DMV Announces New Secure Driver License And Identification Card System

Dover -- The Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), a division of the Department of Transportation (DelDOT), is in the process of implementing a new secure driver license and identification card system. The DMV awarded a contract to L-1 Identity Solutions on April 4, 2009. L-1, based out of Stamford, Connecticut, will develop and implement a new system that will increase the security process by which the DMV issues driver licenses and could be in effect as early as November 1, 2009.

Under this new secure system, the most recognizable change for DMV customers will be their photograph being taken at the very beginning of the application process instead of at the end, as it is currently. Customer service will become more individualized because one DMV employee will stay with a single individual throughout the entire transaction. Initially, this could create longer wait times, but it is necessary in order to achieve material compliance with the federal secure credentialing requirements.

Also, the new system will include enhanced facial recognition technology in order to protect Delaware residents from identity theft. The system will compare the applicant's current photograph with the division's entire photograph database to ensure the applicant does not have a driver license/identification card in another name and to ensure the individual is not trying to commit identity theft.

Another noticeable change in the Delaware driver license and identification card process is the documents that will be required of an applicant in order to initially obtain the new secure credential. In order to obtain a new secure driver license/identification card, applicants will be required to provide source documents (e.g. birth certificate, passport, immigration documents) to establish their identity, social security information and proof of residency. It is important to note that once the applicant has obtained a new secure driver license/identification card, the applicant will not be required to provide the source documents upon renewal.

The Delaware DMV's new secure driver license/identification card system is part of a nationwide effort to comply with the Real ID Act. Congress passed the Act in 2005 after the 9/11 Commission recommended that the United States improve its system for issuing identification documents. The DMV's new system will improve the integrity and security of State-issued driver licenses and identification cards, which in turn, will help fight terrorism and reduce fraud.

The new secure driver license/identification card will be uniquely marked and will meet all federal requirements for proof of identification. Delaware residents will be able to use these secure documents as proof of identity for federal purposes such as boarding commercial aircrafts and entering federal buildings.

Delaware residents who currently have a Delaware driver license/identification card may choose to obtain a "non-compliant" driver license/identification card; however, the "non-compliant" driver license/identification card will not be able to be used as proof of identity for federal purposes such as boarding commercial aircrafts or entering federal buildings. The non-compliant card will not require source documents like the secure credential.

The division will provide additional information regarding the new requirements to Delaware residents prior to them renewing their existing driver license or identification card.