FREDERICTON (GNB) – The provincial government today launched new driver’s licences and photo identification cards which include enhanced features to guard against forgery.

“Your government is committed to building a smart province,” said Justice and Public Safety Minister Denis Landry. “It is essential that our identification documents are modernized to protect New Brunswickers from data manipulation and forgery. We have partnered with the other Atlantic provinces to develop a driver’s licence and photo ID card with modern security features to protect your information.”

The new cards have a polycarbonate body for durability and tamper-resistance. The photo and personal data are laser engraved to provide protection against manipulation and forgery. Other features to protect against counterfeiting include positive embossing and tactile text and will include a unique number and barcode.

The enhanced technology to develop the cards will result in a new process for obtaining and renewing a New Brunswick driver’s licence and photo ID card at Service New Brunswick:

  • Customers will receive a 30-day temporary document upon applying for or renewing their driver’s licence or photo ID.
  • The new card will be mailed to the customer within 14 days.

Customers should ensure that their correct mailing address is on file with Service New Brunswick and are encouraged to plan ahead if out-of-province travel plans coincide with the need to renew their licence or ID. Cards can be renewed at any time, up to one year before expiry.

A previously-issued card can be kept as a source of identification until the new card arrives. There is no fee increase for the new card.

The new method to apply for or renew a card will begin in late November at the following Service New Brunswick locations: Dalhousie, Bathurst, Perth-Andover, Burton, Dieppe, Hampton and Grand Manan. It will roll out throughout the rest of the province in December.

“This new process for renewing a licence or ID card is similar to other jurisdictions across Canada and is not unlike the process for applying for and renewing a Canadian passport,” said Landry. “Given that New Brunswickers are becoming more reliant on technology and how it has transformed our everyday lives, we must ensure our personal information is safeguarded. These new cards provide a 21st century solution to these concerns.”

More information on the new driver’s licence/photo ID and its features is available online.