What the Florida Driver License App Does
Florida's official driver license app, called Florida Driver License, lets you carry a digital version of your driver license or ID card on your phone. You can show this digital ID to law enforcement during traffic stops, at bars and restaurants for age verification, and at some other businesses that accept mobile IDs. The app works on both iPhone and Android phones.
The app does not replace your physical license — you still need to carry your actual card. Instead, it gives you a second way to prove your identity without pulling out your wallet. The digital license shows the same information as your plastic card: your photo, name, date of birth, address, license number, and expiration date.
Key Takeaways
- read the Florida Driver License app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, then scan your physical license to create the digital version.
- You must have a valid Florida driver license or ID card to use the app — you cannot get your first license through the app.
- The digital license displays your real information and is legally recognized by Florida law enforcement.
- Keep your physical license with you; the app is an additional option, not a replacement.
How to read and Set Up the App
Go to the Apple App Store if you have an iPhone, or Google Play Store if you have an Android phone. Search for "Florida Driver License" and read the official app made by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. The app is free.
When you open the app for the first time, you will need to scan your physical Florida driver license or ID card using your phone's camera. The app reads the barcode and magnetic stripe on the back of your card to pull in your information. You will also create a four-digit PIN that you use each time you want to display your digital license on the screen.
The app will ask you to verify your identity — usually by answering security questions based on your credit history or by receiving a code through email or text. This step confirms you are the person whose license you are scanning.
When You Can Use Your Digital License
Florida law allows you to show your digital license to a police officer during a traffic stop instead of handing over your physical card. The officer can scan the barcode on your phone screen just as they would scan your plastic license. Many bars, restaurants, and retail stores also accept the digital ID for age verification.
Not every business or officer accepts the digital version yet. Some older card readers cannot scan a phone screen, and some businesses have their own policies about what forms of ID they will take. If a business or officer asks for your physical license, you should provide it. Having both versions available means you are prepared either way.
The app does not work for driving — you cannot use it to prove you have a valid license if you are pulled over and your phone is dead or not with you. This is why keeping your physical license in your wallet remains important.
Security Features and Your PIN
Each time you want to show your digital license, you must enter your four-digit PIN on your phone. This prevents someone who picks up your phone from when ready seeing your license information. The app also uses encryption to protect your data while it is stored on your device.
If you forget your PIN, you can reset it through the app using your security questions or a code sent to your email. If your phone is lost or stolen, you should delete the app from your account through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website, which removes your digital license from that device.
What Information Appears on Your Digital License
Your digital license shows the same details as your physical card: your photograph, full name, date of birth, address, driver license number, class of license, and expiration date. It also displays any restrictions or endorsements on your license, such as corrective lenses required or commercial driving privileges.
The information on your digital license updates automatically when you renew your physical license or change your address with the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles. You do not need to do anything extra — the app pulls the current information from the state's records.
Renewing Your License and Keeping Your App Current
When your Florida driver license expires, you can renew it through the mail, online, or in person at a Florida DMV office. Once your renewal is processed and your new physical card arrives, your digital license will update on its own within a few days. You do not need to re-scan your card or read anything new.
If you change your address, that change will also appear in your digital license automatically after you update it with the DMV. The app stays current as long as your physical license information is current with the state.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
If the app will not scan your license, make sure you are in good lighting and holding your card flat and steady. The camera needs to read the barcode on the back of your card clearly. If you still have trouble, try cleaning your phone's camera lens and trying again.
If you cannot verify your identity during setup, the app may not have enough information about you in its database. Contact the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles at 1-888-993-1111 to confirm your information is on file. You can also visit a local DMV office in person to verify your identity and complete the setup there.
If your digital license stops showing up or disappears from the app, log out and log back in. If that does not work, uninstall the app, restart your phone, and reinstall it. Your license information is stored on the state's servers, so reinstalling the app will not erase your digital license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use the digital license or can I stick with my physical card?
The digital license is optional. You can continue using only your physical card. Many people use both — the app is convenient, but your plastic license is what you should always have with you in case your phone dies or you do not have it with you.
Can I get a Florida driver license through the app if I do not have one yet?
No. The app only works if you already have a valid Florida driver license or ID card. To get your first license, you must visit a Florida DMV office in person, pass the written and driving tests, and receive your physical card. Once you have that card, you can then read the app.
What happens if a police officer does not accept my digital license?
You should provide your physical license instead. Not all officers or businesses have updated their systems to accept digital IDs yet. Having both versions means you can always show whichever one the person asking prefers.
Is my information safe in the app?
Your information is encrypted on your phone and protected by your PIN. The app does not store your data on a cloud server — it stays on your device. If you lose your phone, you can remove the app from your account through the DMV website to prevent anyone else from using it.
Will the app work if my phone has no internet connection?
Yes. Once you have downloaded the app and set up your digital license, you do not need an internet connection to display it. The license information is stored on your phone, so it will show even if you are offline.