As a responsible driver in Florida, one of the simplest ways to ensure you don’t end up in unwarranted legal hot water—from police officers and angry drivers involved in car accidents—is to keep your driver’s license information up to date. Surprisingly, less than a month ago, Florida changed its ID system, meaning your old card is not as secure as it could be. This change isn’t revolutionary, but it does provide you with an additional reason to renew and update your card if its expiration is looming or if it contains outdated information.
What the Driver’s License Changes Are – and Why They Occurred
As of July 31, 2024, Florida is using a new driver’s license and ID system with a minor but consequential change. The update involves adding at least four randomly generated numbers to every new or renewed license or ID. This change applies to everyone—whether you’re renewing your existing license, replacing a lost one, or applying for a new ID altogether.
Four random numbers. What does this accomplish? The motivation behind this update is straightforward: to increase security and reduce the risk of identity theft. In the past, the formula used for generating these numbers was more predictable, which posed a security risk. Randomizing parts of the sequence makes it much harder for criminals to create fake IDs or steal identities. Similar concerns about social security numbers have been alleged, which are also not random; instead, they are based on each person’s personal details.
With a simple change, Florida residents should hopefully have fewer security concerns. And don’t worry—this number will stay with you unless you have a legal name change; it doesn’t randomly scramble with every single renewal.
How These Changes Affect You and What You Should Do
If this is the first time you’re learning about this change to the system, Florida has already implemented it. This doesn’t mean you need to run out and immediately update your driver’s license, but it does mean there are a few things to keep in mind when the time comes.
First of all, Florida doesn’t even allow you to renew your license whenever you want. Specifically, Florida will enable you to renew your driver’s license within 18 months of its expiration date. This means that unless your renewal window is open, you won’t be able to update your ID number and take advantage of this new security. However, if you are within this renewal period or need a replacement, now might be a good time to update your license number. Taking advantage of this new randomized format provides you with greater security without much hassle.
However, this security relies on two critical pieces of information:
Updated Information Online: New numbers apply to new IDs going forward; after roughly seven or eight years, everyone will be under the new system. However, older licenses are still valid until their renewal date. Online accounts that use your previous license number must be updated to prevent bad actors from using an outdated number to gain access. If you don’t update this info, websites will not know you have a new number and will continue treating the old one as current.
Correct Info on Your ID: If you’re taking the time to update your license or ID, make sure that all of the details listed on the card, like your current address and photo, are correct as of 2024. Incorrect info on your ID is unlawful, and keeping it up-to-date also prevents other forms of fraud should someone obtain your old license.
If you take the time to update your online accounts with current, correct information from your newly randomized card, you are in the best position possible to secure your Florida ID from malicious actors.
Should you face injuries or legal issues on the road, Probinsky & Cole can help. Call today if you suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence in Florida, and we can help secure the compensation you deserve.
