KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee driver licenses and IDs have a new design.
The state Department of Safety and Homeland Security announced that it began issuing licenses and IDs with the new designs on Monday. It said the new IDs have improved security features that make them harder to forge or duplicate.
It also said it started rolling out new self-service kiosks at Driver Service Centers across the state. IT expects to have the new kiosks expanded to all service centers over the next few months.
"The new Driver Licenses and ID cards prominently feature a stylized version of Tennessee’s historic State Capitol and state flag with its iconic three-stars representing the state’s three grand divisions," the state said. "The new design features waves and patterns printed in very fine lines that are not able to be scanned or easily reproduced."
Along with the patterns, TDOSHS said the licenses incorporate an "elaborate overlapping of data and graphics and lager engraved elements" that show if the documents have been altered and are fake.
“The new Tennessee Driver Licenses incorporate the latest technology which makes them more difficult to counterfeit, alter, or duplicate,” said TDOSHS Commissioner Jeff Long. “These countermeasures help prevent theft and fraud and help keep your identity safe.”
The new design will also be used in other state-issued cards, including handgun carry permits. People are not required to update their cards and can continue to use the old designs until their license or ID expires.
“We are excited about the added flexibility and convenience the new self-service kiosks will provide for Tennesseans,” said Commissioner Long. “Citizens can complete many Driver Services transactions at one of these new kiosks which will help reduce wait times at Driver Services Centers.”
