Ontario has unveiled its new high-tech driver's licences that are aimed at combating identity theft. The government also hopes the cards will soon be an acceptable travel document at the U.S. border.

The new driver's licences, which began going into circulation on Thursday, are being called some of the most secure identification cards in North America.

The licences feature:

• A two-dimensional barcode
• Rainbow printing
• Raised lettering of the licence's number, signature and date of birth

Transportation Minister Jim Bradley said the new cards are much more difficult to tamper with or counterfeit.

"Today we are making the Ontario driver's licences much more secure to prevent against fraud, misuse and identity theft," Bradley said at a news conference on Friday.

Toronto police Staff Insp. Stephen Harris said the new cards will help prevent illegal activity because the old driver's licences are being used by organized criminals to commit identity fraud.

"These crimes are becoming increasingly international in nature and some are being committed to support terrorist groups and activities," Harris said.

Licence could act as passport

The government also hopes the cards can double as a legitimate travel document for motorists crossing into the U.S. within the next 12 months.

The province is seeking permission from the federal government to encrypt citizenship data into the cards. It's hoped the additional information would convince the U.S. government to allow the cards be used instead of a passport.

"While there was some reluctance early on from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, certainly every indication we get now is that they understand that if we can produce a secure document that they're satisfied with, it could be used in lieu of a passport," Bradley said.

The card conforms with new standards developed by the American Association of Motor Transport Administrators.

Bradley says Manitoba and British Columbia are interested in introducing similar licences, as are a number of U.S. states, including New York, Washington and Michigan.

Ontario residents who renew their licences will now be issued the new cards at no additional cost.

With a report from CTV's Naomi Parness and files from The Canadian Press