Florida will begin displaying immigration status on state driver’s licenses and identification cards starting in 2027 under a new law signed by Ron DeSantis.
The requirement is part of Florida’s SAVE Act, which directs that newly issued or renewed IDs include immigration status beginning Jan. 1, 2027. State officials say the measure is intended to streamline identity verification and strengthen election security.
“Today, I signed the election integrity bill, also known as the Florida SAVE Act,” DeSantis said in a statement, calling the law a step toward improving “security, transparency, and reliability” in elections.
Florida already requires proof of citizenship to obtain a driver’s license, including documents such as a birth certificate, U.S. passport or naturalization certificate. Voters must also present identification at the polls.
Supporters say the law builds on existing safeguards by requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration, limiting mail-in voting practices and enhancing coordination between agencies to identify potentially ineligible voters.
Critics argue the policy could create barriers and raise privacy concerns. Stacey Abrams has described similar laws as “voter suppression,” warning they could disproportionately affect seniors, rural residents, students and communities of color.
Advocates in Florida also say listing immigration status on IDs could expose sensitive personal information in everyday situations, such as when showing identification at businesses or events.
The law is widely viewed as a state-level version of the proposed federal SAVE Act, which has drawn sharp political debate. Florida officials maintain the changes are necessary to protect election integrity, while opponents say they could make participation more difficult for some residents.
