PIERRE — Pierre drivers are getting an early look at a new driver’s license design due to roll out across the state in coming weeks.

The new design includes tougher security features and a special vertically oriented license for drivers under age 21.

Another unrelated change beginning Dec. 31 will require people applying for licenses to provide more forms of identification. Applicants will need a passport or birth certificate, proof of Social Security number and two documents to prove a principal address.

David Montgomery | Capital Journal Cindy Gerber, director of the state’s driver licensing program, holds sample driver’s licenses being rolled out in Pierre this week. The new models include a vertically oriented license for drivers under 21. Advertisement

The goal of the changes is to improve the security and functionality of a driver’s license as a form of identification. Some of the changes, such as the extra documents needed, are required by federal law.

“In order to use a driver’s license as ID for federal purposes such as boarding aircraft or entering federal buildings, you need to bring in these documents to meet that requirement,” said Cindy Gerber, director of the state’s driver licensing program.

The cards themselves have more security features to prevent fakery.

“There are UV features, which means under a black light things will fluoresce,” Gerber said. “There are security features in the materials, including the laminate. The ghost image is a security feature.”

The new security features make the cards more expensive. Gerber said the new cards cost about $5 each to make. The old cards cost $1.58 each to produce.

The increased cost was paid for by a fee increase effective July 1. Fees for a driver’s license increased from $8 to $20, while commercial driver’s licenses went from $15 to $25.

The most noticeable change is probably the new vertical design for licenses given to minors.

“The old license as well looked different for under-21s — it had a red header bar instead of the blue,” said Gerber. “You’ll still see the red color on the under-21 licenses, but now we went with the vertical format. That’s easier for store owners to see the age of a person when they come in.”

Gerber said many states have adopted similar designs for minors’ licenses.

Brenda Ice, manager of Fort Pierre Liquors, said she likes the new design.

“I think that would be very helpful,” Ice said. “You still have to check the birth date to see if they’re 18 to buy tobacco. But having under-21s be vertical instead of horizontal would definitely make it easier to notice right away.”

Shelby Ginger, 16, was at the driver’s license station Thursday to get her Operator’s License. Ginger said the new design is a surprise but probably a good idea.

“I was used to the ones we had before,” she said. “They’ll be able to see right away if they’re 21.”

Andy Lindbloom brought his son Reed, 14, to the driver’s license facility Thursday. Lindbloom said he likes the design concept, too.

“It makes sense,” Lindbloom said.