Can I make a digital id for Florida
Executive summary
Florida built a state-sanctioned digital driver's license called Florida Smart ID and ran pilots starting in 2021, but the official app was removed in mid‑2024 while the state redevelops the program, so at this moment a Floridian cannot reliably create and use a state digital ID in place of their physical license statewide [1] [2] [3]. The legal framework and vendor work (Thales) exist, and limited verifier acceptance (e.g., some airports) has been tested, but practical, widespread issuance and acceptance remain paused pending a relaunch and further approvals [4] [5] [6].
1. How Florida got here: a legislated pilot with a private vendor
Florida law directed the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to develop an optional digital proof of license, and the state contracted vendors to build a Florida Smart ID system—efforts that produced a wallet and verifier apps and regulatory analyses such as HB 1313 that authorize a secure, optional digital credential framework [7] [1]. Industry partner Thales publicly described delivering a mobile driver license solution for Florida and touted privacy, anti‑counterfeit features and uses beyond physical ID checks, signaling the program was a formal, vendor‑backed state initiative rather than an unofficial third‑party workaround [4].
2. What existed: Smart ID’s launch, limits and use cases
The Florida Smart ID wallet launched for some users in 2021 and attracted hundreds of thousands of downloads, and the credential was promoted as a “convenient, digital and secure backup” to the physical card—not a wholesale replacement for carrying a physical license while driving—and early pilots emphasized specific use cases such as airport or age verification where verifier apps were available [1] [8]. Acceptance was never universal: retailers and law enforcement needed to apply to use a verifier app, and even in states that support mobile licences, regulators often still require physical cards in many contexts [8] [9].
3. Why the system is currently unavailable: shutdown and redevelopment
Florida abruptly removed the Smart ID app from app stores in July 2024 after the agency reported operational issues, told users to delete the app, and began a vendor selection/redevelopment process; state communications confirmed the app’s removal and that a new version was expected in the future but did not immediately restore digital issuance [2] [3]. Reporting notes the state paused the program, citing glitches and the need for upgrades, with FLHSMV indicating plans to relaunch once problems are resolved and a new vendor is chosen [6] [3].
4. Federal interoperability and practical constraints
The Transportation Security Administration is building a voluntary mDL/digital ID program that allows travelers from participating states to use mobile IDs at select checkpoints, but states and wallets must meet federal REAL ID and technical standards and Florida has not yet authorized Apple Wallet integration—meaning federal airport acceptance and phone‑wallet placement depend on both state action and federal compatibility work [10] [5] [9]. Some airports have tested digital ID acceptance, but broad, everyday substitution of a physical Florida license for a digital one is not yet a settled, universal practice [5] [8].
5. Bottom line: can a Floridian make a digital ID today?
As of the latest reporting, a Floridian cannot reliably create and use a state‑issued digital ID for all official purposes because the Florida Smart ID app was removed and the program is under redevelopment—historical pilots prove the state can issue an mDL, but the live pathway has been paused pending a relaunch and further approvals [2] [3] [1]. The roadmap is in place—legislation, vendor contracts and federal guidelines exist—so a revived Smart ID or future wallet integration (e.g., Apple Wallet) could restore that capability, but that outcome is contingent on FLHSMV’s redevelopment timeline and meeting REAL ID/mDL standards [7] [10] [9].