Florida Abruptly Ends Support for Digital Driver's License for iPhone and Android - Instructs Everyone to Delete the App

Florida Abruptly Ends Support for Digital Driver's License for iPhone and Android - Instructs Everyone to Delete the App

In recent years, Google and Apple have promoted the ability to store driver's licenses and other ID cards on iPhones and Android devices. However, as of this writing, only four states actively support Apple's digital ID feature in their Wallet apps.

Otherwise, only 11 states in total currently support mobile driver's licenses. The other states have dedicated digital ID apps.

Suddenly, however, Florida stopped supporting a dedicated digital app. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles has sent notices to digital ID holders, and the department is working to find a new vendor to support the program, 9to5Mac reported.

The bureau is asking users to delete their digital ID apps and return to using physical driver's license cards until a new vendor can be found.

Floridians may not get their digital IDs back until 2025.

FDHSMV told 9to5Mac:

"The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles is working to enhance services for customers. The agency plans to revise the Florida Smart ID application. Once a new vendor is selected, improvements will be made to the Florida Smart ID application.

Currently, FLHSMV is removing the current Florida Smart ID application from the app store. If you have downloaded the application, please remove it from your device as it will no longer function. Please note that your data will continue to be securely stored with the Florida State Police.

A new app is expected to be developed by early 2025, at which time you will be notified via email.

The shutdown was abrupt and Florida does not appear to have a transition plan for those who have been using the digital ID program.

It is also unclear what necessitated the sudden expiration of the program. It could be that the bureau is looking for something less expensive or that a security flaw has been discovered. From this point forward, it is unclear.

The easiest transition solution would be for the state to support the digital ID capabilities already offered by Apple and Google.

Floridians, on the other hand, would have to dig out their physical cards if they currently need an ID.

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