New Washington IDs will contain additional security features
A new driver’s license design in Washington state will use expanded facial recognition technology to help safeguard IDs.
Liz Luce, director of the Department of Licensing, says that the use of the programs "goes a long way to stop thieves, and keep people’s identities their own."
The DOL says the math-based software takes the license photo, and creates a facial template by measuring features that are very difficult to alter, such as eye sockets and cheekbones.
If any red flags pop up, investigators will look at the photographs to determine if someone is trying to forge an identity.
Investigators say most matches will be easy to explain, like after a marriage or legal name change, while others will be a clear a sign of illegal activity.
Officials have already linked one photograph to 36 different identities.
Other changes to the design will shift the picture to the left hand side, and adding a smaller, shaded photo on the right.
The new design will be phased in as people renew their licenses starting this June.
Both Iowa and Massachusetts have also announced this month that they will make security upgrades to driver’s licenses.
Related ID News:
