March 2011 - Michigan finally updates their drivers license by adding a PDF417 2D barcode to their crippled track 2 magnetic stripe. For the last 10+ years, Michigan's license had a limited magnetic stripe with just one of the three tracks of data on the back. By adding this PDF417 bar code, now MI ID has name and address information on the data stripe.
Shown above is the back of the drivers license. The magnetic stripe is like the old license and should not be scanned in ID scanners because only three fields are availabe - date of birth, id number and expiration date. When checking IDs, scan the 2D barcode in the ID Scanner as this will providing name and address information which make verifiing the ID easier.
There are several new security features in the new ID.
- The card also features the laser-perforated word “MICH,” which can be viewed when held up to a light.
- The cardholder’s photo and date of birth are on the back of the card, viewable under black light.
- The front laminate of the cards includes the current full-color shape of a Great Seal, viewable using a standard off-the-shelf black light, and a new tri-color optically variable image of a bridge and the word “Michigan” that appears and disappears when viewed from different angles.
