Thales has been selected by Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to deliver new state identification cards and driving licences, alongside a wider set of enrolment and issuance capabilities. The programme will upgrade both document security and operational workflow across DMV locations.
The core material will change to 100% polycarbonate. Polycarbonate card bodies allow laser-personalised data to fuse into the card structure, improving durability and making physical tampering more evident than with layered PVC constructions.
The new Nebraska credentials are also expected to use laser-engraved black-and-white portrait images, improving readability for frontline inspection (including in lower-light conditions) while increasing resistance to photo substitution attempts, as altering a laser-engraved image typically leaves visible damage.
On the systems side, the identity system includes ICAO-compliant photo capture and a 1:1 photo comparison step as part of identity assurance at enrolment. The programme also references a centralised server for records/workflow management, advanced document authentication tooling (including Thales AT-10k), and government cloud deployment to improve cybersecurity controls around citizen data.
Overall, the partnership signals a move toward more secure physical credentials, backed by tighter enrolment controls and centralised issuance processes—aimed at reducing fraud while improving consistency and throughput in DMV operations.
