The Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) has awarded Thales a contract, with potential to extend through 2029, for off-site printing of their special license and identity cards including Concealed Weapons Permits, Certificates of Firearms Proficiency, Fingerprint Clearance Cards, and various licensed Security Guard and Private Investigator cards.
As part of this award, these ID cards are being upgraded with stronger security features and a redesigned appearance to ensure a high degree of security and trust in each credential. The new security elements include transitioning to 100% polycarbonate cards, for stronger security and the ability to leverage a large number of embedded, visible security features making it easier for first-line inspectors and law enforcement to quickly and clearly identify whether the credential is genuine or has been altered.
New security features being added to these cards include a detailed laser engraved portrait photo for a clear photo easy to identify in rapid or low light situations, smooth color transitions within a secure background pattern, and a reflective embossed pattern across the card surface for kinetic movement effects. All security features are safely located within, and protected by, the polycarbonate card body and cannot be tampered with without damaging the card, thereby making the tampering attempt extremely evident.
Arizona DPS joins over a dozen other Thales partner agencies in North America that have switched to cards made from 100% polycarbonate, for best-in-class identity credential documents. In addition to the highest-level of security available, polycarbonate also provides a highly durable card with higher resistance to fraud over the life of the credential.
According to the company, Thales is the fastest growing provider of license and identity solutions in the U.S., with a true partner-based approach with its agency and jurisdiction customers. Thales offers some of the strongest security features in the marketplace for identity credentials, as well as regularly introduces new card security features, to ensure a commitment to the fight against fraud.
“These next generation identity cards provide Arizona citizens, businesses and state officials with stronger security for these credentials, allowing for quicker validation,” said Tyson Moler, Vice President for Thales Identity and Biometric Solutions in North America. “Thales is pleased to partner with the Arizona DPS, leveraging our key strengths and expertise in reliable and secure documents solutions.”
Thales is already a provider of driver’s license and ID solutions in the U.S. Thales provides driver’s license and ID card solutions to 17 agencies and jurisdictions across North America: Alaska, Arizona MVD and DPS, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Maryland, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, New York, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia
