Montana Reveals New High-Security Driver’s License Design

Montana’s driver’s licenses are getting a makeover, starting in December 2025. The updates to the IDs will make them some of the most secure identifications in the country, according to a press release from Attorney General Austin Knudsen.

Key Visual Changes to Montana’s New License

Some of the changes are more noticeable than others. For example, the photo of the driver on the new ID will no longer be in color; it will be black and white, with an additional smaller photo in the bottom right corner of the ID.

For those who have the REAL ID, that will be featured using a black circle with a white star. The IDs will now include a “Citizenship Marker” that features a black eagle in flight. There is also a black organ donor symbol of a heart with a “Y” inside of it. A Montana sapphire with the driver’s initials and birth year will be featured.

Other security measures aren’t easy to spot.

"The long-lasting polycarbonate design features recognizable Montana state landmarks on the background while making it difficult to replicate with black and white laser engraved images, multi-color ink, color shifting elements, ultraviolet designs, and raised tactile features."

Montana Department of Justice Motor Vehicle Division

The back of the license will continue to include one and two-dimensional bar codes, as well as information about the class of license, driver restrictions, and any driver endorsements. The new design now indicates whether a driver has a living will.