FL Driver Licenses get major makeover [check these out]

ABC-TV ^ | March 17, 2004 | ABC-TV

[summer]

FL driver's licenses get major makeover

FORT MYERS, March 17, 2004 — Florida driver's licenses are getting a makeover, with changes meant to protect you. Driver's licenses can be used to validate stolen credit card information, steal your identity and commit fraud. But the state is taking new precautions to make IDs harder to rip-off.

In addition, the new licenses are designed to prevent underage drivers from the using their ID to get alcohol. Underage drivers will have vertical licenses, while those over 21 will be horizontal. (click images for larger view)

Among the other changes are:

--A new beachscape on the lower right hand corner

--Your photo is shadowed with a duplicate ghost-photo to the right

--The back has two barcodes in addition to the magnetic strip

--The state seal with hidden letters

--It contains other secret features not visible to the naked eye

Some people say they think the changes will work – at least for now.

"It will take them a little longer to figure out," said Florida driver Amy Fitzgerald.

With so many changes, it may take a while for crooks to get the tools to catch up.

"The information on your driver's license is valuable information to someone that wants to get at it. You've got your first and last name and even that all alone, depending on what your Internet activities have been, can make you vulnerable," said Neal Sindicich of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

Your driver's license is just one piece of the puzzle that a criminal needs to steal your identity. It's the fastest growing crime in our country, last year costing Floridians $25 million.

The state will start issuing the new licenses in May in Osceola County, Miami and Tallahassee. They'll be standard statewide by September.

Drivers who currently have valid licenses won't be required to renew until their current license expires. Also, the new licenses won't cost drivers any more money.

[summer]

I wanted to post the two photos in the article, but couldn't get them off the screen. The two photos of these new licenses are currently available on the tv station's web site HERE.

[summer]

Here we go:

[martin_fierro]

Florida's got nuthin' on Mexifornia.

[Alouette]

[summer]

And here's the one for drivers of legal drinking age (21)and older:

[JRandomFreeper]

We don't need no stinking licence....

/john

[summer]

LOL! Thanks! :)

[MediaMole]

That's not Joe Sample...

...this is Joe Sample.

[I got the rope]

ROTFLMAO!

[Arpege92]

LOL

[dawn53]

About time.

I've had my Florida Driver's license since 1986. Never had to darken the door of a license bureau, I've just renewed by mail and been sent new stickers to paste on the back of the license to renew it. I think I have to get a new one in 2005.

I could be blind, deaf, and lame, and the driver's license bureau would have no way of knowing because they never requested the honor of my presence in the office, LOL.

We've lived out of the country for 2 years, lived out of state for 3 years, and then moved back to Florida, but my Florida driver's license remained valid the entire time.

Definitely need a new system, IMHO.

[null and void]

Hey, it happens.

A few years back I was concerned when FL executed a Melvin Carter, I thought it might have been a Jr High School friend.

I was relieved to find out the executed Melvin was white, unlike my black (pre-Afro-American days) friend...

[steplock]

Be sure to run your Drivers License through a very strong electro-magnetic field as soon as possible.

There is no need for everyone to have the information they are imprinting on these cards.

AND ..... They can't prove you did anything purposely to destroy the magnetic information.

[danamco]

And here's the one for drivers of legal drinking age (21)and older:


At least he is not wearing the head cover where you only can see the eyes as the Muslims women are demanding here in Fla.

[secret garden]

That is hilarious! Love the vital stats!

[secret garden]

Check out martin's license from Mexifornia. It's a scream.

[BunnySlippers]

I'd laugh ... it's painful.

[SZonian]

Excelento! LMAO! Especially since I'm here in MEXIFORNIA.

Can I copy it?

[Cold Heat]

Looks like the same thing that we have had for about five years in Arkansas.

The only way to fake them would be to have the machine and the program.

[WhyisaTexasgirlinPA]

I like the description of height and weight....ROFL.....