(Spirit Lake)– Some big changes are about to take place in how Iowa driver’s licenses are issued.
Dickinson County Treasurer Kris Rowley says the state is moving from an “over-the-counter issuance” system to a “central issuance” system. As a result, you’ll be given a temporary paper license that will be in effect until the new license is sent to you in the mail.
Officials with the Iowa Department of Transportation say the change is intended to stop fraud and identity theft. They say the new system will allow security checks to be conducted prior to the final driver’s license or I.D. card being issued.
They say issuance from a secure central location will also safeguard access by persons not authorized to produce cards as well as protect the materials used to make them from theft.
The new licenses will have a new appearance featuring a wind turbine on the front.
The changes take effect April 19th.
