Official Hawai'i state identification cards have a new look, with a green border across the top and an image of the Hawai'i flag in the upper left corner and "USA" to right of that.

Like driver's licenses, the new ID cards also have a vertical format for cardholders under age 21 that makes it easier for liquor retailers to identify underage customers.

The Hawai'i Criminal Justice Data Center began issuing the new cards yesterday. State ID cards issued before this week remain valid until their expiration date.

Center assistant administrator Laureen Uwaine said a Hawai'i driver's license is pretty much all the identification a resident who is a U.S. citizen needs in the Islands, but some folks like to have both forms of ID in case one is lost or stolen.

State ID cards generally are meant for people who don't drive, including the elderly and children.

Hanauma Bay provides a backdrop on the new cards, which also feature a new weight range code instead of the cardholder's weight in pounds. For example, people who weigh between 131 and 160 pounds are designated weight range code "3," while those weighing 161 to 190 pounds are a "4."

Uwaine said the change was made to conform with parts of the federal Real ID Act, signed in 2005 to establish national identification card standards.

The back of the card contains information on emergency contacts, citizenship, and organ donor and advanced healthcare directive status.

State ID cards are valid for six years. The fee to obtain one is a cash payment of $15, or $10 for those ages 65 and older.

U.S. citizens must present an original Social Security card and one of the following: a certified birth certificate; a certificate of citizenship or naturalization; a document for a child born abroad of American parents; or a valid U.S. passport if issued in the applicant's legal name.

U.S. nationals, those born in American Samoa, must present an original Social Security card and a birth certificate with a certificate of identity.

Noncitizens who are eligible to obtain a Social Security number must present an original Social Security card and one of the following, as applicable: an alien resident card; a valid foreign passport with valid visa; or a I-94 card-refugee.

Foreign students also must present Form I-20 or Form DS-2019, or a letter from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services with an interview date for Form I-485.

Applicants under 14 must have a parent's or guardian's signature.

All changes in status or name due to marriage, divorce, annulment, adoption or citizenship must be supported by legal, certified documents. Copied, altered or illegible documents are not acceptable.