Florida launches newly designed driver licenses and identification cards with updated security features and historic state imagery

Tallahassee, Florida – Florida is rolling out a new look for its driver licenses and identification cards, combining updated security features with images that highlight the state’s history, wildlife and space program.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles began issuing the redesigned credentials Wednesday, September 30. The new cards are available at service centers across the state, while online ordering through MyDMVPortal expected to become available by early November.

The updated design was announced by Gov. Ron DeSantis during a Florida Cabinet meeting at the Florida State Capitol. While the appearance of the cards has changed, the state says the redesign also includes security improvements intended to help protect against fraud and strengthen identity verification.

The new credential includes an image of the Florida state seal as an enhanced security feature. Commercial Driver Licenses and Commercial Learner’s Permits will also carry a “Temporary Non-Domiciled” marking.

“Florida continues to set the standard for secure credentialing. Our last major redesign introduced high-security features that nearly doubled the fraud protection measures, significantly strengthening the integrity of Florida’s credentials,” said FLHSMV Executive Director Dave Kerner. “Since then, we’ve enhanced our credentialing practices to anticipate emerging fraud trends and strengthen identity verification across agencies. This latest redesign further solidifies Florida’s leadership in secure identification technology and REAL ID compliance.”

The new cards were designed to reflect several recognizable parts of Florida. On the front, the main background image is Castillo de San Marcos in St. Augustine. The historic fort is the oldest masonry fortress in the continental United States.

Other details are more closely tied to Florida’s natural environment. The state’s iconic orange is used as the “O” in the word “Florida” on the card. A Florida manatee appears in the lower-left corner, representing one of the state’s best-known native animals.

The Florida alligator also has a place on the new credential. It is incorporated into the REAL ID star in the upper-right corner of the card.

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The back of the license turns attention to another major part of Florida’s history — the state’s connection to space exploration.

An image of Space Shuttle Discovery appears on the back. The shuttle flew 39 missions and spent a total of 365 days in space before completing its final landing in Florida on March 9, 2011.

The card also includes the words “Let Us Alone,” a motto taken from Florida’s first unofficial state flag. The flag was presented to Gov. William D. Moseley at his inauguration, giving the new credential another connection to the state’s early history.

Although the new design is now being introduced, Florida residents do not have to rush to replace their current cards.

Existing driver licenses and identification cards that are still valid will remain valid until their expiration dates. The older credentials will be phased out over time as residents renew or receive new cards.

That means Floridians with a valid license or identification card can continue using it even though the state has started issuing the redesigned version.

The change is therefore expected to happen gradually rather than all at once. New cards will begin appearing as residents receive credentials through normal renewal and issuance processes, while the current versions remain in use until they expire.

The redesign also comes as Florida continues its efforts to meet REAL ID requirements and strengthen the security of identification documents. The state says its credentialing practices have been updated over time in response to changing fraud patterns and the need for stronger identity verification.

For residents who need a new license or identification card, service centers statewide are now able to issue the redesigned version. Online orders through the state’s MyDMVPortal are expected to be available by early November.

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The new cards give the state an opportunity to combine those security measures with a design that is distinctly Florida. Instead of using a single generic image, the credential brings together a historic fortress, native wildlife, the state’s citrus industry, its space program and an early state motto.

Castillo de San Marcos represents Florida’s long history, while the manatee and alligator reflect the state’s natural environment. Discovery points to Florida’s role in the U.S. space program, particularly the long connection between the state and space shuttle missions.

For commercial drivers and commercial learner’s permit holders, the updated “Temporary Non-Domiciled” marking provides an additional change to the credential.

FLHSMV has also made downloadable resources available for residents who want to learn more about the redesigned cards and their features. Information includes details about the new credentials and the transition from the previous design.

The launch marks another update to one of the identification documents most Floridians use regularly. Although the physical appearance is changing, residents with valid existing credentials will not need to replace them simply because the new design has been introduced.

As the redesigned cards begin appearing across Florida, the transition will continue over time. New licenses and identification cards will carry the updated artwork and security elements, while older valid credentials remain in circulation until they reach their expiration dates.

The result is a new Florida credential that combines practical identification requirements with images intended to reflect the state’s history, wildlife and connection to space exploration, while continuing the state’s effort to improve the security of its identification system.