Florida driver’s licenses are changing. Here’s what to expect

New licenses are required to have at least 4 random numbers

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Changes to Florida driver’s licenses started on July 31, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

In a news release, FLHSMV officials announced that the department will start implementing new legislation that requires driver’s licenses or ID cards to include at least four randomly generated numbers.

However, officials assured that the license and ID card formats will stay the same — the only difference will be the number issued on customers’ driver’s licenses, News4JAX sister station WKMG in Orlando reported.

The change is aimed at improving security and protecting residents’ personal information, though Florida drivers won’t have to do much to see these changes.

“Customers renewing or replacing their license or identification cards in person or online will be issued a new number,” the release reads. “Those applying for a first-time license or identification card will be issued a card that meets the new statutory requirements.”

After the new number has been granted, it won’t change again unless the driver’s last name changes, according to the FLHSMV.

If you’d like to renew your driver’s license or ID card online and are eligible, you can do so online at MyDMV Portal.

But customers will instead have to go into an office for any of the following situations:

A customer used the online convenience service on their last renewal. A customer is not REAL ID compliant. A customer wishes to update their photo. The customer changes their name using an original or certified court order or marriage certificate. A customer wishes to add or remove a designation or has a court order to update their credential. A customer is getting a Florida driver’s license or ID card for the first time. The customer holds a commercial driver’s license. The license has the word “TEMPORARY” printed on it.

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Anthony Talcott

Anthony, a graduate of the University of Florida, joined ClickOrlando.com in April 2022.

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