PALM COAST, Fla. – A 22-year-old Palm Coast man surrendered to authorities Friday, Oct. 9, 2026, after investigators say he impersonated his brother to obtain a replacement driver’s license while his own driving privileges were revoked.
Michael Ryan, 22, turned himself in to the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office on an arrest warrant for obtaining a driver’s license by fraud, according to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO).
Investigators say Ryan visited the Tax Collector’s Office at 213 St. Joe Plaza on Sept. 17 and falsely identified himself as his brother.
Ryan reportedly told employees he had lost his driver’s license and needed a replacement. To verify his identity, he provided his brother’s Social Security number.
Tax collector employees then photographed Ryan and processed a replacement driver’s license under his brother’s name.
However, the alleged scheme unraveled when the Bureau of Motor Vehicles Fraud Division determined that the person who applied for the replacement license was Ryan, not his brother.
Flagler County Sheriff’s Office detectives investigated the case and obtained an arrest warrant Oct. 8.
Sheriff Says Suspect Tried to Get Around DUI-Related License Revocation
Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly criticized Ryan’s alleged attempt to circumvent his revoked driving privileges.
“This guy certainly won’t win the brother of the year award,” Staly said.
“This is just a series of stupid decisions by Ryan to skirt the law. First, he drives drunk. Big mistake. Then he tries to get around the suspension of his license by posing as his brother, thinking he wouldn’t get caught.”
Authorities did not provide details about Ryan’s previous DUI case or when his driver’s license was revoked.
Following the issuance of the warrant, Ryan surrendered to the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office on Oct. 9.
He was booked into the St. Johns County Jail, where authorities reported he was being held on a $2,500 bond.