Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles embracing digital technology?

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), it is committed to "modernizing nearly every aspect of what we do and how customers access our services." As part of that commitment, FLHSMV is "stepping into the future and developing an intuitive mobile driver license – Florida Smart ID."
Spearheaded by Representative Chip LaMarca, HB 1313 was passed by the Florida Legislature earlier this year and the bill required the FLHSMV to establish a secure and uniform system for issuing optional digital proofs of driver licenses and identification cards. Under the bill, FLHSMV may contract with one or more private entities to develop an electronic credentialing system. The electronic credentialing system may not retain Internet Protocol addresses, geolocation data, or other information that describes the location, computer, computer system, or computer network from which a customer accesses the system.
In an update before a Senate panel in October, FLHSMV officials said the Florida Smart-ID app was already live but not available to the public. The department said it was on schedule to put the digital ID public on the Apple App Store and Android Google Play store in mid-November.
Senate Transportation Committee Chair Gayle Harrell called smartphones a marvelous tool for digital driver’s licenses and other identifications.The state began the process to develop digital driver’s licenses in 2014, with many failed attempts by legislators trying to get the technology approved by the state legislature prior to this year, particularly by former state representative Jamie Grant, who abruptly ended his reelection campaign in 2020 to become the state's first Chief Information Officer. No doubt the real driving force behind the adoption of the technology. In his new role, Grant will oversee Florida Digital Service (FDS), which aims to transform delivery of government services to Floridians through design and technology.
[If you have questions regarding Florida Smart ID, please email [email protected].]
When he stepped down to take his new position, he stated: “I’m honored to lead the charge for digital innovation in Florida and excited to leverage technology to problem solve and rapidly respond to individuals, families, and businesses seeking to engage with state government,” Grant said. “Through new technology, top talent, and private and public sector collaboration, we will fundamentally change the way we serve and communicate with the people of Florida.”
Grant was one of the chief architects of FDS. In the 2020 Session, he sponsored the bill creating the service as a replacement for the Division of State Technology. It is charged with maintaining state data, setting up testing environments to demo state software before it’s rolled out, and facilitating data sharing between government agencies.
“Governor DeSantis and I are dedicated to transforming the way government deploys technology to better serve Floridians, who deserve superior customer service and expect government to operate effectively,” DMS Secretary Jonathan Satter said. “I’m confident that Rep. Grant’s pioneering mindset and policy acumen will help us recruit the brightest tech talent to serve in government and accelerate digital transformation in our state.”
Grant was among the more tech savvy lawmakers in the House, often sponsoring legislation to modernize state government operations. His business background includes work as a senior solutions architect as well as technology strategist in medtech, blockchain, and software as a service.

The Florida Smart ID app is a secure version of your driver license, which can be downloaded on your smart device when launched. It is not simply a photo of your license. When used with an associated Florida Smart ID Verifier, customers can provide a safe, trusted and contactless proof of identity or age.
After downloading and authenticating, Florida motorists will simply launch their Florida Smart ID app, select the type of verification needed, and display the QR/barcode on their smart device to be scanned for verification. The smart device does not need to leave the owner’s hand when being verified by a retailer or by law enforcement, making Florida Smart ID a contact-free and convenient way to display proof of identity or age.
In the future, Florida residents will be able to apply for a Florida Smart ID that is easily accessible on iOS and Android devices, including smartphones, tablets and other smart devices. Florida Smart ID is an optional tool for Floridians as a convenient, digital and secure backup to your physical Florida driver license.
However, it does not replace the physical driver license yet, which will still need to be carried when operating a motor vehicle. Hopefully, this will be embraced soon, and, hopefully, other digital technologies will follow, including the approval of digital license plates.

When launched, Florida motorists can download and activate the optional and easy-to-use Florida Smart ID for a contact-free and convenient way to display proof of identity or age. 
To gather important feedback from the public and partners, the department is currently hosting Florida Smart ID pilot events with limited participants from across the state, representing the general public, retailers, law enforcement partners, and more. The pilot will allow FLHSMV to improve and optimize Florida Smart ID and an associated verifier application prior to the statewide launch.
If you have questions regarding Florida Smart ID, please email [email protected].