Young drivers get vertical

The new “vertical format” driver’s licenses are now being issued by the hundreds for all younger Iowans. Anyone under 21 who gets a state I-D, a new or renewed driver’s license or learner’s permit, will now have to turn them vertically, instead of horizontally, to read them. Dave Stutz, management analyst at the Iowa D-O-T’s Office of Driver Services, says the change will help retailers who sell alcohol and tobacco products identify people who’re underage. The licenses were first issued July 2nd but it’ll be several years before everyone under 21 statewide has one. In the meantime, Stutz says retailers will have to be particularly vigilant in checking the dates on I-Ds. He says the state has a contract with Polaroid to create licenses which enabled a smooth switchover to the vertical format.For Iowans who turn 21 who don’t want to keep the vertical format license, they can trade the licenses in for one-dollar.