For the first time in 14 years, the 18 Plus card is getting security upgrades, and a price increase.
Since they were introduced in 1999 to offer those without a driver's licence legal documentation to buy alcohol, more than 229,000 18 Plus cards have been issued.
The changes include adding a second, transparent photograph, and a Hospitality New Zealand symbol that will be visible when the card is held up to UV light.
Hospitality New Zealand chief executive Bruce Robertson said the changes had been prompted by security concerns because of the types of technology now available.
"We think it was prudent to update the technology and take advantage of that to ensure that we're doing as much as we can to ensure that the people that have the card are entitled to have the card and that it can't be counterfeited and to prevent minors accessing alcohol from licensed premises."
The changes, and a price rise from $20 to $35, will be introduced from 1 September.
