Oregon driver licenses will soon have a new look

(DECEMBER 14, 2018) Oregon driver licenses and identification cards will look different next year. The state is changing the design of the cards. The new cards are more colorful and more secure. Also, some cards are horizontal; others are vertical.

For most people, their current cards will remain valid, says Matt Garrett. He is the director of the Oregon Department of Transportation. He says the state is testing the new cards. Some people will receive them in December; others will receive them in 2019. However, most people do not have to do anything yet, even if you move within the state. Oregonians will receive new cards only if:

• their old card has expired (out of date)
• their name has changed
• they decide to apply for a new card or driving privilege.

The new cards are more colorful, and they have a picture of Mount Hood on the back. Drivers under 21 will have a vertical layout. This helps liquor stores and bars see that it is not legal for those drivers to purchase alcohol. The new cards will also have new security features, but they will cost the same as the current cards.

Last year, Oregon made another change to these cards. Oregon was the first state to allow residents to identify as "non-binary." That means neither male nor female. Instead, Oregonians can now choose "M" for male, "F" for female, or "X" for non-binary (neither male nor female). Since then, several other states now do the same.