Arkansas will begin issuing newly designed driver's licenses and identification cards with enhanced security features in two weeks.
The state Department of Finance and Administration announced in a news release Tuesday that it would begin distributing the new cards July 9 at certain revenue offices. By Aug. 28, the agency expects to have the new ID cards available at all 134 revenue offices.
"Over the last three years [the finance department] has prioritized the use of new technology to improve and simplify the services we provide to Arkansans," Director Larry Walther said in the release. "This new license is a great example of this effort. We incorporated new security features that protect citizens from fraud through duplication."
Current licenses will remain valid through their expiration dates, but duplicates with the new features may be ordered. A duplicate driver's license will cost $10 and a new ID $5.
The new cards feature images of the state Capitol and a "ghost image" in the lower right corner for added security, the release said.
There were 2.15 million active driver's licenses in Arkansas last year and more than 353,000 IDs, according to the finance department.
Metro on 06/27/2018