Tennessee Introduces New Government ID Cards with Enhanced Security Features
NASHVILLE, TN – In an effort to improve security and combat identity fraud, the Tennessee government has announced the introduction of new state-issued identification cards with enhanced security features.
The new TN government ID cards, which will be available to all residents of the state, are designed to be more difficult to counterfeit or tamper with. The cards will feature a number of advanced security measures, including a holographic overlay, a raised tactile element for the visually impaired, and a unique barcode that can be scanned to verify the card’s authenticity.
“We are constantly looking for ways to enhance the security of our government-issued identification cards,” said Governor Bill Lee. “These new cards are the latest step in our ongoing efforts to protect the identities of Tennessee residents and to prevent fraud and abuse.”
One of the key features of the new ID cards is the holographic overlay, which is a thin, transparent film that is applied to the surface of the card. The overlay contains a complex pattern of images and text that is difficult to reproduce using standard printing techniques. This makes it much harder for counterfeiters to create fake ID cards that resemble the real thing.
Another important security measure is the raised tactile element, which is a small, textured area on the front of the card that can be felt by touch. This feature is designed to help visually impaired individuals easily identify their ID cards and distinguish them from other cards in their wallet.
In addition to these physical security features, the new ID cards will also contain a unique barcode that can be scanned by law enforcement officers and other officials to verify the card’s authenticity. The barcode will contain encrypted information about the cardholder, such as their name, date of birth, and photo, which can be compared against a secure database to confirm the card’s validity.
The introduction of the new TN government ID cards comes at a time when identity fraud and theft are on the rise in Tennessee and across the country. According to a recent report by the Federal Trade Commission, there were over 1.4 million reports of identity theft in the United States in 2020, with losses totaling more than $3.3 billion.
“Identity theft is a serious problem that affects millions of Americans every year,” said Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett. “By upgrading our state-issued ID cards with advanced security features, we are taking proactive steps to protect the identities of our residents and prevent criminals from exploiting their personal information.”
The new ID cards will be issued to all residents of Tennessee at no additional cost, and current cardholders will be required to replace their existing cards with the updated version. Residents can apply for the new ID cards at their local Department of Motor Vehicles office or online through the state’s official website.
“We are committed to making the transition to the new ID cards as smooth and convenient as possible for our residents,” said Secretary Hargett. “We have worked closely with local officials and law enforcement agencies to ensure that the new cards meet their needs and comply with all relevant regulations.”
The Tennessee government is also encouraging residents to take additional steps to protect themselves from identity theft and fraud, such as monitoring their credit reports regularly, shredding sensitive documents before discarding them, and avoiding sharing personal information online or over the phone.
“With the introduction of these new ID cards, we are sending a clear message that we take the security of our residents’ personal information seriously,” said Governor Lee. “We will continue to explore new ways to enhance the security of our government-issued identification cards and to safeguard the identities of everyone who calls Tennessee home.”
