Florida driver’s licenses are about to look a little different. Starting January 1, 2027, licenses and state ID cards issued in Florida will show whether the holder is a U.S. citizen.
The change comes from the Florida SAVE Act, House Bill 991, which Governor Ron DeSantis signed in April 2026.
What’s Changing
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, the new rule applies to all driver’s licenses and state IDs that are newly issued, renewed or replaced on or after January 1, 2027.
Licenses for U.S. citizens will show their citizenship status. Licenses for non-citizens, including legal permanent residents (green card holders) and visa holders, will display “NC,” for “Not a Citizen.”
State officials say the change will help verify citizenship for government and voting-related purposes.
Do You Need to Do Anything Now?
No. Your current license or ID stays valid until it expires. You don’t have to rush to the DMV to get a new one. The new design will show up the next time you renew or replace your card after January 1.
What If You Become a Citizen?
If you’re not a citizen now but become one later, Florida says you can get a free replacement card showing your updated status.
Tips for Florida Drivers
- Check your expiration date. If you renew in 2027 or later, your new card will include the citizenship marking.
- Make sure your records are up to date with FLHSMV, especially if your immigration status has changed.
- Bring the right documents when you renew. FLHSMV has a page listing what you’ll need to prove citizenship or legal status.
- Non-citizens with a pending change in status may want to talk to an immigration attorney before renewing.
Part of a Bigger Law
HB 991 also changes other things in Florida, including rules for voter registration and which forms of ID are accepted at the polls. But for drivers, the license change is the part most people will notice.
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