Missouri detailed breakdown - advice needed

I just got my hands on one of the updated Missouri IDs a couple of weeks ago – honestly, they’ve clearly been working to match the real new design the state rolled out. Thought I’d throw together a detailed breakdown since I’ve been staring at this thing pretty closely.

First off, the microprint accuracy is actually pretty solid. The repeating “SHOW-ME STATE” that wraps around the state seal and the fine line patterns on the background are crisp under a loupe – no blurring or weird gaps like I’ve seen on earlier versions. The tiny text along the right border is legible too, but I’d rate it maybe an 8 out of 10 – a couple of the serial number digits bleed just slightly if you really zoom in. Still, way better than what was floating around last year.

UV light response is where this thing surprised me. Under a standard 365nm blacklight, the state capitol building to the left of the photo pops up in a bright bluish-white, and the “MISSOURI” ghost text across the middle glows a consistent soft yellow. No greenish tint or uneven patches. The background UV pattern (those small circles and wavy lines) shows up clearly but isn’t overpowering – brightness feels about 8/10 compared to a real one I’ve seen on the sub. Honestly, I didn’t notice any dead spots, so the UV layer seems well integrated.

The OVI color shift is kind of decent but not perfect. On the front, the large “21” overlay (or whatever your birth date shows) shifts from a bright copper-gold to a dark olive-green depending on the angle – that part looks pretty accurate. The smaller OVI element on the back near the barcode shifts from green to gold but the transition is a little abrupt compared to the genuine article. If you tilt it slowly you can see the shift, but it’s not as smooth as the real one. Still, it’s passable under casual inspection.

Card material feel is good – they’re using a thicker polycarbonate laminate that has that slight snap when you flex it. It’s not flimsy like the old Teslin cards, and the edges are smooth without sharp corners. The surface texture is matte with just a little grip, and the front feels slightly more glossy where the lamination was done. No delamination or weird bubbling so far. I’d say the overall hand feel is a solid 8.5/10 – definitely an improvement over previous runs.

Overall score? I’d give this updated Missouri a 7.5 out of 10. Microprint and UV are strong, OVI is okay but could be smoother, and the material is pretty convincing. It’s not a 1:1 copy yet – the photo background color seems a tad too saturated and the holographic seal doesn’t catch light exactly the same – but for a state that’s known for being tricky to replicate, this version is a big step up. If you’re planning to order one, just make sure you check the state’s current design pics closely, because they’ve been tweaking details like the font spacing on the back. Happy to answer any specific questions if people want more details.

Just got mine, looks identical to my friends real one