NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) has introduced a new security feature to driver licences, embossing the driver’s date of birth over their photo to reduce fraud opportunities.
The change takes effect for new licence cards issued from today (Monday 13 April 2026). The embossed date of birth provides secondary verification of the date already printed beside the photo.
NZTA Head of Driving Regulation Chris Rodley says embossing is an established international security measure that makes licences harder to forge.
“Embossing is difficult to replicate, which makes it an effective way to reduce the opportunity for fraud. It also means the photo on the card can’t be easily modified and it provides an extra verification of the driver’s date of birth,” Rodley says.
The inclusion of embossed dates of birth is commonly used on driver licence cards overseas, bringing New Zealand in line with international best practices for licence security.
Existing licence holders do not need to take any action, as current licences remain valid until their expiry date. The new security feature will only appear on licences renewed or issued from 13 April 2026.
“People don’t need to do anything with their existing licence – they are still valid until their expiry date. The change simply means that if you renew your licence or get a new licence from today, your licence card will include the new feature,” Rodley says.
The security enhancement is part of NZTA’s broader role in transport regulation, which includes helping new drivers earn their licences, leading safety campaigns, and investing in transport infrastructure across New Zealand.
