NYS Department of Motor Vehicles
Governor's Traffic Safety Committee

High-Tech Security

New York State began issuing redesigned photo driver licenses, learner permits and identification cards in April 1997.  The new design enhances document security, helps prevent crime and protects document owners.  The licenses and ID cards have specially engraved backgrounds that contain intricate "microtext", similar to that used in many work currencies.  These background designs are printed in a blended color pattern in order to be virtually copy or counterfeit proof.  This special design is one of several layers of protection for the documents and the data they contain.

The new documents are being phased in over five years as licenses and ID cards are renewed and new ones are issued.  This means that two styles of licenses and permits will be valid until April 2002.  In addition, some old-style ID cards issued prior to April 1997 are valid for 10 years and will remain in circulation until their expiration dates.

 

Ultraviolet Protection

For added security, the redesigned documents contain a large New York State seal printed in ultra-violet-sensitive ink over portions of the client's name, ID number, photo, and date of birth.  This seal is only visible under ultraviolet "black light."  If a document is altered, the seal will show a break when viewed under black light.

 

"Under 21" Markings

Licenses and ID cards issued to anyone under 21 years of age feature the dates of birth and client identification numbers printed in red.  The words "UNDER 21" also are printed in red beside the clients' photos.

 

Security Laminate

The fronts of the new documents are also covered with a security laminate, a continuous wallpaper pattern of state seals, which has been proven effective against tampering.  When viewed through a retro-reflective device, this laminate reveals any cut lines or spots caused by alterations.

 

New "2-D" Barcode

A major change on the back of the new documents is a two-dimensional barcode that has replaced the magnetic stripe on the old documents.  This "2-D" barcode (PDF-417) along the bottom edge of the cards contains all the client information printed on the front" name, address, ID number, date of birth, height, sex, eye color, document class, and restriction/endorsement codes.  Across the top of each card is a one-dimensional barcode containing the client ID number, date of birth, and the card's expiration date.  These features enable law enforcement agencies and businesses with barcode readers to verify the information printed on the face of each document.

Document Types

In addition, color coding of the title line located underneath "New York State" distinguishes the document types as shown below:

DRIVER LICENSE - (blue) RESTRICTED USE - (purple) CONDITIONAL - (purple)

LEARNER PERMIT - (green) COMMERCIAL - (brown) IDENTIFICATION CARD - (gold)

If you have questions about document validity, please contact:

C-51A (5/02)
Edited for the Internet (5/02)

http://www.nysgtsc.state.ny.us/id-brochure.htm -- Revised: March 22, 2006