ODPS BMV Ohio's Safe ID - upcoming driver license and ID card credential

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Ohio will offer the new driver license and state identification card design beginning with the release of our federally compliant "Ohio's Safe ID" in 2013.

Ohio's Safe ID is the name given to the State of Ohio's new driver licenses and state identification (ID) cards that are compliant with the federal Real ID Act of 2005, and can be accepted by the federal government for "official" purposes.

"Official" purposes are defined by Federal Homeland Security as being accepted for boarding commercially operated airlines, and entering federal buildings (i.e. Social Security offices, federal court buildings, etc.)

On December 1, 2014, federal agencies will no longer accept state driver licenses or identification cards for "official" purposes from individuals born after December 1, 1964, unless they are Real ID compliant.

*The only exception to this are those individuals born after December 1, 1964, who currently hold what is called a legacy license or identification card (traditional) with an expiration date that occurs after the December 1, 2014 deadline. These licenses and identification cards will be accepted until they expire.

Between 2013 and 2017 both Ohio's Safe ID and our legacy (traditional/current) driver licenses and ID cards will be issued. During this period, Ohio will continue issuing the legacy cards to those renewing, who choose not to purchase a federally compliant Safe ID. However, all new issuances, including out-of-state conversions, will be required to purchase an Ohio Safe ID.

On December 1, 2017, Ohio's legacy driver licenses and state ID cards (traditional) will no longer be available. Only Ohio's Ohio's Safe ID credential will be issued.

*The only exception to this is those individuals born prior to December 1, 1964, who currently hold a legacy license or identification card (traditional) with an expiration date that occurs after the December 1, 2017 deadline. These licenses and identification cards will be accepted until they expire.

Ohio's federally compliant credential, Ohio's Safe ID, includes special security features and requires additional facility security over the issuance process and issuance materials. Because of these enhanced security needs, we will be issuing Ohio's Safe ID driver licenses and state identification cards centrally instead of over the counter. Customers will be given a temporary document to use until they receive their Ohio's Safe ID credential in the mail (anticipated 7-10 days for delivery).

The new design will allow for easy recognition of an Ohio's Safe ID and will be distinctly different in design, look and feel from the legacy (traditional) license.

Ohio's Ohio's Safe ID credential will include additional security features, markings, a new card material and other federal requirements, making it Ohio's most security enhanced driver license and state identification card ever issued.