Phil Nickinson / Digital Trends
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles announced that it will be revising its Florida Smart ID application and has removed the app from app stores. Users are advised to uninstall the app as it will no longer be functional. The department expects the new app to be developed by early 2025.
While the Smart ID page is still available on the department’s website, the accompanying FAQ has been simplified to match the email sent out to users.
The Florida Smart ID app, developed by Thales in a $1.5 million deal, required users to scan their current Florida ID barcode and take a selfie for comparison. However, the digital ID did not eliminate the need for a physical license while driving.
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Despite efforts to implement a digital ID solution, users still needed to carry their physical license while driving, making the app less convenient. The agency’s email suggests that new vendors may be considered for a future attempt in 2025.
While only a small number of users were impacted by the discontinuation of the Smart ID app, the lack of a 21st-century update to traditional driver’s licenses is disappointing. Other states like Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, and Maryland have integrated digital ID options through iOS and Android platforms.
Contact to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles yielded no additional information beyond a basic email receipt.
