On July 31, 2024, a new law went into effect requiring the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to assign more secure numbers to driver’s licenses and state ID cards. Since that day, anyone who has renewed or replaced a license or ID has received a new number. The objective, according to the FLHSMV, is to improve security and enhance identity protection. Ultimately, as people replace their driver’s licenses or FL ID cards, everyone will be assigned new numbers.

How does this affect your voter registration?

When registering to vote in Florida, people are asked to provide either the last four digits of their social security number or their FL driver’s license or ID card. The numbers on file are also used to verify a voter’s identity for Vote by Mail requests, on petitions, and address changes.

While in-person voting may not be impacted, those attempting to request a Vote by Mail ballot online will encounter an error message if the number does not match what is in the voter’s record.

So, how can you prevent an issue?

When you renew or replace your driver’s license or FL ID, don’t forget to check the box that says “yes” to updating your voter information, even if you’re not making any other changes. Or if you prefer, you can fill out a voter registration application in person at the Putnam County Supervisor of Elections Office or online at RegistertoVoteFlorida.gov.

If you have questions, or need more information, call our office at (386) 329-0224 or visit VotePutnamFlorida.gov.  Your source for verified election information.