No.14-11

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Alaska DMV Moves to Central Issuance of New Driver Licenses

May 7, 2014, Juneau, Alaska - In an effort to enhance the security of driver licenses and identification cards (ID), the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles (AK DMV) is moving to a Central Issuance process starting June 2014.  The phased approach begins with issuance and renewal of Alaskan driver license or ID and does not require customers to immediately obtain a new license.  At that time of renewal Alaskans will receive a temporary card that acts as an official form of identification until a secured license or ID is mailed, a practice similar to credit cards or voter ID cards. 

"Moving to Central Issuance makes a fake ID significantly more difficult to create due to updated security features in the new design that better protect Alaskans from license forgery and identity theft," remarked Commissioner Curtis W. Thayer at the Department of Administration which houses AK DMV.

The temporary card is a sturdy paper replica of your ID valid for 60 days and will serve as your identification until the updated license or ID is processed and mailed to you in 2-4 weeks.  AK DMV is working statewide with law enforcement, businesses and community leadership to spread the word on the updated process of using a temporary card until you receive the new license or ID in the mail.   

"This will be a big step as you go into AK DMV and get a temporary license or ID before you receive the new one in the mail," stated AK DMV Director Amy Erickson. "The practice of sending a secured license or ID from a secured central facility is a current best practice of 26 other states."

Attached to this release is a single page outlining the updates to the Alaska License and below we’ve provided FAQ information to assist with the most common questions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Central Issuance:

WHAT IS CENTRAL ISSUANCE?
Central Issuance is a process by which the DMV will provide you a temporary card at application then print and mail your permanent card from a secure centralized facility.

WHY DID DMV MAKE THIS CHANGE?
DMV made this change to protect the identities of Alaskans. The new card design and central issuance process is part of a nationwide effort to make it harder for criminals to obtain your identity.

WHO WILL THIS AFFECT?
All Alaskans who rely on or accept state-issued licenses or IDs.

WHEN WILL THIS TAKE EFFECT?
Beginning June 2014, upon initial application or expiration of your current license or ID you will be issued a new card with the added security features.  A temporary card will be issued while the permanent card is mailed to your address of record.

DO I HAVE TO GET A NEW CARD RIGHT AWAY?
Your current card is valid until its expiration. You do not need to get a new card until yours expires.

IS THIS PART OF NATIONAL MOVEMENT TOWARD REAL ID?
No.  Central Issuance is a best practices of 26 other states and not specific to REAL ID.

WHERE CAN I GO FOR HELP?
For help contact DMV at http://doa.alaska.gov/dmv/license/ or email DOA.DMV.WebMaster@Alaska.gov. You can also track the status of your card by using the link provided on your temporary card.

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