Hawaii to get new driver’s license, state ID design with added security features

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) — Hawaii is set to release a redesigned driver’s license and state ID cards later this year, marking the first update to both cards since 2009.

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The new cards will retain Hawaii’s iconic rainbow and will also feature the state flag, island chain, state fish and state seal.

New security features

The city Department of Customer Services said the redesign also includes 50 security features intended to deter forgery and verify authenticity.

Those features include laser-engraved black-and-white photographs and personal information, tamper-resistant patterns and raised text.

The department expects to produce roughly 300,000 cards per year.

When to expect the new cards

Kim Hashiro, director of the city Department of Customer Services, said an exact release date has not been set, but said it will be “soon.”

“We don’t know exactly when they’ll be coming out, but we don’t want customers to refrain from renewing,” Hashiro said.

Hashiro said cardholders whose cards do not expire within the next six months will have the option to request a duplicate with the same photo, name and address, but printed in the new format.

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Current driver’s licenses and state IDs will remain valid until their printed expiration date.

Residents react to new design

“Wow, 17 years is a very long time, but you know what, never late than never, right?” Janelle Tam said.

“I think the new design is very pretty and it’s awesome that they are implementing new anti-theft forgery,” she added.

Resident Sally Arakaki said she welcomed both the look and the added security.

“It looks good. I see it’s very nice, and the color is just beautiful,” said Arakaki.

“I hope that it’s going to work because there’s a lot of scam and theft. Hopefully that help everybody out,” she added.

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