Florida Announces New Florida’s Driver’s License with New Security Features for 2019
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles has announced that starting this week, the department will begin issuing new driver’s licenses and identification cards that have been modified with new security features. You might remember that back in December of 2017, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles began issuing new Florida driver licenses and ID cards. The new 2019 licenses and cards will do away with the magnetic strip found on the back of most cards, add a security feature to the front of the card, and include some minor changes to the way the data on the card is organized. The card front incorporates a pastel-colored linear rendering of the Florida state seal and a large orange “FL” over a stark white base. On the card back, an image of the state of Florida rests among ocean waves and the year 1845 is displayed, referring
to the year Florida became the 27th state in the Union. Photograph images will now be printed with a transparent background and appear in four locations on the credential.
New Credential Designs for 2019
The new credential design incorporates nearly double the fraud protection measures compared to the previous design, including redundant data, ultraviolet (UV) ink and optically variable features. Credentials are issued with designated header colors that denote the type of license the customer holds. Credentials held by customers under 21 years of age will display a red box on the card front that indicates the date until which the customer will be under 21. The credential incorporates designations for lifetime sportsman’s, boater, freshwater, saltwater and hunting licenses, as well as designations for Veteran, organ donor, deaf/hard of hearing and developmentally disabled.
When Will the New Cards be Available?
Beginning May 2019, the new modified credentials will be offered at select service centers, with additional service centers each month. The new credential will be available at all service centers by the end of August 2019. You can review the service center implementation timeline To find out when the new cards will be available in your area, review the service center implementation timeline on the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website. In Miami-Dade and Broward County, it will be available starting June 3, 2019.
Additional Information on Florida Driver’s Licenses and ID Cards
Upon the successful completion of all required examinations and payment of the required fee, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles is required to issue to every qualified applicant a driver license that contains the following: (1) A color photograph or digital image of the licensee; (2) The name of the State; (3) A distinguishing number assigned to the licensee; (4) The licensee’s full name, date of birth, and residence address; and (5) A brief description of the licensee, including, but not limited to, the licensee’s gender and height; and the dates of issuance and expiration of the license.
The license issued by the Department contains a color photographic or digital imaged driver license, bearing a full-face photograph or digital image of the licensee. A space is to be provided on the license on which the licensee is to place such individual’s usual signature; a license is invalid until it has been signed by the licensee except that the signature of the licensee is not required if it appears thereon in facsimile or if the licensee is not present within the State at the time of issuance. Each license must exhibit the class of vehicle which the licensee is authorized to operate, together with any applicable endorsements or restrictions relative to such license. Additionally, the Department is authorized to require other pertinent information to be exhibited on a driver license. All licenses for the operation of motor vehicles originally issued or reissued to persons under the age of 21 are required to have markings or color which are obviously separate and distinct from all other licenses issued for the operation of motor vehicles. For each licensee whose driving record does not show any revocations, disqualifications, or suspensions for the preceding seven years, or any convictions for the preceding three years except for convictions of certain, statutorily specified nonmoving violations, the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles is to cause such licensee’s license to be prominently marked with the notation “Safe Driver.”
How to Obtain a Florida Driver’s License or Identification Card: There are two basic types of driver licenses in the State, operator licenses (Class E) and commercial licenses (Classes A, B, and C). In Florida, Class E driver licenses are issued to drivers operating vehicles less than 26,001 pounds. There are two types of people getting their first driver’s license in Florida – Teens Getting Their Learners Permit and Adults Getting their first Driver’s License. Here are the step-by-step instructions with the specific courses you need to take to get your driver’s license.
If you are under the age of 18 you must complete and pass a: –
- Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education Course
- Road Rules and Road Signs Test online or in person
- A vision test and hearing test (available at the DMV)
- In addition, when you apply for your license you must have: Proof of completion of the Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education Course (also known as D.A.T.A or Drug and Alcohol Course), A parental consent form, Proof of identity, social security number and proof of residential address.
For age 18 years or older you need: –
- Proof of identity
- Proof of Social Security number
- Proof of residential address
- Proof of completion of a Traffic Law & Substance Abuse Education Course or license from another state, country, or jurisdiction.
How to Replace and/or Renew Your Florida Driver’s License or ID Card
Floridians must renew their Florida driver license or ID card every eight years. The expiration date is listed on your card. However, you can also renew your Florida driver’s license or ID card up to 18 months in advance of the expiration date if the card is lost, stolen or you need to make an update.
Here are some common reasons for obtaining a new or replacement card:
- Change of Address (card holders have 30 days to update their address on their card from the date of change of address).
- Name Change (card holders must update their name with the Social Security Administration prior to updating their name on the credential and they must present an original or certified court order of marriage certificate when applying to change the name on their driver license or ID card).
- Lost or stolen driver’s license or ID card.
- Card Holder who wishes to add or update a designation or other information listed on the card
If you or a loved one is injured while being involved in a car accident, you may be entitled to pursue a personal injury claim. The car accident lawyers at Suarez & Montero can guide you through the process because we have experience and we are extremely dedicated to our clients. Our mission is to guard our client’s rights and obtain the highest compensation and medical care for our clients. Contact us Today for a Free Consultation!
We serve clients throughout Florida including those in the following areas:
Miami-Dade: Aventura, Coral Gables, Doral, Fontainebleau, Hialeah, Homestead, Kendall, Miami, Miami Beach, Miami Lakes, North Miami, Tamiami, and Westchester.
Broward: Fort Lauderdale, Hallandale Beach, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, and Weston; and Palm Beach County including Boca Raton, Lake Worth, and West Palm Beach.
