Florida drivers license renewal

[BeneteauBum]

I am a lifelong Florida resident, born and raised. I just had an experience that raised my hackles. I had to renew my drivers license in January. Everything went smoothly except my aging eyes weren’t quite as sharp as they were eight years ago. Anyway, I passed and received a new license.

This morning, I got an email from our local democratic coalition and there was a section indicating that new licenses would be assigned new ID numbers. I checked my license and sure enough, the number I was assigned in 1968 was no longer applicable. The email indicated that if I didn’t update my information with the supervisor of elections, it could impact my voting eligibility.

I seems to me that the state would inform you of the identification change, but not a word from the local DMV office. This seems to me that this is a direct assault on my voting rights. I was fortunate to be locally involved politically and was informed of the change albeit second hand. Pisses me off.

Anyway, I sent a slew of emails to family and friends to let them know. In addition, I sent an email to the Florida DMV asking to institute a policy letting people know of the change.

The fascists keep pushing.

Peace ☮️

[mcar]

1. I didn't have that experience

I switched to a Real ID license late last year. It did give me a new number but it didn't screw up my voter registration.

[BeneteauBum]

4. Just curious

Have you voted since obtaining the new license?

I have had a Real ID license since they were first issued in 2010. My number didn’t change at that time.

Peace ☮️

[mcar]

8. No, I haven't

But I have checked my voter registration.

[BeneteauBum]

10. Next on the to do list

Thanks.
Peace ☮️

[mcar]

11. YW!

[Ms. Toad]

2. This seems odd to me.

I've never given my license number to the board of elections. They do check my license number against their database when I present my ID at check in - but their database they check against is populated from data provided by the state, not by anything I provided to them.

[BeneteauBum]

6. People should be aware

When their state government makes an informational change with something as important as RealID.

Peace ☮️

[TimeToGo]

17. Seemed fishy to me too

I hope the OP didn’t just reply to the email with personal information.

[dickthegrouch]

3. I check ALL the info on a new ID every time

In case someone mis-spelled something while it was (apparently) being hand copied from the electronic application to the database for the approvals and issuance.
A different ID number would have elicited an immediate query in case I had been mistakenly issued someone else's number.
NEVER assume that all the info is correct.

[markodochartaigh]

5. It also says that the number will change in the future if the driver's last name changes.

It may seem benign, but in my opinion when you have cancer and find a lump it's best not to just assume that it is benign. And Florida government has maga cancer.


https://www.flhsmv.gov/2024/07/19/flhsmv-implements-legislation-requiring-driver-licenses-and-identification-card-numbers-to-change/

[BeneteauBum]

9. How many of us keep up with obscure rule changes?

Laws in our state are in constant flux. I’m surprised that you came up with the 2024 hsmv site. I do try to stay current but it can be overwhelming. Case in point: try to keep up with our fishing and boating regulations!

No doubt about MAGA cancer. They are destroying our state.

Peace ☮️

[markodochartaigh]

19. Few people keep up with these types of changes.

Perhaps more will when they are turned away at the polls. Of course then, when it hits the news, the Republicans who hold all of the power in the state will bluster and pontificate, and do nothing that would hurt their own interests.

[carpetbagger]

7. It's benign on the surface with one hidden rotten egg.

Florida issued DL#s by formula. If I know your full name, gender, and DOB, I know your number. If I'm wrong, it's probably the same number with the last digit increased by 1 (I think the default is 0), which means someone had that zero number. I never had to remember mine because of that. So a random number makes sense, my Texas DL is just 8 numbers.

The rotten egg is that they use a hybrid system that still tags a DL for a name change, which should not have been necessary.

[ScratchCat]

12. There is a "FAQ" on this somewhere

Try google searching.

Anyway, its only an issue if you mail in your vote. If you vote in person, the person verifies its really you right there. That's what the guidance says anyway.

When I renewed mine, it actually offered to fix your voter registration right then. I didn't realize that there was now an issue and skipped that part.

I hope you are up on what you need to do. Your old DI# is associated with many things you may not realize and they need to be updated now(bank accounts, other licenses, etc..)

FWIW, everyone is upset over this. It makes no sense to change your ID# and the reason for this made no sense("security&quot . Every other person in line in front of me was like "Seriously? I've had this number of 30 years...."

[BeneteauBum]

13. Thanks!

Peace ☮️
W

[AverageOldGuy]

14. Letters to the editor

1. Call newspapers, tell them to make it front page news.
2. Ditto for TV stations.
3. Announce it everywhere -- church, clubs, your local bar
4. Post leaflets at quick-stops, groceries, . . .

[SpankMe]

15. Here in Cali, my D/L number did not change when I went from conventional to RealID

Also, our D/L#'s are not affiliated in any way with voter registration.

[twodogsbarking]

16. I was more than skeptical when they started The Patriot Act and Homeland Security.

Odd how things that are said would be good for you are the worst possible things for you.

[barbtries]

18. clearly a voter suppression issue.

these motherfuckers. they never sleep.

[BlueHurricane]

20. Also to note mentioned on the Florida site..

If you change your name they change the number again.

“ Once the new number has been issued, it will only change again if the customer’s last name changes.”

So every woman marrying and changing name would get another new license number. Looks like voter suppression targeting women who are vastly more likely to have a name change. Republicans cannot do anything but cheat. They really want to reduce voting by certain groups.

[mountain grammy]

21. So glad you reacted by informing others

And getting the word out. Thank you.

[Emile]

22. I renewed my Indiana driver's license yesterday.

The young woman asked a several questions, but one question was, do I want to register to vote. I been registered to vote since 1973 in Indiana, so my answer was no. Now reading this, I'm beginning to wonder if I'm still registered.

Edited to add: I just checked online my voter registration status, and it shows me as an active voter.

[BeneteauBum]

23. I'm headed to my local supervisor of elections in the morning

I want a face to face confirmation. Somehow I don’t trust online verification anymore.

Peace ☮️