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Missouri drivers will soon start to see a different version of their driver's license.

The Missouri Department of Revenue announced that this year they will be issuing new versions of licenses and ID cards.

Department of Revenue Director of Communications Ted Farnen said this is a project that has been in the works for a while.

"The ultimate reason was we wanted to make the drivers licenses and ID cards more secure is so they'd be less likely for identity thieves or forgers to be able to do unlawful things or present themselves as somebody else," he said.

There are several differences that you can see just by comparing the two versions. The new version has a different background, while individuals under the age of 21 will receive vertical cards.

There are some less-visible additions that make the new card more difficult to replicate though.

Farnen said, "We have laser perforations that spell out the two letters M.O., as in Missouri, and there is certain printing that will change color when it's exposed to an ultraviolet light."

You can keep your old license until it expires or, if you want the newer version, you can trade it in at any time.

You can find answers to frequently asked questions about the new licenses here.