New Document Issues

One new document issue to report on this month, the US state of Wisconsin new driving licence and ID card.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issued the new cards on 5 June, with new design elements and upgraded security features.

The new cards feature hand crafted artwork of key Wisconsin features – like the Wisconsin State Capitol and state flag – which are interwoven throughout, creating a more customised look to the card.

Driving licence, front and reverse © Wisconsin DOT.

The cards also feature:

• Transparent windows visible on the card’s right edge and back bottom edge. The manufacturing process allows the clear ribbon to flow right off the edge of the card and is integrated with cardholder data. Wisconsin claims it is the first US state to have this security feature.

• A distinct ‘flipping effect’. Looking at the embossed feature just above the ribbon, when angling the card one way, you see the secondary photo. While at another angle you see the month and year of birth. This feature is hard to duplicate and/or counterfeit.

• The familiar orange DONOR dot: For those who participate in the life-giving organ donation registry, the orange dot is now nestled in the larger sugar maple leaf which you can feel.

• The noticeable vertical format on cards for those under age 21 continues and will incorporate blue/red colour themes for rapid visual recognition. Cards for those over age 21 are horizontal and have a blue/gold theme.

The upgraded security features will be available on regular and REAL ID cards. The fee remains the same.

The laser-engraved version currently in circulation debuted in September 2015. These will remain valid until their expiration date. Cards with the new features will be issued upon renewal, replacement or first issuance.

‘Wisconsin DMV continues to stay on the leading edge of technology by incorporating the next generation of updated security features into our driving licences and ID cards,’ Wisconsin Department of Transportation Secretary Craig Thompson said. ‘Our residents can be proud of the modernised new cards and also the efforts DMV takes to secure their credentials.’