Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill that will add a person’s legal status to driver’s licenses starting January 1, 2027.
Under a new state law, starting in 2027, Florida will add a person’s legal identity to driver’s licenses and identification cards that meet REAL ID requirements. This is part of House Bill 991, which the governor signed into law. According to the Miami Herald, Ron DeSantis is part of Florida’s “Save Act” legislative package that focuses on election “security.”Under the law, new, renewed and replacement driver’s licenses issued on or after January 1, 2027 will indicate whether the holder is a U.S. citizen or has other legal immigration status. Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez issued a statement on HB 991, calling it “a comprehensive measure that strengthens verification processes, enhances data coordination and modernizes how identity and eligibility are processed throughout the state of Florida.”“My office is at the center of many processes as we handle driver’s license and identification services for residents,” he said. Fernandez said including legal status on ID documents is “an important step toward increasing transparency and accountability in government records.”He added that his office is “actively evaluating how to implement these changes locally” and promised “a smooth transition for residents.”
Who will get a new driver’s license?
Those with a valid driver’s license or ID card will not need to get a new one as their existing ID card will not become invalid under the new rules. The regulation will not take effect immediately. The format will be implemented in phases starting in 2027 as drivers go through the renewal or replacement process. The new format will officially come into effect on January 1, 2027, and will apply to all first-time, renewal and replacement driver licenses issued from that date.If you recently renewed your Florida driver’s license or identification card, your document will remain valid until the expiration date.
