As we previously reported, the Alaska DMV will start sending out identification cards from a centralized location versus the current process of immediately printing ID cards.
Division Operations Manager Joanne Olsen explained what brought about the changes.
Olsen: “Fraud has been an issue with us and people replicating our cards. The new card I’m really excited about, there are some features on there that will make it more difficult for people to duplicate. One of the features that I really like is the little see through Alaska state on the bottom right hand corner.”
She said this does not require people to immediately renew their licences.
Olsen: “Once we start issuing the new licenses and IDs customers will receive a temporary card made of sturdy paper with a plastic backing similar to a pocket card with the insurance company. The temporary is valid for 60 days and it will serve as their identification until their license or ID card is mailed to them.”
Olsen said the mailed ID cards should arrive in 2 to 4 weeks. She added that another change the DMV is instituting is that restricted licenses will be vertical instead of horizontal like the Under 21 IDs.