Mitchell, 20, noticed the change before he walked through the door of the driver’s license office in Smithfield on Friday. The young people he saw leaving carried permits and licenses that were turned vertical. It’s a change the state began last Wednesday to deter teens from buying cigarettes and alcohol.

At first, Mitchell thought it was a universal change. “I just figured it was something new they were doing with everybody,” he said.

But when he looked closer, Mitchell noticed something unique about his new license: a red bar bearing the date of his 21st birthday. It’s one of several changes to the licenses of underage drivers that officials say will help law enforcement better spot those who break the rules.

“It will let law enforcement know real quick if you’ve been drinking while underage,” said Joyce Roberts, a senior driver’s license examiner in the Smithfield office. She added that the changes took effect with little fanfare and few questions.

The changes affect all drivers under 21. Those drivers between ages 15-18 will see two bars on their permit or license.

In addition to the red bar, a yellow bar will appear with the date of their 18th birthday. Drivers between ages 18-21 will see just the red bar.

Mitchell said he doesn’t mind the changes. And he’s not alone. Parents like Andrea Flowers of Smithfield said they welcomed added measures to keep young people in line.

“My son is good and doesn’t try to get away with drinking or anything,” Flowers said of her 16-year-old, Tristan. “But I think it’s a great idea because now there’s no question if someone his age has a fake ID.”

Flowers said she thought the change would make it easier for nightclubs and convenience stores to weed out underage patrons. But she said that with the change, storeowners must also do their part.

“It comes down to whether they actually check for identification,” she said. “It matters a lot whether they’re doing their job.”

Chris Allen of Four Oaks said the changes were reassuring to her. Allen’s son, Joseph Noble, a 16-year-old junior at South Johnston High, got his permit last week.

“My first thought on the change was that it’s easier for vendors to check dates,” she said. “That makes me feel better as a parent. I don’t worry as much.”