Maryland unveils a new secure driver’s license leveraging Gemalto’s polycarbonate technology

Amsterdam, July 13, 2016 – Gemalto (Euronext NL0000400653 GTO), the world leader in digital security, announces that the Maryland Department of Transportation's Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) has begun rolling out its new secure and redesigned driver's license and identification (ID) card across the state. The polycarbonate-based driver's license gives Maryland residents a tamper-resistant credential that reduces document forgery and protects against identity fraud. Maryland selected Gemalto's line of Sealys Secure Documents for the new polycarbonate driver's license that includes laser-engraving, hidden security elements and tactile features specifically designed to improve document security. The material's durability also increases the longevity of the driver's license, fulfilling a state requirement to extend the document's validity period to eight years.

Maryland also chose Gemalto's Coesys Issuance Solution to personalize and produce resident's driver's licenses and ID cards on-site within MVA's secure, state-of-the-art issuance center. Gemalto's central issuance solution fully aligns with Maryland's goal of maintaining REAL ID¹compliance while offering additional security benefits. The central issuance of driver's licenses and ID cards further enhances security by limiting access to card materials, equipment and personal information. According to the Bureau of Justice in 2014, 17.6 million U.S. residents were impacted by identity fraud. One of the key components of reducing identity fraud is creating a stronger and more secure form of identification.

"With Gemalto's expertise, we were able to provide Maryland residents with the most secure card in the nation," said MVA Administrator Christine Nizer. "Gemalto has been a true partner throughout the rollout of the secure cards, even helping us brief law enforcement on the cutting-edge security features that will safeguard the personal information of our customers." 

"With the new driver's license, Maryland is demonstrating its commitment to bringing residents the best-in-class security and identity protection," said Steve Purdy, VP of State Identity Programs at Gemalto. "Many states like Maryland are facing new challenges of securing and issuing driver's licenses and we are dedicated to delivering an end-to-end solution that provides a complete technology roadmap, simplifies current operations and improves security."

¹ The REAL ID Act of 2005 is an Act of Congress that modifies U.S. federal law pertaining to security, authentication, and issuance procedures standards for the state driver's licenses and identification (ID) cards.