New Security Features Added to Maryland Driver’s License

Criminal Defense Group Attorney Koria Stanton represents clients who have been charged with offenses such as DUI, assault, and drug related crimes.

Our world is changing at a rapid pace, and the number of innovations that occur in the technological space are the biggest reasons for this rapid change. This is also the reason why internet-based crimes, such as fraud, are becoming more common and impacting millions of people.

According to a study done by Javelin Strategy, internet fraud is on the rise in the year 2016 and new account fraud is one of the rising categories that criminals are using to steal information.

For this reason, people in the State of Maryland should be pleased to know that the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) is doing something to help curb identity fraud when it comes to driver’s licenses in the state.

Maryland is complying with new Department of Homeland Security rules concerning the federal Real ID Act. Under these new rules, all driver’s licenses must be updated with new safety features that will help prevent identity fraud from occurring.

Some of these new measures include a more tamper-resistant material, laser engraving and images, unique inventory-control numbers and identity barcodes. Furthermore, not only will there be added layers of security, but the new licenses will also include iconic Maryland symbols including the Oriole bird and the Chesapeake blue crab.

Those looking to upgrade to the new license should follow the standard procedures that are already in place.

To upgrade, you should bring all of the necessary information, complete any tests (if applicable), take your new picture, and pay the costs for obtaining the new license. You should then keep your old license and your new license should land in your mailbox around 10 days.

The MVA is encouraging the people of Maryland to make sure that their current address is registered with the State. The U.S. Postal Service does not forward mail and it would be unfortunate if your new license was delivered to the wrong address. To correct this, you can go to mva.maryland.gov and enter “address change” in the search engine.

A spokesperson for the MVA, Chuck Brown, wants to let the people of Maryland know that there is no rush to get your new driver’s license. He says if your license does not expire for a while, you should remain calm.

Maryland was ahead of other states when complying with the Real ID Act and the old licenses meet those standards as well. The new licenses just have added security features that make everything a little more secure than normal. If however you want to renew your license or have a duplicate made, the standard procedures still apply.

These new security features made by the State of Maryland are responding to the changing world that technological advances have created. While the wait time for receiving your new license is a bit longer than average, there have been no complaints so far about this change. Starting on Monday, July 11th, these new wait times will take place and the people of Maryland will begin receiving their new and improved driver’s licenses.

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