Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Changes Made To Driver's Licenses

Some changes have been made to the Arkansas driver's licenses to help prevent underage motorists from illegally buying alcohol or tobacco products.

A release from Gov. Mike Huckabee states the new licenses will phased in starting this month at 141 revenue offices across Arkansas.

"We are unveiling a new style of driver's license to help curtail fraud, prohibit illegal duplication, strengthen the ability of law enforcement to identify underage drivers and help prevent liquor and tobacco sales to minors," Huckabee said.

The new licenses will include state-of-the-art security features. Drivers under the age of 21 will have their photographs framed in red, with the date beneath the photo depicting when the driver will be either 18 or 21. It, too, will be printed in red.

The date of birth will be in red with a magnetic strip on the back of the license containing other vital information.

A bar code on the licenses will provide data for law enforcement officers and businesses.

Other changes to driver's licenses include a digital photo and holographic state seal to help make it harder to counterfeit them.

But, these changes won't affect the cost of licenses. The fee will remain at $14 for four years. The additional cost of about 52 cents per license for the modifications is being absorbed by the state Department of Finance and Administration.