Texas DPS Introduces New Tamper-Resistant Driver License and ID Design
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has announced a significant update to the state’s driver license and identification cards, rolling out a new design aimed at enhancing security and readability. According to the department, the new look went into effect on Aug. 18, 2025 and is part of an ongoing effort to stay ahead of counterfeiters and protect Texans’ personal information. The release of the revamped cards coincides with the introduction of polycarbonate material, a tamper-resistant plastic that makes the card more durable and harder to alter.
One of the most noticeable changes is the black laser-engraved star in the upper right corner, which signifies compliance with the federal REAL ID Act. Previously, Texas used a gold star, but the black symbol is part of a national trend that clearly indicates a card’s REAL ID status while standing out from earlier designs. DPS officials explain that all the personal information on the front of the card has been reorganized to make it easier for businesses and law enforcement to verify the cardholder’s identity. The photograph is larger, and key details such as date of birth and expiration date are arranged for quick recognition.
Sheri Gipson, director of the DPS Driver License Division, said that the revamped design helps fight identity theft and counterfeiting by employing a multi-layered security approach. “This new design and new card technology is a very strong deterrent to criminals. It makes it more difficult for them to alter or replicate,” Gipson told local media outlets. The polycarbonate card cannot be bent or torn easily, and the laser engraving ensures that photos, signatures and data are etched into the card instead of printed on the surface, making tampering more difficult. Additional embedded security features, which are not publicly disclosed, assist law enforcement and DPS clerks in authenticating the card.
Drivers do not need to rush out and replace their current driver license or identification cards. DPS stresses that all valid cards will remain acceptable until they expire, at which point renewals will be issued in the new format. Those renewing or applying for a driver license or ID for the first time after Aug. 18 will receive the updated card. The department encourages cardholders to visit www.dps.texas.gov or contact their local driver license office for more information about the new design, Real ID requirements, and how to renew or replace a card. The new cards represent Texas’s ongoing commitment to security and convenience for residents, ensuring that the state remains compliant with federal standards while protecting personal data.