MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Driver licenses in Tennessee will soon look a bit different. The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS) began rolling out the new licenses Monday, Aug. 19, 2024.
The agency said the new licenses and ID cards have a new design and enhanced security features. They are also expanding the self-service kiosks, which will help to reduce wait times at Driver Service Centers.
The new kiosks and licenses will be rolled out to all centers in the next few months.
Here’s a look at the new license.
It features a stylized version of the State Capitol and state flag. There are waves and patterns printed in fine lines that are not easily scanned of reproduced.
The new license and IDs are made of a poly-carbonate composition, and will feature elaborate overlapping data and graphics with laser engraved elements. A barcode will be printed on the back, and a “mini ghost image” of the photograph will be encoded.
“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.”
Citizens don’t need to rush out to get the new licenses or IDs until their current one expires or a required change is needed, such as for a name or address change.
The TDOSHS said the new design will apply to all credentials “including Regular Driver Licenses, Teen/Graduated Driver Licenses, Commercial Driver Licenses, Motorcycle License, ID Only License, REAL IDs, and Handgun Carry Permits.”
The self-service kiosk are able to conduct many transactions, including renewing or replacing a duplicate Driver License or ID Card, changing an address, updating emergency contact information, advancing a Teen/Graduated Driver License, paying reinstatement fees, and requesting a license reissue after reinstatement requirements are met. The new kiosks can take photos and process payments with Apple Pay, Google Pay, or a credit or debit card.
For more information on Tennessee Driver Services including the new self-service kiosks and Driver Licenses and ID cards visit tn.gov/safety/driver-services.html.
