New Year Brings Changes To Missouri Drivers’ Licenses

In the coming months, Missourians will see a big change in their drivers’ licences.

According to the Department of Revenue website,  starting in December, license offices around the state will be converted to the new process at the rate of about 15 offices per week.

The changes enhance security and help reduce the risk of identity theft and other kinds of fraud. Driver licenses and nondriver identification cards will have new security features, and will be printed in one, secure facility.

Applicants may still go to any Missouri license office they choose, and the application process and fees will remain the same. At the license office, applicants will receive a temporary, paper license and may keep the old license card which will be punched “VOID.” The permanent license will be produced at a single, secure facility, and arrive in the mail at an applicant’s home within 7 to 10 business days. Overall, time spent in the license office should decrease.

The license offices will scan all paperwork and securely transmit it to the central office. Outdated equipment in the license offices will be replaced with modern equipment.

The license or identification card will be mailed in a regular envelope through the U.S. Postal Service, similar to the way a credit card or passport is mailed. The envelope will be unmarked and will not suggest or reveal the contents.

Mailing the license or identification card helps detect and prevent fraud and identity theft by requiring a valid address, and allows extra security precautions to be taken prior to issuing the permanent document, so that individuals who might pose as someone else will not be able to receive a license on the spot.

You should receive your driver license or nondriver identification card within 7 to 10 business days.

The new license includes security features such as a laser perforation (holding the license up to a light will reveal a “MO” perforation) and special printing that reacts to UV light. There’s even a special, vertical arrangement for under-21 licenses.

The roll-out should be complete in April 2013.
If you have any further questions, you can contact the DOR by phone at 573-526-2407 or by e-mail at dlbmail@dor.mo.gov.