FAQ

Florida last updated its driver license and ID card in 2003. Florida’s new credential uses the latest technology to safeguard your personal information and provide Floridians with the most secure over-the-counter credential on the market today. The department will continue to research and employ modifications to driver licenses and ID cards to keep Florida’s credentials secure.

The new credential design has a completely new look and feel and incorporates nearly double the fraud protection measures compared to the previous design, including redundant data, ultraviolet (UV) ink and optically variable features.

In addition, the new design incorporates designations for lifetime sportsman’s, boater, freshwater, saltwater and hunting licenses, as well as designations for veteran, organ donor, deaf/hard of hearing and developmentally disabled.

The 2019 modifications to the credential include removing the magnetic strip from the back of the card, adding a tactile security feature to the front and changing some of the data layout.

In August 2020, the department developed additional enhancements to credentials, including redundant sexual predator and sexual offender designations as well as more ultraviolet (UV) features, to increase security and reduce the risk of fraud.

Starting in August 2017, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles began issuing the new credential. By the end of December 2017, the new credential became available at all service centers throughout Florida and online.

Starting May 2019, the department began issuing the modified credential with a tactile security feature and without the magnetic strip. In August 2020, the department developed additional enhancements to credentials, including redundant sexual predator and sexual offender designations as well as more ultraviolet (UV) features, to increase security and reduce the risk of fraud.

No. To obtain a new Florida driver license or ID card, please see our information on What To Bring. Click here for a list of local service centers. Visit MyDMV Portal to renew your credential online.

Yes.  New credentials are available at all locations. Visit FLHSMV.gov/locations to find an office near you and make an appointment.

No. There is no change to the cost of a credential for customers. For a list of fees, visit FLHSMV.gov/fees.

Yes. You may renew your Florida driver license or ID card online at MyDMV Portal.

When renewing online, remember to keep your old card and receipt until your new credential arrives in the mail within 7-10 business days.

Customers who are not REAL ID compliant should not renew online. They are encouraged to go into an office to receive a gold star on their credential prior to October 1, 2020. For more information, please visit FLHSMV.gov/REALID.

If you are currently REAL ID compliant, no. Individuals are not required to replace their current driver license or ID card during this time, unless their current credential has reached its expiration or a required change is needed, such as a name or address change.

Customers who are not REAL ID compliant should not renew online. They are encouraged to go into an office to receive a gold star on their credential prior to October 1, 2020. For more information, please visit FLHSMV.gov/REALID.

Yes. The new credential conforms to federal REAL ID security standards and can be used as your official identification for domestic air travel and access to federal facilities.

Yes. However, a replacement fee and other applicable fees may apply.

If you wish to add one of the new designations, you may visit a local service center to obtain the newly-designed credential with certain fees waived.