Florida ID Guide
Florida license and ID designs, what to check on each, plus where Florida stands on digital ID and age verification laws.
- Current card design
- 2026Issued since 30 Sep 2026
- Older design still valid
- 2019Also 2017 cards, and a few 2004 cards until June 2027
- Digital ID
- NoneFlorida Smart ID was withdrawn in July 2024
- Alcohol, tobacco, vapes, hemp
- 21Social media: no accounts under 14
Florida licenses and IDs
Sample images: Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (website samples, the 2026 poster, the 2017 and 2020 retail guides, the 2019 trifold). Images were cropped to the card; nothing else was changed.
2026 design, REAL ID
CurrentBack of the card
- Barcodes
- A 2D barcode at the top holds all the printed data. A 1D barcode on the right edge is for the agency's inventory only.
- Inventory control number
- Printed upright, top right, next to the 1D barcode.
- Repeated data
- Class, restrictions, endorsements and the date of birth (as six digits) are repeated on the back, with the small photo.
- Magnetic stripe
- None. Cards issued since May 2019 have no magnetic stripe.
- About this image
- The back shows the Space Shuttle Discovery and the motto LET US ALONE. The image is a small website sample.
- Record
- FL-DL-2026
- First issued
- 30 Sep 2026
- Last issued
- Still being issued
- In circulation until
- Still being issued
- Checked
- 15 Nov 2026
The current card. Issuing began 30 Sep 2026 per the agency release; one agency page says 29 Sep. Online orders start in November 2026. The image has SAMPLE printed beside the photo.
What to check on the front of the 2026 design, REAL ID
Press a letter or a row to see its source and what the check does not prove.
A card that passes every check is consistent with a genuine Florida document. No visual check proves it is genuine or still valid.
Checking a card against state records
- Record check through AAMVA
- Takes partAAMVA's map data lists Florida as taking part in Driver's License Data Verification with no restrictions. The service is for approved businesses and agencies, not the public.
- Scanning for age
- Allowed, no storingA business may swipe a license to verify age, but may not store, sell or share the data unless the customer agrees after being told what is kept. Fine up to $5,000 each time.
- Magnetic stripe
- Gone since 2019Stripe-only readers do not work on cards issued since 2019. Read the 2D barcode.
- What the 2D barcode holds
- Printed dataThe agency says it contains all printed demographic cardholder data.
- Scanning for alcohol
- Not named as a defenseThe alcohol defense requires carefully checking the ID and a buyer who looked 21. A scan is not mentioned.
- Public status check
- Not confirmedFLHSMV links a Driver License Check tool. Who may use it, and what it shows, was not confirmed.
Sources: FLHSMV, Florida's new driver license and ID card (opens in a new tab) · FLHSMV release, 29 Sep 2026 (opens in a new tab) · FLHSMV, new card FAQ (opens in a new tab) · FLHSMV Retail Guide, Aug 2020 (opens in a new tab) · FLHSMV Retail Guide, Aug 2017 (opens in a new tab) · FLHSMV trifold on the 2019 modified card (opens in a new tab) · FLHSMV release, 30 May 2019 (opens in a new tab) · FLHSMV release on license numbers, 19 Jul 2024 (opens in a new tab) · FLHSMV, license classes, endorsements and designations (opens in a new tab) · FLHSMV, REAL ID (opens in a new tab) · Fla. Stat. 322.141 (opens in a new tab) · Fla. Stat. 322.051 (opens in a new tab) · Fla. Stat. 322.14 (opens in a new tab) · Fla. Stat. 322.143 (opens in a new tab) · AAMVA, participation map (opens in a new tab)
How to read a Florida card
- Gold star, top rightREAL IDOn the 2026 design an alligator is part of the star. Florida has issued REAL ID cards since 4 Jan 2010.
- No starNot REAL IDStill a valid Florida card. No NOT FOR FEDERAL wording was found on Florida cards.
- Upright cardIssued to someone under 21With UNDER 21 UNTIL and a date in a red box.
- TEMPORARYLimited termAbove the title. Lasts up to 1 year. 2026 commercial cards read TEMPORARY NON-DOMICILED.
- Header colourCard typeGreen driver license, red ID card, blue commercial, orange learner's license.
- Old card and receiptAfter an online renewalThe agency says to keep both until the new card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Whether that counts as proof of age is not confirmed.
How long a Florida card lasts
Sources: Fla. Stat. 322.18 (opens in a new tab) · Fla. Stat. 322.051 (opens in a new tab)
Florida digital ID
- Digital license issued by Florida
- WithdrawnThe Florida Smart ID app was removed from app stores in July 2024 and users were told to delete it (news reports). The agency's Smart ID pages no longer load.
- In Apple, Google or Samsung Wallet
- NoneFlorida has never offered a license in a phone wallet.
- State law
- Allows oneFla. Stat. 322.032 lets the agency issue an optional digital license, which may share only the data a transaction needs.
- Relaunch
- None announcedThe agency said in 2024 a new vendor would rebuild the app. No date has been given.
- A photo of a license on a phone
- Not an IDThe alcohol and tobacco defenses name a physical license, ID card, passport or military ID.
Sources: Fla. Stat. 322.032 (opens in a new tab) · News4Jax on the app removal, 11 Jul 2024 (opens in a new tab)
Florida Smart ID
Florida's former phone app. It was withdrawn in July 2024 and has not returned.
| Florida Smart ID appEnded | |
|---|---|
| Showing it | |
| In person | NoWithdrawn in July 2024 |
| Online, to a website or app | NoWithdrawn in July 2024 |
| Age only, without other details | Not statedState law allows a limited profile. Whether the app offered it was not confirmed |
| Acceptance | |
| Airport security | NoNot accepted |
| Alcohol and tobacco sales | NoNo longer available |
| Police at a traffic stop | NoNo longer available |
| Replaces the physical card | NoIt never replaced the card |
| For verifiers | |
| Follows the ISO mobile license standard | Not statedNot confirmed |
| On the issuers' trust list | NoNot listed |
| How a business reads it | Nothing to read today. Ask for the physical card. |
| Cost to the holder | Was free. Not available now. |
Florida Smart ID appEnded
Showing it
- In person
- NoWithdrawn in July 2024
- Online, to a website or app
- NoWithdrawn in July 2024
- Age only, without other details
- Not statedState law allows a limited profile. Whether the app offered it was not confirmed
Acceptance
- Airport security
- NoNot accepted
- Alcohol and tobacco sales
- NoNo longer available
- Police at a traffic stop
- NoNo longer available
- Replaces the physical card
- NoIt never replaced the card
For verifiers
- Follows the ISO mobile license standard
- Not statedNot confirmed
- On the issuers' trust list
- NoNot listed
- How a business reads it
- Nothing to read today. Ask for the physical card.
- Cost to the holder
- Was free. Not available now.
Sources: Fla. Stat. 322.032 (opens in a new tab) · News4Jax on the app removal, 11 Jul 2024 (opens in a new tab)
Age verification laws in Florida
Checked 15 Nov 2026. Not legal advice.
- Laws tracked
- 14
- In effect
- 14
- Touched by a court case
- 2
Status keyIn effectIn effect, partly blockedBlocked by courtTakes effect later
| Law | Who must comply | Age | What you must do | Status | Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult content | |||||
| HB 3: adult website age verificationFla. Stat. 501.1737, 501.1738 · ch. 2024-42 (opens in a new tab) | Sites where more than a third of the material is harmful to minors | 18+ | Offer both anonymous and standard age verification. The user chooses | In effectIn effect since 1 Jan 2025Court: Federal court (N.D. Fla.): challenge dropped in Jul 2025 | Up to $50,000 per violation · Attorney General · minors may sue for up to $10,000 |
| Social media | |||||
| HB 3: social media accounts for minorsFla. Stat. 501.1736 · ch. 2024-42 (opens in a new tab) | Platforms with addictive features and heavy use by under-16s | Under 16 | No accounts under 14. Parental consent for ages 14 and 15 | In effectEnforceable. Appeals court ruled for the state 14 Oct 2026Court: Eleventh Circuit, 14 Oct 2026: preliminary injunction reversed, case sent back to the district court | Up to $50,000 per violation · Attorney General · minors may sue for up to $10,000 |
| Alcohol | |||||
| Selling alcohol to anyone under 21Fla. Stat. 562.11 (opens in a new tab) | Anyone who sells or serves alcohol | 21+ | Carefully check a listed ID. That, with a buyer who looked 21, is a complete defense | In effectIn effect | Second-degree misdemeanor, first-degree for a repeat within a year · license action by the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco |
| Alcohol deliveryFla. Stat. 561.57 (opens in a new tab) | Licensed vendors and their delivery contractors | 21+ | Verify and record the recipient's identity and age at the door | In effectIn effect | License action · Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco |
| Tobacco and vapor | |||||
| Tobacco products, age 21Fla. Stat. 569.101, 569.007 (opens in a new tab) | Retail tobacco dealers and their staff | 21+ | Ask for proof of age unless the buyer appears 30 or older | In effectIn effect | Second-degree misdemeanor, first-degree for a repeat within a year · dealer permit penalties |
| Vapes and nicotine products, age 21Fla. Stat. 569.41, 569.37 (opens in a new tab) | Retail nicotine dealers and their staff | 21+ | Ask for proof of age unless the buyer appears 30 or older | In effectIn effect | Misdemeanor, then a third-degree felony for a third violation · Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco |
| Online and mail-order nicotine salesFla. Stat. 569.45 (opens in a new tab) | Anyone shipping nicotine products to Florida consumers | 21+ | Signed age statement plus a database check or an ID image before the first shipment | In effectIn effect | Second-degree misdemeanor |
| Cannabis | |||||
| Hemp extract productsFla. Stat. 581.217 (opens in a new tab) | Retailers of hemp extract for eating or inhaling | 21+ | No sale to anyone under 21. The law sets no ID procedure | In effectIn effect | Second-degree misdemeanor, first-degree for a repeat within a year |
| Medical marijuana dispensingFla. Stat. 381.986 (opens in a new tab) | Medical marijuana treatment centers | Qualified patients | Verify an active registry entry and a valid registry ID card | In effectIn effect | License action · Department of Health |
| Online gambling | |||||
| Sports betting (Seminole compact)2021 Gaming Compact · Fla. Stat. 285.710 (opens in a new tab) | The Seminole Tribe and Hard Rock Bet | 21+ | Only patrons aged 21 or older may bet | In effectIn effect | Tribal regulation under the compact |
| Lottery ticketsFla. Stat. 24.116 (opens in a new tab) | Lottery retailers | 18+ | No sale to anyone under 18. The law sets no ID procedure | In effectIn effect | Not checked |
| Firearms | |||||
| Firearm purchases, age 21Fla. Stat. 790.065(13) (opens in a new tab) | Licensed dealers, importers and manufacturers | 21+ | No sale of any firearm to anyone under 21 | In effectIn effect | Third-degree felony |
| Other products | |||||
| KratomFla. Stat. 500.92 (opens in a new tab) | Anyone selling kratom products | 21+ | No sale to anyone under 21. The law sets no ID procedure | In effectIn effect | Not checked |
| Scanning IDs | |||||
| Swiping and storing license dataFla. Stat. 322.143, 322.032(7) (opens in a new tab) | Private businesses (banks are exempt) | Any age | Swipe only for listed purposes. Do not store, sell or share age-check data | In effectIn effect | Up to $5,000 per occurrence |
This page lists Florida law only. Federal rules apply here too and are covered on the United States page. Florida has no app store or AI chatbot age law: SB 1722 and SB 1344 died on 13 Mar 2026. Adult-use marijuana is not legal.
Timeline
- Jun 2027Upcoming · LicenseThe agency expects the last 2004 beach-background cards to be out of circulation
- 2027Upcoming · Social mediaHB 3 social media case continues in the district court, with discovery into 2027
- 14 Oct 2026Court · Social mediaEleventh Circuit reverses the injunction against the HB 3 social media law
- 30 Sep 2026New design · LicenseNew Castillo de San Marcos design begins to be issued (one agency page says 29 Sep)
- 13 Mar 2026Bill failed · App storesApp store age bill SB 1722 and companion chatbot bill SB 1344 die as the session ends
- Nov 2025Court · Social mediaEleventh Circuit lets Florida enforce HB 3 while the appeal runs
- Jun 2025Court · Social mediaDistrict court blocks the HB 3 social media law
- 1 Jan 2025Effective · Adult contentHB 3 takes effect: adult website age checks and social media limits for minors
- Jul 2024Effective · Digital IDFlorida Smart ID app withdrawn from app stores
- May 2019New design · LicenseModified card drops the magnetic stripe and adds a raised tactile feature
- 21 Aug 2017New design · LicenseState seal design replaces the beach background card
Questions
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Match the card to its design first. Cards since 2017 have a small second photo in a gold circle at the lower right, a gold look-through circle that turns mostly clear against a light, and a ghost photo and data that change as you tilt the card. Cards since May 2019 also have a raised feature you can feel and no magnetic stripe.
The agency says a card issued after 31 Aug 2019 with a magnetic stripe and no tactile feature is fraudulent. Then scan the 2D barcode and compare it with the front. A match does not prove the card is genuine.
Yes, until the date printed on them. The agency says all valid cards stay valid until they expire. The 2019 and 2017 designs are common; the agency expects the last 2004 beach-background cards to be gone after June 2027.
A gold star means REAL ID on every design. On the 2026 card the star includes an alligator.
It means the card was issued before the holder turned 21. It shows UNDER 21 UNTIL and a date in a red box.
The card stays valid after the 21st birthday until it expires, so read the date of birth.
A driver license or ID card from Florida or any other US state, a passport, or a US military ID, carefully checked, from a buyer who looked 21 or older.
For tobacco and vapes you must ask for proof of age unless the buyer appears to be 30 or older. A foreign national ID card is not on the list.
Yes. State law allows swiping a license to verify age for an age-restricted sale.
You may not store, sell or share that data unless the customer agrees after being told what is kept. The fine is up to $5,000 each time.
Florida has none. The Florida Smart ID app was withdrawn in July 2024 and there is no Florida license in Apple, Google or Samsung Wallet.
Ask for the physical card. The state's age defenses name physical documents.
Check IDs with Stile
See which documents and checks Stile supports today.