Vermont unveils new driver's licenses and IDs: What to expect at your next renewal

Starting Tuesday, the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles will switch to a new style of driver's licenses and ID cards. New "credentials," as licenses and ID cards are also called, will have increased security features, an enhanced design and an option to choose a third gender.

What do these changes mean for you?

Driver’s licenses and ID cards with the old design remain valid until their original expiration date.

If you are due for a renewal, the DMV recommends that you renew earlier rather than later as updates will require printing at an out-of-state facility.

Under the revamped system, by the beginning of July, you will no longer be able to collect your new credentials when you visit the DMV. Instead, your driver’s license or ID card will be mailed to you from the "high-security" printing site.

During the 7- to 10-day waiting period, you will be issued a 30-day temporary paper documentation, which according to the Department of Motor Vehicles should only be used for driving purposes.

Along with your temporary license, the DMV recommends that you carry your current form of identification — even if it is expired — because you may be asked for a second form of ID.

The changes, which are part of an effort to prevent fraud and identity theft, will be first introduced at the Rutland DMV and will follow at remaining branches throughout the state. Saint Johnsbury will take up the rear, and is scheduled to implement the updated credentialing system on June 27.

Third gender option

With the new credentialing system, Vermont joins 11 other states to offer identity documents with non-binary gender markers.

"When an ID does not match the gender identity or expression of the holder, the person can be exposed to potentially uncomfortable situations," said DMV Commissioner Wanda Minoli in a June press release. "Thanks in large part to the hard work of Vermonters in the LGBTQ community, we saw an opportunity to allow a third gender option for increased safety and inclusion of all Vermonters."

New IDs:Vermont to offer 3rd gender option this summer, joining other states

According to press release, the third gender option will appear as an "X" on new credentials, and was a decision made with guidance from the LGBTQIA Alliance of Vermont.

"For Vermonters to be able to select something other than male or female has been a goal of organizations around the state," said Brenda Churchill of the LGBTQIA Alliance of Vermont.

She is looking forward to seeing the result of over a year’s work with DMV Commissioners Robert Ide and Wanda Minoli.

"To honor and recognize folks that want to be designated as 'X' on their driver’s license is really important," she said. "I'm so excited that there are a lot of people who are going to be taking advantage of this."

Contact Sadie Housberg at (802) 660-1845 or shousberg@freepressmedia.com. Follow her on Twitter at @HousbergSadie.