PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — The Rhode Island Department of Motor Vehicles has begun issuing new driver's licenses that officials say will better protect residents from fraud and identity theft.

The new design replaces the license configuration introduced in 2003 to comply with more strengthened federal security standards.

Among the changes include an optically variable pattern that includes the state name, state seal, an anchor and stars. The background of the new license now features the Claiborne Pell Newport Bridge.

The tamper-resistant cards include a large primary license-holder portrait as well as a smaller "ghost" portrait.

Current Rhode Island licenses remain valid until their respective expiration dates. The fee for driver's licenses will not change as result of the new design.