AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Maine’s new driver’s licenses will have an updated design and security features that will offer increased fraud protection.

Secretary of State Charles Summer unveiled the new designs Tuesday for driver’s licenses and state identification cards that will begin being issued this week.

The new cards include added security features and machine-readable technology. Summers declined to go into detail about the new features, but said they make it harder to steal someone’s identity or counterfeit a license.

The new cards feature images of Mount Katahdin and a moose, which replace a smaller coastal lobster boat image currently on the cards.

They also have a different display, with a large photograph on the left, a smaller photo on the right and a person’s name, address and other identifying information in the center. The current cards have a large photo on the right, a small photo in the center and identifying information on the left. People will also have the option to have their address listed on the back of the card.

Licenses and ID cards issued to people under 21 will have information and photos displayed in a vertical format, rather than the traditional horizontal layout. They’ll also spell out in red text the dates that the holders turn 18 and 21.

The cards are being rolled out this week in Augusta and next week in Portland. They should be available statewide by June.

People aren’t required to get the new licenses until their current licenses or ID cards expire, but if they want they can get one early for $5.

The new card’s design was chosen by former Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap, who signed a contract in 2009 for the new licenses and identification cards. The new contract lasts until the middle of 2017.


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