It seems like you can get everything on your phone these days: your credit card, boarding pass, and now, in Florida, your driver’s license.
The state launched its Florida Smart ID app back in 2022, and News 6 wanted to find out whether people are using it.
Jennifer Cashen of Apopka swears by it.
“It has your registration for your vehicles. It also has your insurance included there,” she said.
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Cashen said she found out about the application while at the DMV, and she calls it a lifesaver after her loved one was involved in a crash.
“It had triggered the entire airbag deployment, so we couldn’t get the glove compartment completely unlocked. We could get it open, but like not get a hand in there, not getting anything, and so I was able to prove that we own the vehicle, that it had insurance,” Cashen told News 6.
Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles told News 6 that more than 521,000 people have used the app since May 5. According to state data, there are more than 18 million licensed drivers in the Sunshine State. The agency said it spent $1,953,000 for application development.
So why aren’t more people using it?
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Well for one: in Florida, you still have to carry your physical license if you are driving. Another reason, Cashen said, is many people do not know about the digital driver’s license and stores might not accept it.
“I’ve checked into hotels with it. I have used it at different venues. I’ve only had it rejected at two venues so far,” said Cashen. “I’ve definitely had it be accused of being a fake. I was like, ‘No, no, no. This is from the DMV. This is a real thing.’”
News 6 asked Publix and Winn Dixie if they accept Florida Smart ID. We received these responses:
"We do not use Florida Smart ID at our locations. "
Hannah Herring, Media Relations Manager for Publix Super Markets, Inc.
"Winn-Dixie does not accept the Florida Smart ID at this time. We are always listening to our customers and consistently looking for ways to innovate our shopping experience. "
SEG Media
As for flying, TSA told News 6 it does accept digital driver’s licenses, but not yet for Florida Smart ID and not at Orlando International Airport.
“I think people would be way happier if they had this option to them. I really do think if the state of Florida would build it in with your renewals, I would think you would see an uptick in usage, too,” Cashen said.
News 6 asked Florida Highway Safety Motor Vehicles if it is happy with the number of people who enrolled in Florida Smart ID and if there are plans to raise awareness about the technology. The agency did not respond to our questions.
Florida Smart ID can be downloaded through the Apple and Android app stores. If you want more information on how it works, and the security features, Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles has a list of frequently asked questions on its website.
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