The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security has rolled out a new design for state Driver Licenses and ID cards, as well as introduced new self-service kiosks aimed to streamline various license-related services. According to the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security, these new measures are set to gradually make their way to all Driver Service Centers in the following months, bringing a touch of modernity and improved security features to the identification process.
Boasting a new design that features the historic State Capitol and the state flag, the revamped licenses include intricate patterns intended to prevent scanning and reproduction. TDOSHS Commissioner Jeff Long expressed that “The new Tennessee Driver Licenses incorporate the latest technology which makes them more difficult to counterfeit, alter, or duplicate,” as stated by the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security. In a move to increase security, these new cards are constructed from a poly-carbonate material and showcase innovative security measures like laser engraved elements and a machine-readable barcode on the reverse side.
Citizens are not required to immediately upgrade to the new design as existing licenses and IDs remain valid until their listed expiration. The wide array of credentials affected comprises Regular, Teen/Graduated, Commercial, and Motorcycle Driver Licenses, as well as Handgun Carry Permits and REAL IDs. This directive means that, for the time being, newly designed cards will be issued concurrently with the old ones.
The second part of this security and convenience boost comes in the form of new self-service kiosks, which are expected to reduce wait times significantly. These kiosks will allow people to quickly renew or replace their Driver's License or ID Card, address change, update emergency contact info, and more. Commissioner Long was quoted saying, “We are excited about the added flexibility and convenience the new self-service kiosks will provide for Tennesseans,” as per the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security. These kiosks will also be able to capture photos and process payments utilizing Apple Pay, Google Pay, or credit/debit cards.
