June 4, 2003

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land today announced that all branch offices are speeding up driver’s license renewals by retrieving data stored in magnetic strips on back of licenses.

"We’re always looking for better ways to serve our customers," Land said. "Using this technology enables us to record license data more quickly and accurately. The result is a shorter waiting time for the public and greater efficiency for branch office employees. I want taxpayers to get the proper bang for their buck. This investment works to everyone’s advantage."

Each employee workstation now has a keyboard that is equipped with the magnetic-strip reader. Retrieving data directly from the license eliminates the need to enter it manually. That provides faster and more accurate inputting. From the customers’ standpoint, it helps to expedite license renewals and shorten waiting times.

Many law-enforcement agencies are making use of this technology as well. Because the magnetic strips are tamper-resistant, police can make certain that the data contained in the magnetic strips matches the information listed on front of the license.

By law, the magnetic strip contains no personal information other than the holder’s license number, date of birth and license expiration date.

About 10.5 million driver’s licenses and 1.4 million personal identification cards – which include replacements for those that were lost or destroyed – have been issued since Michigan began using magnetic strips in April 1998.

A computer system installed last year in the branch offices now enables the department to take advantage of the magnetic strip capability. Department officials also prudently waited to go online with this program until the majority of customers had the new-style licenses.

"This is a big step in our ongoing commitment to use automation for better customer service whenever possible," Land said. "But we’re not stopping here. We will explore every practical avenue for improving efficiency and convenience through technology."

Roughly two-thirds of the current driver’s licenses now have the strip. The Department of State expects all licenses to be upgraded with the strip by 2006. Michigan issues about 2.4 million new and renewed licenses and ID cards annually.

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