Texans are set to receive a completely new type of driver's license | Carscoops

      Texas has introduced redesigned driver licenses and ID cards featuring improved security features and a new black REAL ID star.

      The updated licenses are equipped with a fresh layout that enhances security. The new black REAL ID star provides better contrast compared to the previous gold version.

      Existing driver’s licenses will still be accepted until their expiration dates, but they will be replaced upon renewal.

      Residents of Texas will now receive new driver licenses, as the state implements updated cards with advanced security measures. Here's a closer look at the reasons behind the changes and what the new licenses offer compared to the older ones.

      It's not surprising that Texas, alongside other states, would enhance its driver licenses. In an effort to bolster security, the country has adopted REAL ID standards for air travel. The latest licenses from Texas adhere to these standards while introducing additional enhancements.

      Texas has opted for a translucent polycarbonate material for its licenses, making it one of a few states, along with Colorado, New York, and Maryland, to adopt this material. This type of polycarbonate significantly complicates the creation of counterfeit licenses. Additionally, the new licenses comply with the standards set forth by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA).

      Beyond the material change, these new licenses feature a restructured format for personal information, making it easier to read. The previously used gold star has been replaced with a black star located in the upper right corner of the card, as reported by CBS News.

      Sheri Gipson, Chief of the DPS Driver License Division, stated, “The way driver licenses are made can make a big difference in terms of public safety. This new card design will make it even more difficult for criminals to produce counterfeit cards, and it enhances ways we can protect Texans’ identities from being stolen.”

      Going forward, all new licenses in Texas will conform to this design. Texans holding the older style don't need to rush to obtain a replacement, as the previous version will remain valid until it expires. After that, all will switch to the new format.