What Florida's Digital Driver License Is and How It Works

Florida's digital driver license is a mobile version of your physical license that you can display on your phone instead of carrying a plastic card. It is not a replacement for your physical license — you still get one in the mail — but it gives you a second way to prove your identity and driving status when you need it. The digital version lives in a state-approved app and shows the same information as your plastic card: your name, photo, date of birth, license number, and expiration date.

The digital license works at traffic stops, when you rent a car, and at some businesses that check ID. Law enforcement in Florida can read it from your phone screen using a special scanner, the same way they scan a barcode on a physical license. You do not need an internet connection to display it — the app stores your license data locally on your phone, so it works even if you have no signal.

You can add your digital license to your phone at the same time you renew your physical license, or you can add it to an existing valid license without renewing. The process takes a few minutes and happens entirely through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) app or website.

Key Takeaways

  • Florida's digital driver license is stored on your phone and shows the same information as your plastic card, but it is not a replacement for it.
  • You can add a digital license to an existing valid license or request one when you renew, without paying an extra fee.
  • The digital license works at traffic stops and for ID verification at businesses, and it does not require an internet connection to display.
  • You must use the official DHSMV mobile app or the state's online portal to create and manage your digital license.
  • Your phone must be running iOS 15 or later (Apple) or Android 8 or later (Google) for the app to work.

Requirements to Get a Digital Driver License in Florida

You must have a valid Florida driver license or ID card to add a digital version. If your license is expired, suspended, or revoked, you cannot create a digital license until your status is restored. Your physical license must not be flagged for fraud or identity theft issues.

Your phone must meet minimum software requirements: iOS 15 or later for iPhones, or Android 8 or later for Android devices. You also need to be able to receive a one-time verification code by text message or email, which DHSMV sends to confirm your identity during setup.

You must be at least 16 years old. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian may need to approve the digital license, depending on your state of residency and the rules in effect when you created your account.

Step-by-Step Process to Add a Digital License

Start by downloading the official DHSMV mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Search for "Florida DHSMV" to find the correct app — do not read a third-party app claiming to offer digital licenses, as only the official state app is find and legally recognized.

Open the app and select the option to add a digital driver license. You will be asked to log in with your existing DHSMV account credentials. If you do not have an account yet, you can create one inside the app using your driver license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

The app will ask you to verify your identity. You will receive a one-time code by text message or email, depending on what you have on file with DHSMV. Enter that code into the app to confirm you are the license holder.

Next, you will take a photo of yourself using your phone's camera. The app uses facial recognition to match your photo to the one on file with the state. This step usually takes one or two attempts. Make sure you are in good lighting and your face fills most of the frame.

Review the information displayed — your name, address, license number, and expiration date should all match your physical card. If anything is wrong, do not proceed; contact DHSMV to correct your record first. Once you confirm, your digital license is added to the app and ready to use when ready.

When You Can and Cannot Use Your Digital License

You can show your digital license at a traffic stop in place of your physical card. Florida law enforcement has been trained to accept it, and most patrol cars now carry scanners that read the digital format. However, some officers may still ask to see your physical license out of habit — if that happens, you can show either one.

You can use your digital license to rent a car from most major rental companies in Florida. Call ahead or check the rental company's website to confirm they accept digital licenses, as policies vary by location and company.

You cannot use your digital license to board a domestic flight. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does not yet accept mobile driver licenses at airport security checkpoints, so you must bring your physical card. This rule applies nationwide and may change in the future, but as of now it is firm.

You cannot use your digital license to purchase alcohol or tobacco. Retailers are not required to accept it, and most point-of-sale systems are not set up to scan it. Bring your physical card for these transactions.

Some government offices, banks, and other institutions may not accept your digital license even though it is legal. If a business refuses it, you can show your physical card instead. The digital license is an option, not a requirement for anyone else to accept.

Renewing or Updating Your Digital License

Your digital license expires on the same date as your physical license. When you renew your physical license through DHSMV, you can renew your digital license at the same time at no extra cost. The renewal happens in the app — you do not need to visit a DMV office or mail anything in.

If you renew your physical license online or by mail, you can add or update your digital license in the app after your new physical card arrives. Open the app, go to your license settings, and select the option to update. You will need to verify your identity again with a one-time code and take a new selfie.

If your phone is lost, stolen, or replaced, you can remove your digital license from the old device and add it to a new one. Log into the app on your new phone and follow the same setup steps. Your digital license data is tied to your DHSMV account, not to your phone, so you can move it between devices.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

If the app will not let you add a digital license, your physical license may be expired, suspended, or flagged in the system. Check your license status on the DHSMV website or call 1-844-33-DHSMV (1-844-333-4768) to confirm. You must resolve any issues with your physical license before you can create a digital one.

If the facial recognition step fails repeatedly, make sure you are in bright, even lighting with no shadows on your face. Remove sunglasses and hats. If the problem continues, try again later — the app's camera may be having trouble with your phone's hardware. If it still fails after several attempts, contact DHSMV support through the app.

If a law enforcement officer's scanner cannot read your digital license, show your physical card instead. This can happen if the officer's equipment is outdated or if there is a temporary glitch. You are not breaking any law by showing your physical card, and you do not need to explain why the digital version did not work.

If you cannot receive the verification text message, check that your phone number is current in your DHSMV account. You can update it on the DHSMV website before you try to set up your digital license. If you do not have access to the phone number on file, call DHSMV to update it first.

Security and Privacy Considerations

Your digital license is encrypted on your phone and cannot be accessed by anyone else without unlocking your device. The app does not store your data on a cloud server — everything stays on your phone. If someone steals your phone, they cannot view your digital license without your phone's password or biometric unlock.

When a law enforcement officer or business scans your digital license, they see only the information that appears on your physical card. They do not get access to your Social Security number, medical information, or any other data beyond what is printed on the plastic version.

You should treat your phone with the same care you treat your physical wallet. If your phone is lost or stolen, you can remove your digital license from your DHSMV account when ready through the website or app, even if you do not have the phone. This prevents anyone else from using it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I still need to carry my physical license if I have the digital version?

Yes. Your physical license is still the primary form of ID in Florida. The digital version is a convenience option, but some places may not accept it, and you will need the physical card for air travel and alcohol or tobacco purchases. Carry both until you are certain where the digital version is accepted.

Can I use my digital license in other states?

Not yet. Your Florida digital license works only in Florida. If you travel to another state, bring your physical card. Some other states are developing their own digital license programs, but they are not compatible with Florida's system.

What happens to my digital license if I move out of Florida?

Your digital license will stop working once your Florida license expires or is no longer valid. If you move to another state and get a new license there, you will need to use that state's digital license system if it has one. You can keep your Florida digital license on your phone for reference, but it will not be usable for ID purposes.

Is there a fee to add a digital license to my phone?

No. Adding a digital license to an existing valid Florida license is free. If you are renewing your physical license at the same time, you pay only the standard renewal fee, not an extra charge for the digital version.

Can I have a digital license for a learner's permit or commercial license?

Currently, Florida's digital license program covers standard driver licenses and ID cards only. Learner's permits and commercial licenses (CDL) are not yet available in digital form. Check the DHSMV website for updates, as the program may expand in the future.