A sample image of a new California ID card with added security features. (California Department of Motor Vehicles)

State officials on Wednesday unveiled a dramatic new design for California driver's license cards, using technological advances they say put the state years ahead of counterfeiters.

The cards - issued beginning this week to new and renewing drivers - will be among the most secure in the world, said Matt Paulin, a chief deputy director with the state Department of Motor Vehicles.

Notably, driver's licenses and identification cards will be printed vertically for anyone under age 21, making it easier for police, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs to see at a glance.

Among other new security features:

The cardholder's signature and date of birth are on raised lettering that can be felt by touch.

There is a hidden photograph of the cardholder that can only be seen by ultra-violet light.

The cards have perforations in the shape of a California Brown Bear that can be seen when the card is held up to light.

State officials said the new cards were developed in consultation with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and federal Department of Homeland Security, as well as the California Highway Patrol, restaurants, banks, and the gambling industry.

Existing ID and driver's license cardholders are not required to get a new card, DMV officials said. The current driver's license cards will remain valid until each driver's license renewal date. At that point, drivers will be issued the new card.