Printing Technology Takes NJ Licenses to Next Level — Cagle

BITS AND PIECES

This isn’t your father’s Division of Motor Vehicles anymore. Sure, the process is still unorganized, in-efficient and clunky. And yes, the people who wait on you are still bitchy, impatient and indifferent. But while the service component is still severely lacking, our DMV amigos have certainly honed their products, at least in New Jersey.

The NJ Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) has unveiled a new generation of licenses and identification cards that trumpet 22 advanced security features. For one, the photos are now digital; instead of the pictures looking like your high school picture from freshman year, the DMV folks (sorry, it’s now MVC) will even retake your photo if you don’t like the first effort. I’m not picking on the old image capturing method, but I did hate getting flash powder on my collar.

The printing technology is mildly impressive. The basic license features a gradient color with fine line background. There are three digital photos on the new ID, including a ghost image that is only visible in UV light. The main image has hidden UV text that shows the holder’s name and date of birth, and there is a hologram of the state seal preprinted in overlay.

Here’s a challenge for New Jersey printers who have acquired the new license: There are other security features that are known only to law enforcement officials. Drop it under the UV light and see what else you can find.

While the change is clearly in response to heightened security measures in post-9/11 America, the new license should drastically eliminate fakes. Plus, bar bouncers no longer have to perform the difficult task of carding patrons in dark, smoky dens of iniquity. Driver’s licenses for minors are now printed vertically, with a date next to the photo that indicates when the holder will turn 21.