Florida Driver's Licenses and IDs Get a New Look & Improved Protections

Florida Driver's Licenses and IDs Get a New Look & Improved Protections

“Florida continues to set the standard for secure credentialing."

Joseph Quesada
Joseph Quesada
September 30, 2026

Starting Sept. 30, 2026, new Floridian drivers and those renewing their driver’s licenses will be seeing a revamped design on their identification cards.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) recently announced it will be issuing a newly designed Florida driver's license and identification card.

The new look aims to honor the Sunshine State’s rich history and landmarks.

Nearly Double the Fraud Protection

The new IDs will also feature increased fraud protection, including redundant data, tactile security features, and ultraviolet (UV) ink.

“Florida continues to set the standard for secure credentialing,” FLHSMV Executive Director Dave Kerner said. “Our last major redesign introduced high-security features that nearly doubled the fraud protection measures, significantly strengthening the integrity of Florida’s credentials."

New Front Design

According to FLHSMV, the cards' front-side background image will feature Castillo de San Marcos – the oldest masonry fortress in the continental U.S., located in St. Augustine, the oldest continuously occupied European-founded city in both Florida and the continental United States.

The “O” in “Florida” at the top of the driver’s license will also contain an image of the state’s iconic logo – the orange.

Two of the state’s most recognizable native species also appear on the license, with the Florida manatee in the bottom left corner and the REAL ID star wrapped around the Florida alligator.

New Back Design

On the back of the IDs, the Space Shuttle Discovery and Florida’s Space Coast are paid tribute with an image of the Space Shuttle Discovery.

The shuttle launched 39 space missions during its operational life from 1984 to 2011, making it the world’s most-flown space shuttle.

It also achieved another space shuttle record, logging 365 total days in space.

Florida’s first unofficial flag is also honored, with the motto “Let Us Alone” being featured atop a bundle of oranges.

Getting the New Card

The new credential is available at all in-person service centers.

The revamped design will also be available for online renewals at the MyDMV portal by the end of Nov. 2026.

Replacements are not necessary for individuals with valid driver’s licenses or IDs.

Joseph Quesada

Joseph Quesada

Joseph Quesada is an award-winning video editor and Miami-based reporter covering national and international politics. He is a junior Political Science major at Florida International University with a minor in Visual Production. With nearly a decade of experience in digital video production, he enjoys creating video content and weightlifting in his free time.

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