Important Update: Florida Driver License and ID Changes Affecting Voters from PBC Supervisor of Elections Wendy Sartory

Florida Driver License and ID Changes Affecting Voters

Dear Municipal/Elected Partners,

I want to ensure you have the most accurate information to share with constituents about a change to Florida Driver Licenses and State ID numbers that affect registered voters.

Since July 31, 2024, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles has been issuing Driver Licenses and State ID Cards with new, randomly generated numbers to enhance security and protect personal information.

For many voters, no immediate action is required. However, if someone has renewed or replaced their Florida Driver License or State ID since July 31, 2024, and their number changed, they may need to update their voter registration to avoid delays during an election. Elections Offices use these numbers to verify a voter's identity, particularly for services such as Vote-by-Mail requests, petition verification, and other voter services.

We are working closely with the Palm Beach County Tax Collector’s Office (DMV) to help educate voters about this change. For example, voters will see prompts at all Tax Collector’s offices encouraging them to “Just Say YES” when asked if they want to update their voter registration during their transaction. Voters may not realize that even if they do not have any other changes, besides getting a new number, they must say "yes" in order for our office to receive their new DL/ID number.

Key Messages

  • Many voters are not immediately affected.
  • When renewing or replacing your FL Driver License/State ID, just say “Yes” to update your voter registration information in the same transaction.
  • If a voter’s FL Driver License/State ID number has not changed, no action is required at this time.
  • Voters who registered to vote using the last four digits of their Social Security number are not affected.
  • This update will not prevent anyone from voting in person during Early Voting or on Election Day.
  • Voters who plan to Vote-by-Mail in upcoming elections should verify their registration now to ensure a smooth experience when requesting a vote-by-mail ballot.

How Voters Can Update Their Current Voter Registration

  1. Online (fastest method): RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov 
  2. In person: At any of our four Elections Offices or an authorized voter registration agency.

If a voter is unsure whether they need to update their information, we encourage them to call our office at (561) 656-6200 to verify whether an update needs to be made.

Please encourage voters to check their registration now by visiting the “My Status” page at VotePalmBeach.gov or by calling our Elections Team at (561) 656-6200.

Upcoming Election Dates

  • Special General Election (HD 90): December 9, 2025.
  • Special Primary Election (HD 87): January 13, 2026.
  • Uniform Municipal Elections: March 10, 2026.
  • Special General Election (HD87): March 24, 2026.
  • Primary Election: August 18, 2026.
  • General Election: November 3, 2026.

Downloadable Resources

We have developed a flyer and poster to help you answer questions and share accurate information. These resources can be downloaded here:

Our goal is to stay ahead of potential confusion to not cause concern! By sharing this information now, you’ll be able to help constituents get election ready before they vote.

Thank you for your continued partnership in keeping Palm Beach County voters informed with accurate information.

Sincerely,

Wendy Sartory Link
Supervisor of Elections
Palm Beach County