Effective this week, the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles will begin issuing a new format for all classes of Louisiana driver’s licenses including identification cards and handicap placards.

The new licenses contain multiple layers of security components and design features for greater security, protection of privacy and resistance to tampering. The updated credentials will be phased in by regions of the state and will be issued statewide within the next six to eight weeks.

“Through the implementation of these new designs, Louisiana citizens will have greater protection from security concerns, including fraud and identify theft,” said Motor Vehicle Commissioner Stephen Campbell. “Our staff is working as quickly as possible to implement these new licenses across the state, however if you obtain a credential at an office that has not been converted to the new system, your license or ID is still valid.”

Louisiana citizens are not required to obtain a new license or identification card until their current one expires. The process for obtaining or renewing a driver license will not change, and the cost will remain the same.

Citizens are also encouraged to take advantage of OMV online services offered at www.expresslane.org.