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Department of Public Safety officials announced Friday the launching of a redesigned driver license, and new driver licensing issuance system. The pilot testing of the new license and upgrades is tentatively scheduled for

Tuesday, August 28, in Edmond, with statewide deployment scheduled to start about two weeks later.

While the security elements of the license remain the same, the appearance of the card is changing, such as repositioning the photograph of the card holder’s face in certain documents. These changes will enable Oklahoma to reach the national standard that many other states have adopted, and will be a significant step in achieving the goal of “one person, one identity,” to address the problem of identity fraud.

“The new license meets rigorous security requirements, and will not only upgrade our system, but enhance customer service as well,” Michael C. Thompson, Commissioner for the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety, said, in a news release.

“We’re also pleased to announce that changes in the system and card, will allow Oklahoma veterans to identify themselves right on their license by choosing to have a special veteran’s insignia added to the card. This option will be available after November 1, 2012 and was implemented as a manner in which to honor the men and women who have served our country.” Thompson said.

Statewide deployment of the new system is scheduled to be complete in three to four months.