Politics & Government

8,200 MI Residents Get New ID Card With Stranger's Face On It

Officials said corrected cards have already been mailed to everyone who received a misprinted license or ID.

Thousands of Michiganders who recently renewed their driver's licenses or state identification cards recieved a new card with a stranger's face on it.

The Michigan Department of State said roughly 8,200 cards were misprinted after an error by its vendor, Idemia, affecting cards printed on Aug. 26.

Instead of the cardholder’s photo and personal information, recipients found a generic stock photo and an unfamiliar date of birth.

Find out what's happening in Across Michiganfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Michigan resident Lenita Nelson told CBS News Detroit that she was surprised to see a man's face on her new card, and turned to Google to find out who the "mystery man" was.

"I'm thinking I'm done, and I see some doggone man," Nelson said. "So I'm like, 'Oh great, now I have to go back.'"

Find out what's happening in Across Michiganfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Officials said the incorrect information does not belong to another Michigan resident.

Corrected cards have already been mailed to everyone who received a misprinted license or ID. Officials said those who received a misprinted card do not need to report the error.

While waiting, customers can print a temporary license or ID at Michigan.gov/SOS or visit a Secretary of State branch office.

Anyone whose previous license or ID has not expired can continue using that card for travel, officials said.

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