The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) expanded its issuance of a new, more secure Florida driver license and ID card.

The new design includes nearly double the fraud protection measures compared to the previous design and provides the most secure over-the-counter credential on the market today. Security features on the new credential include redundant data, ultraviolet (UV) ink and optically variable features.

“We understand our customers’ credential is the most valuable item in their wallet,” said DHSMV Executive Director Terry L. Rhodes. “Through coordination with law enforcement, tax collectors and our statewide partners, Florida’s new credential is the most secure over-the-counter credential on the market today, delivering enhanced security features, up-to-date technology, convenient designations and a design unique to the Sunshine State.”

Along with critical anti-fraud features, the new design incorporates designations for lifetime sportsman’s, boater, freshwater, saltwater and hunting licenses, as well as designations for veteran, organ donor, deaf/hard of hearing and developmentally disabled. A list of documentation required to obtain designations is available on the DHSMV website.

By the end of 2017, the new credential will be available at all service centers throughout Florida and online. Individuals will only need to renew their driver license or identification card upon its expiration or if a required change is needed, such as a name or address change. To find out more about Florida’s new driver license and ID card and when the new credential will be available locally, visit www.flhsmv.gov/newDL.

Though previous driver license and identification cards will still be in use alongside the new credential until they are replaced or phased out, all credentials issued after January 1, 2018, will have the new look and security features.