Florida drivers, your next license is going to look a lot different. The state has started issuing a redesigned driver’s license and ID card packed with Florida history, wildlife and new security features.
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles began offering the new cards at service centers on September 30, and online orders through the state’s MyDMV Portal are expected to be available by early November.
What the New License Looks Like
On the front:
- The background shows the Castillo de San Marcos in St. Augustine, the oldest masonry fort in the continental U.S.
- An orange forms the “O” in “Florida.”
- A manatee appears in the bottom left corner.
- An alligator is built into the REAL ID star in the upper right.
On the back:
- An image of the Space Shuttle Discovery, honoring Florida’s Space Coast.
- The motto “Let Us Alone,” which appeared on Florida’s first unofficial state flag.
Tougher to Fake
The redesign isn’t just about looks. The state seal is now part of the card’s security features, and FLHSMV says the new card builds on its fraud protection and identity checks.
“Florida continues to set the standard for secure credentialing,” said FLHSMV Executive Director Dave Kerner.
Commercial driver’s licenses and commercial learner’s permits may also carry a “Temporary Non-Domiciled” marking for drivers who aren’t permanent U.S. residents.
Do You Need to Replace Your License?
No. Your current license or ID card stays valid until it expires. You only need a new card if yours has expired or if you need to make a required change, like updating your name or address. The old design will be phased out over time as people renew.
Another Change Coming in 2027
If you’re renewing soon, keep in mind that another change is on the way. Under a separate state law, Florida licenses issued, renewed or replaced on or after January 1, 2027, will also show the holder’s citizenship status.
How to Get Yours
You can get the new design the next time you renew, replace or apply for a license at a Florida driver license service center or tax collector’s office. Once online ordering is available, you’ll also be able to renew through the MyDMV Portal if you’re eligible.
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