Starting July 31, 2024, Florida residents will experience a significant change when renewing or replacing their driver’s licenses.
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) has announced the implementation of new legislation that will affect the numbers on Florida driver’s licenses and state identification cards.
This measure aims to improve security and protect citizens’ identities.
Details of the new legislation
The change is based on “Florida Statute 322.14 (1)(a),” which stipulates that, starting on the mentioned date, the unique numbers assigned to driver’s licenses and identification cards must include at least four randomly generated numbers.
This change, or new formula, which uses randomness, will apply to both renewals and replacements, ensuring that each driver’s license number is unique and harder to duplicate or counterfeit.
How will the driver’s license change affect Florida residents?
According to the FLHSMV, although the format of driver’s licenses and identification cards will remain the same, the system for assigning numbers will be different.
Residents who renew or replace their driver’s license or identification card, whether in person or online, will receive a new number.
On the other hand, those applying for a driver’s license or identification card for the first time will receive a credential that meets the new legal requirements.
Once issued, the new number will only change if the cardholder’s last name changes.
All new credentials, printed reports, or receipts will display the newly generated number, providing an additional layer of security.
Online driver’s license renewal process
The FLHSMV offers a convenient option for renewing driver’s licenses and identification cards through its online portal, MyDMV.
However, there are certain situations in which residents must visit a physical office to complete the process:
- If they used the online convenience service for their last renewal.
- If they do not meet Real ID requirements.
- If they want to update their photo.
- If they need to change their name using an original or certified court order or a marriage certificate.
- If they want to add or remove a designation or have a court order to update their credential.
- If they are obtaining a Florida driver’s license or identification card for the first time.
- If they have a commercial driver’s license.
- If the license has the word “TEMPORARY” printed on it.
Residents should prepare for these changes to Florida driver’s licenses and take advantage of the available online options to streamline the renewal and replacement process for their licenses and identification cards.
