The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) has recently made the decision to shut down its digital ID app, Florida Smart ID, for both iPhones and Android phones. This move has left many users wondering about the future of digital identification in the state.
According to reports, the FLHSMV emailed users asking them to delete the app, stating that they are currently seeking a new vendor to assist in reviving the service by “early 2025.” The decision to discontinue the app came after lackluster adoption rates, with only 95,000 activations out of more than 17 million licensed drivers. Additionally, many police departments also reported not using the app, further contributing to its downfall.
The FLHSMV has assured users that the Florida Smart ID application will be updated and improved by a new vendor in the future. In the meantime, the department is removing the current app from the app store. Users who are interested in receiving notifications about the app’s future availability are encouraged to email FloridaSmartID@flhsmv.gov.
The shutdown of the Florida Smart ID app comes at a time when other states, such as Louisiana and New York, are embracing digital identification. While these states are also offering digital ID services through their own apps, some, like Maryland and Arizona, have chosen to support digital IDs added to Google Wallet or Apple Wallet. This raises questions about the future of digital identification and how it will be implemented across different states.
The demise of the Florida Smart ID app serves as a cautionary tale about the challenges of implementing digital identification on a state level. As technology continues to advance, it will be interesting to see how other states adapt and improve their digital ID services to meet the needs of their residents.
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