North Carolina Driver’s Licenses Will Look And Sound Different Soon
Except for my very first driver’s license or the one when I turned 21, I never paid much attention. But, North Carolina driver’s licenses will look, feel and sound very different soon. Yes, I said ‘sound.’
What’s Different About New North Carolina Driver’s Licenses
According to WCNC, the new North Carolina driver’s licenses will not only be made of a stronger, heavier material, but they will have more than 50 features to hopefully stop fraud.
The new material for the North Carolina driver’s licenses is described as a polycarbonate plastic that will feel stiff and sound metallic when dropped on a table. Some folks I know have fancy credit cards that have that sound, too!
As far as the new look for the licenses, expect the designs to feature the dogwood, a state border outline and state salamander. Who knew? Plus, your license will be laser engraved.
Reports say the new material and features are designed to help detect and prevent fraud when it comes to North Carolina driver’s licenses. So, when will the new design be available?
According to WCNC, the NC Department of Motor Vehicles hopes to have the new licenses ready for drivers in June or July. However, there’s no rush to replace your current license until it expires.
Also, keep in mind the ‘real ID’ requirement that kept getting extended goes into effect in 2025. So, you’ll need the license with the star for air travel by then. Or, you can use your passport as well.
Pilot Program For Self Serve North Carolina Driver’s Licenses
And, earlier this year, NC Department of Motor Vehicles launched a program allowing customers to get temporary paper licenses at self serve kiosks in grocery stores.
In order to cut down on wait times in offices, customers, as part of the pilot program, could go to participating Harris Teeter stores and renew, order a duplicate license, change addresses and apply for voter registration.
The temporary card would be good for 60 days until the permanent one arrives in the mail. The pilot program included three stores including one in Raleigh, one in Fayetteville and one in Charlotte at Riverbend Village on Smith Farm Road.
I remember more than 20 years ago while living in Georgia, the state launched a similar program. We actually walked into a Kroger and renewed our license. And, we received the hard copy from the desk at the store that same day.
So, all in all, anything that can improve the North Carolina driver’s licenses process or security, I’m all for! Learn more in the full story from WCNC.
