Get ready, Alaskans, your next driver’s license and ID card is about to receive a major upgrade. The Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has renewed its partnership with Thales, awarding a second, 10-year contract to deliver advanced, ultra-secure physical credentials. Around 225,000 Alaska driver’s licenses and ID cards will be issued annually under this agreement.
What’s Different About the New Alaska IDs?
The new Alaska IDs will be crafted entirely from 100% polycarbonate, a high-durability material that cannot be altered without visibly damaging the card. This makes successful counterfeit attempts more difficult for fraudsters to pull off.
The Alaska IDs will also feature translucent windows, allowing part of the card’s internal structure to show through. While this might look cool from an aesthetic standpoint, it is an enhanced security measure. One of the standout technologies is Thales’ Window Lock, which embeds a negative secondary portrait inside the card. When held up to light, a clear, ghost-like image is visible that is nearly impossible for criminals to replicate.
Custom colors and personalized patterns further elevate the visual security, making these cards both eye-catching and exceptionally difficult to counterfeit.
When Will These Cards Roll Out?
Alaskans enthusiastic for the upgrade need not wait long. These new Alaska IDs and driver’s license cards will be available at all DMV locations across the state in fall 2024.
Will ID scanning work on the new Alaska ID?
Yes. Both VeriScan and ParseLink will continue to be able to read, parse, and authenticate the new Alaska ID format, ensuring business continuity without a lapse in service.
