SPRINGFIELD Secretary of State Jesse White announced today that Illinois Drivers Licenses' and Identification Cards will undergo some subtle changes due in part to a new law that takes effect January 1.
Driver's licenses and identification cards issued to persons under 21 will now display the date the person turns 18 in addition to the date the person turns 21 in a header above the person's photo. Both dates will appear on all cards issued until the person's 21st birthday. Currently, driver's licenses and identification cards for minors only display the date the person turns 21. The change is required by Public Act 92-0689 which takes effect January 1, 2003.
"The redesigned driver's licenses and identification cards should help identify minors," said White. "The new law is designed to help law enforcement and business owners identify minors who attempt to purchase tobacco products."
In addition, the indicator noting "SS#" has been removed from all driver's licenses and identification cards. The Secretary of State's office stopped displaying social security numbers on driver's licenses and identification cards in December 2000. Prior to that date, citizens had the option to have their social security number displayed on their driver's licenses or identification cards. The SS# indicator appeared in case the cardholder opted to display their SSN. The change in policy was made to increase security for cardholders and reduce the risk of identity theft.
The changes are scheduled to begin with cards issued on December 30.
Illinois Driver's Licenses and ID's Have Changed (flier)
