawful presence in the country. It goes into effect October 1, 2023.

30 August 2022

Minnesota will issue state ID cards to homeless youth

A state-issued ID card or driver’s license is often needed to apply for a job, open a bank account, and prove one’s age. For youth experiencing homelessness, getting that ID can be tricky. To remedy this situation, Minnesota’s Driver and Vehicle Services division will issue non-driver ID cards to youth under age 24 who meet certain requirements. Read more at dps.mn.gov.

7 June 2024

Mississippi DPS launches Mississippi Mobile ID

On June 4, The Mississippi Department of Public Safety launched Mississippi Mobile ID, a digital version of a physical driver’s license or state-issued ID card that allows residents to control their identity via a free app on their smartphone. Mississippi Mobile ID is voluntary, and residents can choose to continue to rely upon their physical ID.  The app gives residents instant access to an up-to-date version of their driver’s license or ID card. It can be used as a legal form of identity verification anywhere in the state that residents would usually show their driver’s license.

30 May 2023

2 April 2021

Missouri “Show-Me ID” mobile app

The Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control has partnered with the Missouri DOT Highway Safety and Traffic Division to launch a free app to help retail employees verify the authenticity of IDs. The “Show-Me ID” mobile app works by scanning the ID with the camera on a mobile phone or tablet. The app, now available to all Missourians, automatically signals the user when a scanned ID is fraudulent and indicates whether the bearer of a legitimate ID is of legal age to purchase alcohol or tobacco products. The Show-Me ID app does not store the information from IDs it has scanned.

20 April 2020
Montana’s Attorney General and a Motor Vehicle Division administrator have provided more details about a recent directive that allows drivers to renew their licences online and by mail during the coronavirus pandemic. Class D licences that expire between 1 March and 31 May will remain valid for an additional 90 days after their expiration date, and the renewal will last for two years. Those who renew online or by mail without a medical report, will need to self-certify their health to receive a two-year renewal. An eight-year renewal requires a medical report, which can be done by mail.

18 June 2021

The Nebraska DMV began issuing drivers licenses and state ID cards with a new design on June 17th. The credentials include images and colors that represent the state’s natural and man-made features. The new cards also contain advanced security features to prevent fraud, making them the most secure driver licenses and IDs on the market today. Learn more.

20 December 2023

Nevada DMV gives drivers option to add “Star of Life” medical symbol to licenses

The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles now gives drivers with certain medical conditions the option to display the “Star of Life” symbol on their driver license or identification card. The Star of Life symbol (shown below) appears on the front of the card, while special codes on the back of the card make law enforcement and first responders aware of any medical condition(s) the holder may have that require extra consideration.

Star of Life

13 July 2021

Nevada issues driver’s license and ID card with new design and security features

The Nevada DMV began issuing driver’s licenses and state ID cards with a new look and updated security features on Monday, July 12th. The new design features images that honor the state’s history as well as its growth and diversity. Most notably, the REAL ID marker has changed from a gold circle to the outline of Nevada. Learn more.

30 July 2020
Nevada has granted motorists aged 65 and older who are required to renew their driver’s licence in person, a one-year extension.

No information available.

27 April 2021

New Jersey Adds ‘X’ Gender Option for Driver’s Licenses, ID Cards

New Jersey has added an “X” gender option for driver’s licenses and ID cards for those who do not want to specify male or female, the state’s Motor Vehicle Commission announced this month. The commission said that the option is for residents who identify as nonbinary, as well as for those who do not want to indicate their gender on their ID. The state planned to allow the “X” option late last year but delayed the change because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

13 April 2021

New Jersey driver’s license for unauthorized immigrants

Starting 1 May 2021, unauthorized immigrants living in New Jersey may apply for the documentation they will need to legally operate a motor vehicle in the state. The standard license will not be REAL ID-compliant. The unauthorized immigrant driver’s license law, which was passed in 2019, was originally scheduled to take effect early this year but was delayed by the COVID pandemic.

26 January 2022

New Mexico

The vendor responsible for printing New Mexico driver’s licenses and ID cards is reissuing approximately 1,800 credentials that were printed with an incorrect background, rendering them invalid as identification. The affected credentials were mailed in January.

18 June 2024

New York launches mobile DL and ID

New York State residents now have the option to download the New York Mobile ID (MiD), a secure, digital version of their state-issued driver license, driver permit, or non-driver ID, stored in an app on their smartphone. The free app does not replace a resident’s physical driver license or ID card, so residents should continue to carry their hard copy credentials. MiD is accepted in some states and foreign countries, and by some businesses. It is also accepted by the Transportation Security Administration at select U.S. airport terminals. Some, but not all, law enforcement agencies accept MiD at this time.

9 January 2023

New York DMV extends validity of CLP

The New York DMV has expanded the validity of the commercial learner permit (CLP) from 6-months to one year. Applicants issued a CLP on or after December 27, 2022 will be issued a one-year permit. Applicants who were issued a six-month permit with an expiration date on or before June 26, 2023, will be given the option to renew their permit for an additional 180 days.

30 May 2022

New Yorkers can now choose neutral gender “X” on driver’s license, ID card

New Yorkers now have the option to choose “X” as a neutral gender marker on their driver’s license, learner’s permit or state-issued ID card. The change is due to the state’s Gender Recognition Act, which goes into effect on 24 June 2022.

15 March 2022

New York driver’s license, ID card: New design, enhanced security

On March 10th, the New York State DMV began issuing new driver license, permit and non-driver ID (NDID) cards with a new design and upgraded security features.

31 May 2024

North Carolina to roll out new driving and ID credentials in June

The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles will start issuing driver licenses and identification cards in a new design starting in June. The cards feature updated security design and construction intended to combat fraud. The design also depicts familiar North Carolina symbols and scenes. See the credentials and learn more.

12 April 2023

North Carolina’s new driver’s license policy benefits some immigrants

North Carolina’s DMV will now issue full-term driver’s licenses to more immigrants with permanent or indefinite residential status in the United States. Previously, the DMV issued some non-U.S. citizens limited-term licenses. After an advocacy group challenged the DMV policy on issuing limited-term licenses, the agency recognized that driver’s license issuances of shorter durations are not always necessary when the noncitizen applicant enjoys permanent or indefinite residential status in the United States. The ruling is expected to affect tens of thousands of noncitizens.

10 August 2023

North Dakota’s new-and-improved driver’s license and ID card

North Dakota is issuing a driver’s license and ID card in a new design with advanced security features to protect against fraud, as well as an updated state logo and images of iconic state landscapes. Learn more.

 5 August 2024

New in Ohio: Mobile ID for residents and businesses

Ohio residents can now add their driver’s licenses or state-issued ID cards to their Apple Wallet. IDs added to Apple Wallet can be used at some Ohio businesses and at TSA security checkpoints at certain airports. The state is also offering a free app, Ohio Mobile ID Check, that allows businesses to verify the IDs of customers using Apple Wallet.

29 August 2023

Ohio awaits Fed’s approval to issue Enhanced Driver’s Licenses

Ohio legislators have authorized the issuance of Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDL) and ID cards, which meet REAL ID requirements and could be used in lieu of a passport to enter neighboring countries. But the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles must first get approval from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, a process that some officials think could take years. Note: A few other U.S. states issued Enhanced Driver’s Licenses and ID cards before they offered REAL ID compliant credentials; some stopped issuing EDLs once they offered REAL ID cards.

18 April 2023

Ohio is now placing “noncitizen” labels on driver’s licenses and state ID cards of those who are not citizens

The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles began issuing licenses to noncitizens with their status displayed below the barcode on the back, when Ohio’s new voter ID law took effect on April 7, 2023. Proponents of the new law say it will help prevent voter fraud.

9 December 2020

Ohio has extended the expiration date of driver licenses, identification cards, and vehicle registrations beyond December 1, 2020. For credentials set to expire between March 9, 2020, to April 1, 2021, the expiration date has been automatically extended and will remain valid until July 1, 2021.

20 February 2024

Oklahoma Mobile ID App Decommissioned

18 June 2021

Oklahoma extends expiration date for CDL’s and CLP’s

The Oklahoma Department of Public Safety has extended the expiration date for Commercial Driver Licenses (CDL’s) and Commercial Learner Permits (CLP’s) to September 30, 2021. This extension applies to CDL’s and CLP’s that expired on or after March 1, 2020.

7 January 2021

On 1 January 2021, Oregon joined the growing list of states that offer driver’s licenses for state residents who are undocumented immigrants. Oregon residents no longer need to provide proof of legal presence to get a standard Oregon driver license or ID card. Applicants must provide a Social Security number or a written statement. These credentials are not REAL ID compliant.

23 December 2020

The Oregon DMV has extended the validity of driver licenses and permits expiring between 1 November 2020 and 30 April 2021, to up to three months after their expiration date. This will allow the DMV to catch up on processing renewals during the Coronavirus pandemic.

31 May 2024

Pennsylvania to allow gender-neutral option on driving and ID credentials

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation will allow state residents to choose the gender-neutral option “X” on their driver’s licenses and ID cards. Authorities expect this option to be available by the middle of 2025.

20 September 2022

Pennsylvania driver license, ID card: New design and security features

On September 12 Pennsylvania started issuing a driver license and identification card with a new design and enhanced security features. The rollout of the new credentials by PennDOT offices will be phased in gradually between September and mid-November.
Learn more.

13 October 2021

Pennsylvania Launches New Driver License Program for Visually-Impaired

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation announced on October 5th that visually-impaired Pennsylvania residents can now use bioptic telescope lenses to obtain a learner’s permit and ultimately earn a driver’s license. Bioptic telescope lenses can help the visually-impaired meet visual acuity standards to qualify for and obtain a driver’s license. Learn more.

07 June 2021

Pennsylvania: New CDL Laws

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has announced that effective May 23, 2021, the validity period of a commercial learner’s permit has been extended from 180 days to one year. The one-year term is one of the options given jurisdictions in the most recent update to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations. Pennsylvania also changed its law to disqualify an individual from operating a commercial motor vehicle for life if they are convicted of using a commercial motor vehicle to commit certain forms of severe human trafficking. This section of the law became effective May 25, 2021.

17 January 2021

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has announced a new state law that will allow Pennsylvanians experiencing homelessness to obtain a free photo identification card, providing they meet certain requirements. The new law will become effective 25 January 2021.

10 July 2023

Rhode Island now issuing Driver Privilege Cards to undocumented residents
Starting July 3, 2023, the Rhode Island DMV will begin issuing Driver Privilege Cards (permits and licenses) to Rhode Island residents who are unable to establish lawful presence within the United States but wish to drive legally. Such residents are not, however, eligible for Commercial Driver Licenses. DPCs are not REAL ID compliant.

3 July 2020

Rhode Island residents can now select a gender-neutral designation on their driver’s licence. The new option will appear on driver’s licences as an X. The move aligns Rhode Island with neighbours Connecticut and Massachusetts and several other states.

No information available.

No information available.

22 August 2024

Tennessee’s new-and-improved driving and ID credentials

Effective August 19, Tennessee started issuing driver licenses and ID cards with a fresh new design and enhanced security features to fight fraud. See the new design and get the details here.

4 September 2024

Transgender Texans can no longer change gender on driver’s license, ID cards 
Transgender Texans can no longer change the gender shown on their state-issued IDs or driver’s licenses. The Texas Department of Public Safety has stopped accepting court orders for the purpose of changing gender markers on driver’s licenses, due to concerns raised by the state attorney general’s office regarding the validity of such orders.

08 March 2023

Utah mobile DL now accepted as valid travel credential at select TSA PreCheck lines

TSA will now accept Utah mobile driver’s licenses (mDLs) via the GET Mobile app as a valid travel credential in TSA PreCheck lines at a dozen select airports around the country. Utah is the first U.S. state to launch a mDL that is fully compliant with ISO 18013–5 — the international standard that ensures global acceptance as legal ID and allows information such as name or age to be confirmed without the mobile phone ever changing hands.

16 August 2022

Utah and Arizona Mobile Drivers Licenses Now Accepted at America First Credit Union

On August 10, 2022 America First Credit Union (AFCU) began accepting Utah and Arizona mobile driver’s licenses (mDLs) as a valid form of identification for all banking transactions, at all of its branch locations. AFCU will use GET Mobile Verify to securely identify their members, conduct transactions, sign up new members, and reduce the risk of fraudulent activity.

18 June 2021

The Utah Department of Public Safety’s Driver License Division will soon begin issuing new, more secure driver licenses and ID cards. The new credentials contain improved security features and also stylized imagery of two iconic features of Utah’s natural beauty: Angels Landing in Zion National Park and the iconic Delicate Arch from Arches National Park. The Keesing Platform will publish images and more information soon!

13 August 2021

Vermont to replace nearly 50,000 driver’s licenses due to barcode error

Almost 50,000 Vermont residents are expected to receive new driver’s licenses after several newly printed cards were rejected by federal transportation scanning machines, according to the Vermont DMV. The error lies in the 2D barcodes on the back of the license, which are read by TSA’s Credential Authentication Technology machines. The error did not impact people’s ability to travel but it slowed down the process of passing through TSA checkpoints. New credentials will be mailed to license holders within 30 to 45 days.

24 July 2023

Virginians now have option to show their blood type on driver’s license
Residents of Virginia will now have the option to list their blood type on their state-issued driver’s license or ID card. This is intended to help first responders render appropriate aid quickly in emergency situations. The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles announced the new option on July 18, 2023. The blood type will appear next to a black “blood drop” icon on the face of the card, as shown below.

25 April 2023

Virginia debuts redesigned driver’s license and ID card

Effective April 24, 2023, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles is issuing driver’s licenses and ID cards with a refreshed design and updated security features. The new cards showcase iconic Virginia features, such as the state capitol rotunda, and the state insect and flower. The design elements are layers of state-of-the-art security features designed to reduce counterfeiting. The color-coded banners remain the same as the previous version. All new cards, renewals, and replacements will feature the new design. Previously-issued cards remain valid until their expiration date. See the new design and details here.

17 January 2021

Virginia offers two-year renewal option for driver’s licenses, ID cards

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles now offers a two-year renewal option for driver’s licenses and ID cards. The option is available to customers aged 75 and over, and most customers who renewed online or by mail last time. (Those who need a REAL ID-compliant credential must visit the DMV in person.) Customers can to renew online or by mail to receive a driver’s license or ID card valid for two years. When the two-year credential expires, customers must visit the DMV to renew and obtain a standard five-year or eight-year credential and have a new photograph taken. The two-year renewal option has been available since September 2020.

7 January 2021

On 1 January 2021, Virginia joined the growing list of states that offer driver’s licenses for state residents who are undocumented immigrants. Virginia’s Driver Privilege Card is for state residents who do not qualify for standard or REAL ID-compliant driver’s license because they are non-US citizens and don’t meet Virginia’s legal presence requirements. (They must, however, meet other requirements.) Driver privilege card applicants in Virginia are not eligible for a commercial driver’s license or identification card. Virginia’s driver privilege card is not REAL ID compliant.

20 February 2024

Global Entry enrollment on departure from Washington Dulles Int’l Airport

Conditionally approved travelers at Washington Dulles International Airport can now complete their Global Entry enrollment upon departure. Dulles is the first airport to allow applicants to do so. (Other airports have Global Entry Enrollment Centers, but travelers must schedule appointments through the CBP’s Enrollment on Arrival program or schedule them on non-travel days.) 

25 January 2023

Washington State offers no-cost ID cards to homeless residents

Effective January 1, 2023 Washington state residents who are homeless are eligible for a no-cost ID card from the Department of Licensing. The one-time original or renewal ID card is available to anyone expected to reside in Washington who is unhoused. Applicants who have never had a Washington ID need to prove their identity. In all cases, a current mailing address (such as a homeless shelter) is required.

05 January

Washington: Medical designations on driver’s licenses, ID cards
Effective January 1, Washington State residents have the option to add new voluntary medical designations to their driver’s licenses or ID cards. The Washington State Department of Licensing says people can add one or more symbols to the front of their cards if they have a medical condition, developmental disability or are deaf or hard of hearing. (Proof of their condition is required.)

05 December 2021

Washington to Offer 8-Year Renewal Option for Driver Licenses and ID Cards

Effective January 1, 2022 Washington state residents can choose an 8-year renewal cycle instead of a 6-year term. The new, longer option is the result of a bill passed earlier this year to provide residents with more online services and choices amid the COVID-19 pandemic. However, first-time driver licenses, enhanced driver licenses, commercial driver licenses, intermediate driver licenses, and enhanced intermediate driver licenses issued in 2022 will have a 6-year term.

29 January 2024 

West Virginia will offer mobile ID starting this spring
The West Virginia DMV will soon give residents the option of storing their state-issued driver’s license or ID card as a mobile ID.  The plan is to start this program in the spring. The DMV advises West Virginians who download the mobile ID onto their smartphone to carry a hardcopy of their license or ID card as backup.

1 May 2023

West Virginia’s is issuing a new-and-improved driver’s license, ID card

Starting the week of April 24, the West Virginia DMV is issuing driving and ID credentials in a new design that captures the state’s natural beauty and favorite tourist attractions. The cards also contain upgraded security features to better protect against fraud and identity theft. See the new design and learn more here.

25 February 2021

The West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles will honor the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration extension of expiration dates on some Commercial Driver’s Licenses and Commercial Learner’s Permits. Specifically, CDLs or CLPs that expired on or after 1 March 2020 are extended until 31 May 2021.

7 June 2024

Wisconsin residents can now link emergency contact to their driver’s license or ID card 

Effective June 1, a new law gives Wisconsin residents the option to link an emergency contact to their driver’s license or ID card. Law enforcement can use the emergency contact information to reach family or friends in the event of a car crash or medical emergency. Only law enforcement (including police in other states) can access the information. The emergency contact information will not appear physically on the card.

23 September 2024

U.S. passport online renewal system now fully operational

Following several months of beta testing, the system to renew U.S. passports online is now fully available to all Americans, Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced on September 18, 2024. Using the secure system will save passport holders time and effort as compared to the traditional system. Learn more.

18 June 2024

U.S. State Dept. allows online passport renewals during beta testing

The U.S. Department of State is currently testing the beta version of its new online passport renewal system by allowing a limited number of Americans to apply for renewal each day. Beta testing will continue for the next several months, allowing the department to monitor the system’s performance before the software is refined and online renewals are allowed for a broader population. 

18 April 2024

AAMVA’s Mobile Driver License Digital Trust Service is Live

The mobile driver license (mDL) solutions for Utah and Maryland are now participating in AAMVA’s Digital Trust Service (DTS), which provides a framework to ensure mDLs remain safe, secure, and interoperable. As states implement mDLs, DTS helps issuing authorities and industry partners to build a robust, reliable, and trustworthy ecosystem for the issuance and use of secure digital identities. The DTS is a single location for relying parties to obtain true issuing authority certificates providing assurance that the credential being presented is an official standards-based identity and interoperable across state and provincial lines and international borders. 

13 March 2024

TSA PreCheck offers Touchless Identity Solution at certain airports

As the Transportation Security Administration continues to implement facial recognition technology at airports across the U.S., United Airlines and Delta Air Lines now offer TSA PreCheck customers a Touchless Identity Solution. Instead of using a physical ID or boarding pass to verify their identity, travelers get a quick facial scan when checking bags and going through the PreCheck lane.

U.S. CBP One mobile app launches new feature for non-immigrants

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has launched a new feature within its CBP One mobile app. This feature allows non-immigrants, who are required to complete Form I–94 during their departure from the United States, to voluntarily report their exit through the submission of biographic data, facial images, and geolocation data. 

16 January 2024

TSA PreCheck using state-of-the-art facial recognition tech at 200 airports

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has streamlined and strengthened the security of its PreCheck program by adding state-of-the-art facial recognition touchpoints at 200 U.S. airports. The use of facial recognition is a voluntary option for PreCheck subscribers. Those who opt in will use their face to verify their ID during the screening process by presenting their physical ID. The facial recognition technology TSA uses helps ensure the person standing at the checkpoint is the same person pictured on the ID document. Photos are not stored or saved after a positive ID match has been made.

7 September 2023

Dept. of Defense civilian retiree ID cards invalid as of September 1, 2023

Effective September 1, 2023, Department of Defense (DOD) civilian retiree ID cards became invalid and will not be reissued. To be allowed access to military installations after that date, civilian retirees can enroll their REAL ID credential (if they have one) or obtain a Defense Biometric Identification System card. Both types of cards must be vetted before issuance.

24 July 2023

DHS to temporarily waive some REAL ID requirements for mobile driver’s licenses
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) plans to temporarily waive some REAL ID requirements for agencies accepting state-issued mobile driver’s licenses. (Under the REAL ID Act of 2005, federal agencies are not allowed to accept a state-issued driver’s license or identification card, including a mobile versions, for official purposes unless the ID complies with REAL ID ACT requirements.) Several states now offer or are piloting mobile driving and ID credentials (stored on a holder’s smartphone), but DHS has yet to layer REAL ID requirements into mobile driver’s license standards.

19 May 2023

TSA pilot project to assess facial recognition at screening checkpoints

7 February 2023

Permanent Resident Cards & Employment Authorization Documents redesigned
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) began issuing redesigned, more secure Permanent Resident Cards (also known as Green Cards) and Employment Authorization Documents on January 30, 2023. Changes include tactile printing that is better integrated with the artwork; enhanced optically variable ink; highly secure holographic images; a layer-reveal feature with a partial window on the back photo box; and data fields displayed in different places than on previous versions. Previously-issued cards remain valid until their expiration date.

25 January 2023

USCIS extends Green Card validity for some conditional Permanent Residents

US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is extending the validity of some Permanent Resident Cards (also known as Green Cards) for 48 months beyond the card’s expiration date. The extension applies to petitioners who properly file Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, or Form I-829, Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status. This change began on January 11, 2023, for Form I-829 and will start on January 25, 2023, for Form I-751. This extension is intended to accommodate current processing times for such petitions, which have increased over the past year.

5 December 2022

REAL ID deadline extended to May 7, 2025

The Department of Homeland Security announced its intent to extend the REAL ID full enforcement date by 24 months, from May 3, 2023 to May 7, 2025. Under the new regulations published to execute this change, states will now have additional time to ensure their residents have driver’s licenses and ID cards that meet the security standards established by the REAL ID Act. On and after May 7, 2025, federal agencies, including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), will be prohibited from accepting driver’s licenses and identification cards that do not meet these federal standards.

22 November 2022

U.S. Customs and Border Protection stops issuing entry stamps on passports

Customs and Border Protection is no longer issuing entry stamps on passports for foreign travellers entering the U.S. This is part of the effort to facilitate borderless, streamlined travel. Previously passport stamps were issued to manage border entry into the U.S. as well as mandatory document checks, such as visa, and the I-94 system.

26 September 2022

US Dept. of State expects to launch full online passport renewal program by early 2023

A new program run by the U.S. Department of State aims to simplify and streamline the process of passport renewal, by allowing citizens to complete renewals online. To be eligible for the program, individuals must meet certain requirements, including being at least 25 years old and holding a passport that is (or was) valid for 10 years. (See the full list of requirements on the program’s website.) Several pilot trials, each with a limited number of renewal applicants, have been successful. The next phase of the pilot will begin in October. The program is expected to be available on a broad scale by early 2023.

26 July 2022

US Military Common Access Cards now work at TSA

Common Access Cards issued by the US Defense Department to military personnel, military retirees, and military family members are now working at all Transportation Security Administration (TSA) airport security checkpoints. For the past two years, those with the new “next generation” cards have had to produce an alternate form of identification at many airports, since the IDs’ barcodes were incompatible with the TSA’s scanning system. The problem was resolved in June, according to the DoD.

29 June 2022

Returning to the United States on an Expired U.S. Passport after June 30th

The US Department of State advises that US citizens who are overseas and have passports that expired on or after January 1, 2020 will not be permitted to use their expired passports to return to the United States after June 30, 2022. Individuals in that situation are advised to contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate to apply for a U.S. passport.

24 June 2022

American Airlines launches Mobile ID with TSA Precheck®

Starting 22 June 2022 American Airlines AAdvantage® members who are enrolled in TSA PreCheck have the option to use their American Airlines Mobile ID at select TSA PreCheck checkpoints to verify their identity. This option is now available at every TSA PreCheck location at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). TSA and American plan to deploy the service at select TSA PreCheck checkpoints at Miami International Airport (MIA), Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA) and other airports later this year.

05 April 2022

US State Department: X Gender Marker Available on Passport Applications

Starting on April 11, US citizens will be able to select an X (neutral) as their gender marker on their U.S. passport applications.

26 Januari 2022

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

05 January

TSA will start Apple Digital ID pilot in February
Airline passengers with Apple devices will soon be able to verify their identity at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints at two US airports by presenting a standards-based digital ID document such as their mobile driving licence (mDL) or state ID stored in Apple Wallet. Travelers will simply tap an NFC reader or use a QR scanner to initiate the data exchange. Eight US states — Arizona, Connecticut, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Oklahoma and Utah —plan to roll out Apple digital IDs early this year, after a 2021 launch date was postponed.

27 October

U.S. issues the first passport with an X gender marker

The U.S. Department of State announced today that it has issued the first U.S. passport with an X gender marker. This option will be offered to all routine passport applicants once the Department completes the required system and form updates in early 2022. The Department says that it continues to work closely with other U.S. government agencies to ensure as smooth a travel experience as possible for all passport holders, regardless of their gender identity, to promote “the freedom, dignity, and equality of all people – including LGBTQI+ persons.”

07 July 2021

U.S. Passport

Applicants for a US passport will soon have the option to choose whether they identify as male or female, regardless of the gender noted on other personal documents, such as a birth certificate. Such applicants won’t be required to get medical certification to verify their self-selected gender. The US Department of State is also working toward a long-term goal of adding a gender marker for non-binary, intersex, and gender non-conforming persons applying for a US passport; this change is technologically complex and will require time for extensive systems updates.

No information available.

No information available.

25 October 2023

Puerto Rico adds “USA” to its driver’s license

To minimize frustrations for Puerto Rican citizens using driver’s license for identification purposes, the license format has been changed to include “Puerto Rico, USA.”  This change is designed to reduce existing confusion by clearly noting that Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States.

The new format will be used on newly printed licenses and all virtual licenses that can access Puerto Rico’s CESCO digital application. 

22 May 2024

US Virgin Islands’ new Limited-Purpose DL, ID card for non-citizens

The US Virgin Islands Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) is now accepting applications for Limited-Purpose driver’s licenses and ID cards. This allows non-citizens who can provide proof of residence in the USVI for at least 6 months to apply for the credentials and thus be able to apply for auto insurance coverage.  

*This is not an exhaustive list but includes news and announcements about driving and ID credentials that we are aware of. Please always check with the appropriate authorities to confirm if the regulations are still in place.