News release

Nova Scotia Driver's Licence Gets a New Look

Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations (Oct. 2000 - March 2014)

The province is introducing a new Nova Scotia driver's licence and identification card that has enhanced security features and is easier to read. The new cards begin circulation today, Nov. 1.

"The new driver's licence and identification card better meets the security and safety needs of Nova Scotians," said Jamie Muir, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. "Signatures are now on the front of the card and bar codes, containing all of the card's information, are on the back and have replaced the magnetic strips. This makes attempting to breach the document's security much more difficult."

Information fields are numbered and consistent with new international standards that make it easier for law enforcement officials to read. This means that the first field will always represent a surname and the second field will always represent given names. When enforcement officials review the new card, information will be clearly displayed and consistent with the developing Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators standards.

Old-style cards, issued before November 2006, will be valid until their expiry date and there are no additional fees associated with the enhanced version. For more information call 424-5851 in Halifax or toll-free 1-800-898-7668.