Connecticut’s motor-vehicles agency says it’s taking steps to shield drivers against fraud and identity theft.
DMV Commissioner Michael Bzdrya said Friday his agency will implement a central issuance fraud and identity theft program by the end of 2017.
The change is being made in accordance with Connecticut’s security plan under the Real ID Act and as required by federal law, Bzdrya said.
New and renewed credentials will be produced at a central, secure location that meets federal requirements for both safeguarding the raw materials used to produce licenses and IDs as well as mailing them to customers.
“The physical security at a central issuance site and the new card design better protect Connecticut license and ID card holders,” the commissioner said.
Chief benefits include reducing the risk of counterfeit drivers licenses by securing and tracking materials used to produce driver licenses and ID cards. The program also provides DMV with time-saving and wait-time reducing options, such as allowing customers to “skip a trip” by renewing these credentials online. Customers will also be able to use the DMV website to replace a lost license or ID.
Twenty-five other states already use the program.
The Real ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, establishes certain security standards for proof of identity and production of state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards.
