Updates to AAMVA DL/ID Card Design Standard

The American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) has released its updated DL/ID Card Design Standard (CDS), replacing the prior October 2020 version. This post focuses exclusively on Annex D, which defines the requirements for the mandatory PDF417 two-dimensional barcode. The changes affect the data structure, supported fields, and encoding practices that jurisdictions must follow for compliance.

New Optional Data Elements Introduced

The most significant additions in the 2025 standard are four new optional fields, primarily intended to better support Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), Enhanced Credential (EDL/EID), and permit-related distinctions. These additions enhance the ability of jurisdictions to meet federal and state-specific requirements, while preserving backward compatibility for readers expecting known field identifiers.

1. DDM – CDL Indicator

1. Definition: Indicates whether the credential is a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) or Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP).
2. Value:
3. "1" if the credential is a CDL or CLP.
4. Absent otherwise.
5. Applicability: DL only
6. Length/Type: F1N (Fixed-length, numeric, 1 character)
7. Use Case: Supports FMCSA compliance by explicitly identifying commercial credentials. Previously, CDL/CLP status had to be inferred via endorsements.

2. DDN – Non-Domiciled Indicator

1. Definition: Denotes whether the CDL/CLP holder is non-domiciled.
2. Value:
3. "1" if the CDL/CLP holder is non-domiciled.
4. Absent otherwise.
5. Applicability: DL only
6. Length/Type: F1N
7. Use Case: Required for jurisdictions issuing CDL/CLPs to non-domiciled individuals per FMCSA requirements. Enables jurisdictions to mark and track such credentials distinctly.

3. DDO – Enhanced Credential Indicator

1. Definition: Indicates that the credential is an Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) or Enhanced Identification Card (EID).
2. Value:
3. "1" if the credential is enhanced.
4. Absent otherwise.
5. Applicability: Both DL and ID
6. Length/Type: F1N
7. Use Case: Supports compliance with DHS programs and border-crossing credentials. Previously, enhanced status may have been stored only in backend records.

4. DDP – Permit Indicator

1. Definition: Identifies that the credential is a permit, such as an original license permit, motorcycle permit, or commercial permit.
2. Value:
3. "1" if the credential is a permit.
4. Absent otherwise.
5. Applicability: DL only
6. Length/Type: F1N
7. Use Case: Enables automated systems to distinguish full credentials from permits, aiding in access control and eligibility screening.

Removed Data Elements

The following optional elements present in the 2020 specification have been completely removed from the new Card Design Standard. Jurisdictions using any of these fields will discontinue encoding them in PDF417 barcodes if claiming compliance with Version 11.

1. DBN - Alias / AKA Family Name
2. DBG - Alias / AKA Given Name
3. DBS - Alias / AKA Suffix Name
4. DCL - Race / Ethnicity
5. DDC - HAZMAT Endorsement Expiry Date

Updated Data Format: Field Changes

DAK – Postal Code

1. 2020 Format: F11ANS (Fixed-length 11 alphanumeric-special)
2. 2025 Format: V9ANS (Variable-length up to 9 alphanumeric-special)
3. Impact:
4. U.S. ZIP+4 codes now better supported with fewer padding requirements.
5. Canadian postal code formatting (e.g., "K1A 0B1") is still supported.

This change allows more flexibility in formatting and representation, and may simplify backend parsing logic.

Encoding and Symbol Format: No Structural Changes

The technical structure of the PDF417 barcode remains unchanged:

1. The barcode continues to use the header + subfile model.
2. All mandatory and optional data remains unencrypted.
3. The fixed-length header fields and field separator characters (@, LF, RS, CR) are maintained.
4. Subfile offsets and segment terminators are still required and calculated identically.
5. Symbol grading, print dimensions, and ISO symbology conformance (ISO/IEC 15438 and 15415) are unchanged.

One minor change is the removal of the "EN" subfile designator (used for EDLs) from the documentation, consolidating use into "DL" or "ID". However, this reflects formal alignment rather than a practical format change.

Conclusion

The 2025 update to the AAMVA Card Design Standard introduces targeted improvements to the PDF417 barcode format, enhancing support for CDL, EDL, permit, and non-domiciled status indicators. While the structural encoding model remains intact, jurisdictions must update data definitions, remove deprecated fields, and prepare systems to encode and read new fields for continued compliance.