Watch CBS News

MI Debuts New, Improved Driver's License

DETROIT (WWJ) - Coming soon to a purse or wallet near you... a new and improved state driver's license. The new card is designed to confound the counterfeiters.

The idea is to stay one step ahead of the forgery crowd, given post-9/11 concerns about those who use such means to get in where they don't belong.

The basic look of the new license and ID card includes an intricate line pattern and outline of the state of Michigan with the Great Lakes. If a person has joined the Michigan Organ Donor Registry, a red heart symbol and the word "Donor" will appear on the lower portion of the card.

The Secretary of State is amping up the drivers licenses with the latest safeguards including a state seal only seen under a black light, a tri-color hologram of the Mackinac Bridge, two bar codes and a magnetic strip on the back with encoded information. Driver licenses for minors will remain vertical.

The cost of a license and ID card will not change. A basic driver's license costs $25 for an original standard license and $18 to renew.

The design of the license and ID card was last updated in 2003 when the smaller half-tone card holder photo was added. The new design will be rolled out through 2015.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.