New driver’s license unveiled

Tuesday, May 21, 2002 | 9:14 a.m.

Gov. Kenny Guinn unveiled today a new Nevada driver's license that looks similar to a credit card, is harder to fake, lasts longer than current licenses and uses digital technology.

The new licenses will make motoring safer in Nevada, Guinn said in Las Vegas.

"Because the license is harder to fake, it will help keep drivers who don't qualify for a license off the road and make the purchase of alcohol by those under 21 more difficult," the governor said.

Driver's licenses are used as a primary source of identification. Besides those used by people under 21 to buy alcohol, fake IDs are used to commit crimes. Timothy McVeigh used a fake driver's license to rent the truck used in the Oklahoma City bombing.

Information printed on the card is coded on a strip which can be read by handheld equipment, Ginny Lewis, Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles director, said. The state initiated the new licenses in Minden and has been using it in Reno since early May.

The license is not mandatory, Lewis said. It will replace current driver's licenses as they expire. Nevada drivers will pay an extra $1.25 for the new license.

The state has a contract with Digimarc Corporation of Oregon, a leader in digital watermarking.