Florida Issues New, More-Secure Drivers License, Identification Cards

Florida officials use tactile security feature to increase security on drivers licenses and identification cards.

• By Kaitlyn DeHaven
• Jun 10, 2019

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles began issuing new drivers licenses and identification cards at select service centers around Florida in May 2019.

Agency Executive Director Terry Rhodes said in a prepared statement that the change was made in efforts to secure the personal information of Florida residents and keep credentials secure.

“The release of this new credential is part of a continued effort to maintain the highest level of security for all Floridians,” Rhodes said.

The new credential features a tactile security feature and the removal of the magnetic strip on the back of the card.

Beside the new security features, the design of the card will be relatively similar to the version released in August 2017. It will still include specific designations for lifetime licenses as well as veteran, organ donor, deaf/hard of hearing, and developmentally disabled.

The old version of the identification card and license will continue to be used alongside the new card, and users are only required to replace their old card if it has reached its expiration or has a required change.

The new credentials are not available at all service centers at this time, but will be offered at all service centers by the end of August 2019.