Saskatchewan drivers will finally be joining motorists across North America who carry a one-part driver's license instead of a photo card and separate paper certificate.

The provincial government announced that it will move to a one-part driver's license beginning in 2011.

June Draude, minister responsible for Saskatchewan Government Insurance, acknowledges that Saskatchewan is the last region in North America to make the switch, saying she thinks it’s about time Saskatchewan makes the change.

It will cost $6 million to implement the new card system, says Draude. Drivers will have the option of paying $100 for the five-year license at the time of renewal or $25 a year for five years.

Draude says the new license will also have added security features to reduce the chance of identity theft.

SGI officials are still looking at whether the card will have an encrypted bar code or a strip along the back that could contain the driver's name, address and other pertinent information. The bar code or strip could be swiped by police officers.

Saskatchewan last changed its drivers' licenses in 2001 when the photo identification card was added.