The new cards will help protect against identity theft and fraud, and are no more expensive to consumers than the current cards. Below is the schedule for the first county offices to roll out the new program:

The updated system will help protect drivers and ID card holders from identity theft and fraud by incorporating security features that are nearly impossible to counterfeit. The switch also means cards will be issued from a central, secure location instead of at county offices throughout the state.

With this new process, applicants leave the county licensing office with a temporary paper document, valid for 30 days. The new plastic license or ID card will be produced at the central production facility and mailed to the customer within about 10 business days. Because it is mailed, it will be critical for applicants to provide a correct address.

The temporary card is issued for driving and identity purposes until the new plastic card arrives by mail. It includes a photo, the same information that appears on the plastic card (such as name, address, date of birth, height and weight), and a machine-readable bar code containing that information.

Current Idaho licenses or ID cards remain valid through their expiration date; however, individuals can opt to renew a license or ID card within one year of the expiration date.

Individuals with valid licenses or ID cards that are not within the one-year renewal window have the option of surrendering the card and applying for a duplicate card. Standard duplicate fees will apply ($15 for driver licenses, $10 or $20 for ID cards).

All other license and ID card application processes will remain essentially unchanged. Fees for all driver's licenses and ID cards also will remain the same.

"The central issuance system is an established process that has proven successful and secure," says Alan Frew, DMV division administrator. "This is proven technology shown to improve the security of the license, the data behind it, and the security of local DMV offices."

Neighboring states -  including Utah, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Nevada, Oregon and Washington -  are among those that issue driver licenses and identification cards from a central location.

The new cards incorporate numerous security features, including micro-printing, ghost images and a laser-perforated pattern that reveals the shape of Idaho when held to the light. Not all security features will be evident. The enhanced security features make it obvious if someone tampers with a card.

For more information, contact ITD's Driver Services office at (208) 334-8000 or visit driverlicense@itd.idaho.gov on ITD's website.