Californincompetence: Drivers licenses greatly delayed

New security measures to prevent counterfeiting are delaying the manufacture of new drivers' licenses in California, a state where now the State cannot seem to do very much right.  KNBC-TV reports:

DMV spokesman Michael Marando acknowledged the problem, blaming the delays on manufacturing problems in creating the state's new, more secure licenses.

"If someone ordered their license today, the wait is about a month," Marando said.

Last October, the DMV began issuing the redesigned licenses, which are made by L1 Identity Solutions. The company received a five-year $62.8 million contract from the DMV and Marando said there have been some "production issues."

Licenses include enhancements such as a laser perforation outline of the California Brown Bear, laser-engraved signatures, new bar codes that verify information on the license, and special images that can be seen only with the use of ultraviolet light.

Marando said the new licenses have to be absolutely perfect and if there's "so much as an ink smudge" in the production process, the DMV will send it back to be fixed.

In a statement, the DMV said any inconvenienced customers could apply for a temporary license in person or by mail. Customers who renewed their licenses online or through the mail will have their driving records updated within one week of receipt.

So what if you're headed to an airport to catch a flight or you get pulled over for a traffic violation?

TSA spokesman Nico Melendez said that an expired license does not mean you can't fly, but it may lead to some minor delays.

The security agency, he said, has several ways to confirm the identity of a passenger in the event he or she has lost an ID or it has expired.

In the event drivers are pulled over, according to a DMV statement, local law enforcement does have access to driver license records and will honor updated expiration dates.