TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Floridians getting a new or renewed driver license will begin seeing a dramatically different card featuring some of the state’s best-known historical landmarks, wildlife and space exploration history.
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles began issuing the redesigned driver licenses and identification cards at service centers statewide Sept. 30. Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the rollout during a Florida Cabinet meeting in Tallahassee. DeSantis was serving as Florida’s governor at the time of the announcement.
Residents with a valid Florida license or ID do not need to replace it simply because of the redesign. Existing credentials remain valid until their expiration dates and will gradually be phased out. Florida followed the same phase-in approach with its previous credential redesign.
The front of the new card puts Florida history front and center.
Castillo de San Marcos in St. Augustine appears as the background image. The design also incorporates an orange into the “O” in “Florida,” a Florida manatee in the lower-left corner and an alligator within the REAL ID star.
The state seal is incorporated as an additional security feature.
On the back, the design turns to Florida’s role in the nation’s space program with an image of Space Shuttle Discovery. The shuttle completed 39 missions before making its final landing in Florida on March 9, 2011, according to information released with the new design.
The card also includes the words “Let Us Alone,” a motto associated with Florida’s first unofficial state flag presented to Gov. William D. Moseley.
Beyond the visual changes, FLHSMV says the credential includes security measures intended to make alteration and counterfeiting more difficult. Florida’s previous redesign already incorporated significantly expanded security features and complied with federal REAL ID requirements.
The new credential also includes a “Temporary Non-Domiciled” designation for commercial driver licenses and commercial learner’s permits when applicable.
For now, people obtaining a credential in person can receive the new design at service centers across Florida. FLHSMV said online orders through its MyDMV Portal are expected to transition to the new card by early November.
Drivers can find details about the redesign through FLHSMV’s new driver license information page.