Florida Issued New Driver's License Design
The state introduced a redesigned license featuring a historical motto and imagery to mark the nation's 250th anniversary.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Gambling
Live Poll
Should state governments avoid using historical mottos associated with slavery on modern driver's licenses?
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles has rolled out a new driver's license design. The credential commemorates the 250th anniversary of the nation with various state-themed symbols.
Why it matters
The redesign aims to celebrate the upcoming semiquincentennial anniversary of the United States. However, the inclusion of a specific historical motto has sparked debate regarding its origins.
The new license features images of the state seal, Castillo de San Marcos, the Space Shuttle Discovery, a manatee, and an alligator. The motto included on the card first appeared on an unofficial Florida flag in 1845, the same year Florida joined the union as a slave state.
The players
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
This state agency is responsible for issuing driver licenses and managing motor vehicle registration for Florida residents.
RaShon Young
RaShon Young is a state representative who has requested the department reconsider the inclusion of specific language on the new license.
The details
The state-issued credential incorporates several cultural and historical symbols to honor the nation's 250th anniversary. Representative RaShon Young has formally requested that the department reconsider the use of the motto 'Let Us Alone' on the new design.
Timeline
Florida entered the union as a slave state in 1845.
The state introduced the new license design in October 2026.
Culture Shift
The controversy surrounding the license motto reflects a broader societal shift in how public institutions navigate historical legacies and evolving community standards. This trend highlights the tension between preserving regional history and addressing the complexities of the era in which those symbols originated.
Residents across the state will encounter the new design during upcoming license renewals and replacements at department offices. The visibility of the new motto on the physical credential depends on whether the department chooses to adopt the requested design changes.
The takeaway
The introduction of the new driver's license serves as a focal point for discussions about how historical mottos are integrated into modern government credentials. Readers should be aware that such design choices often undergo public review processes when they involve sensitive or historical phrasing.
Further reading
For more on state-regulated activities in Florida, visit Gambling.
Live Poll
Should state governments avoid using historical mottos associated with slavery on modern driver's licenses?
