The Illinois Secretary of State (SOS) has begun implementing a new, more secure and centralized driver’s license and state identification card program (both types of cards are now referred to as “DL/ID” cards). Illinois is the 39th state to transition to a centralized DL/ID program, which is required by federal law. Earlier this year, the Illinois General Assembly also passed companion legislation to supplement these changes.
Some bank customers already may be using the redesigned DL/IDs, and many more will be coming your way soon. Compliance professionals, internal auditors and frontline employees should be aware of these changes and may need training on the new design and issuance process.
New Design
The upgraded DL/ID design incorporates new visible and invisible security features that deter counterfeiting and protect against identity theft. For example, the new cards feature a larger photo along with a smaller “ghost” photo and background images of the Illinois seal and Abraham Lincoln. Other security features include a laser perforation in the shape of Illinois that can be used to quickly authenticate a DL/ID when held up to light, and an ultraviolet feature on the back that duplicates the individual’s photo and birthdate.
New Issuance Process
The SOS has moved from issuing driver’s licenses onsite at “driver services facilities” to issuing DL/IDs from a single, centralized manufacturing facility.
Under the new process, applicants visiting driver services facilities no longer will be issued driver’s licenses and state IDs onsite. Instead, they will leave the facility with a temporary paper document, which will be valid for 45 days both for driving purposes and as proof of identification. Banks and other businesses must decide whether to accept this temporary ID as a valid identity document and may choose to not accept the temporary IDs.
Meanwhile, the applicant’s information will be sent to a centralized, secure Illinois facility where the SOS will investigate potential fraud. The SOS will determine whether an applicant already has received one or more DL/IDs under a different name, and whether an applicant may have used a fake or stolen social security number, immigration card or birth certificate. If fraud or identity theft is suspected, the SOS will not send out a DL/ID and will continue investigating.
After the fraud check is complete, the SOS will mail a permanent DL/ID to the applicant’s address within 15 business days.
Implementation Timeline
The transition to issuing DL/IDs is taking place in phases. On May 17, 2016, the SOS began mailing new DL/IDs to “Safe Driver Renewal” applicants. Beginning in late June of 2016, the SOS will begin a general rollout of the program, and a growing number of driver services facilities throughout the state will begin issuing the temporary paper IDs. By the end of July 2016, all driver services facilities should be transitioned to the new program.
Reasons for the Changes
Central issuance facilities are able to produce the new anti-counterfeiting security features, which over-the-counter DL/ID printing technology no longer can replicate. In addition, the new central issuance system moves the SOS towards compliance with the federal Department of Homeland Security’s “REAL ID” requirements intended to enhance fraud prevention. The REAL ID requirements set standards for state-issued DL/IDs and prohibit federal agencies (including the TSA at airports) from accepting driver’s licenses and state IDs from states that do not meet the REAL ID standards.
The companion law enacted by the Illinois General Assembly was signed by Governor Rauner on June 24, 2016, and notably, it prohibits Illinois residents from holding both a driver’s license and a state ID card at the same time (which would entail having two DL/IDs). Applicants who are unable to show proof of their lawful status in the U.S. will only be eligible for a restricted DL/ID, which may be used for a “temporary visitor’s driver’s license” or a “temporary instruction permit,” but not for proof of identity.
Existing driver’s licenses will remain valid until their expiration date (at least for the next four years), and the new law limits the validity of a DL/ID to no more than eight years, after which it must be replaced. The new Illinois law takes effect January 1, 2017, although, as noted above, the SOS changes already are underway.
For additional information about these changes, review the new law (Public Act 99-511), read the SOS FAQs, and view the SOS brochure (which includes an example of the new DL/ID design).