December 10, 2007
McGuinty government introduces new secure driver’s license
New card’s improved security features to combat identity theft
BELLEVILLE — The province’s new, more secure driver’s licence card will help Ontarians avoid identity theft, Leona Dombrowsky, MPP for Prince Edward-Hastings, said today.
“Our government is making the Ontario driver’s licence more secure to protect against fraud, misuse and identify theft,” said Dombrowsky.
Ontarians will receive the new card when they renew their driver’s licence, beginning in December. The new card incorporates leading edge security features such as laser engraved photo/signature/personal information, a fine line background, 2D barcode, micro and rainbow printing, secondary photo and signature images and ultraviolet features among others.
These changes bring Ontario in line with new standards for North American driver’s licences developed by the American Association of Motor Transport Administrators.
“The card also uses a secure platform that can be enhanced in the future to include citizenship information,” said Transportation Minister Jim Bradley. “The province is working towards enabling Ontarians to use their driver’s licence as a border-crossing document.”
“The RCMP supports the use of enhanced security features in order to protect the integrity of government-issued identity documents,” said Inspector B.R. Baxter, RCMP Commercial Crime Branch. “The use of such security features will make the production of forged documents that much more difficult for criminals and criminal organizations.”
“This card is a real step forward in keeping Ontarians safe from the growing scourge of identity thieves and fraudsters,” said Elizabeth Hawley, Executive Director of the Crime Prevention Association of Toronto. “I applaud the government for getting this card into production.”
“This new card demonstrates the McGuinty government’s commitment to security and safety,” said Dombrowsky. “Making our driver’s licence among the most secure in North America showcases Ontario’s ability to be a leader in consumer protection.”
