What information does a magnetic strip on a driver's license contain in Florida?

The magnetic stripe, as it's typically called, along with the barcode on the back of a Florida driver's license, stores the same information shown on the card's front, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

Why the Change?

Issued for the first time in June 2004, the current design of Florida driver's licenses and identification cards have been made more secure than ever and difficult to forge, due to high-tech advances.

How They're Made

The cards are created using digital imaging, and are ready immediately--another benefit of using the new technology. During the process, all the information from the front of the card---including a digitized portrait and the driver's signature---is stored in a barcode and magnetic stripe on the back.

Additional Information on the Card

Other information from the front of the card that's stored in the stripe includes the license number and class of vehicle the driver is licensed to operate; the driver's name and address; the driver's date of birth, sex and height; the date the license was issued and when it expires; any driving restrictions or endorsements; the date a duplicate was issued, if applicable; and notification if the driver has elected to be an organ donor, or if the licensee has earned the designation of "safe driver".

What the Extra Letters and Numbers Mean

The license class, designated by a letter above the license number, can refer to the size of vehicle the driver is licensed to operate, the type of hazardous materials the driver can carry, or the number of passengers the driver may transport, or it can refer to certain driving restrictions, such as those placed on drivers under 18 or just learning to drive.

Other restrictions--listed lower on the front of the card as a letter or number--may refer to a range of conditions, such as the requirement to drive with corrective lenses, or the prohibition of carrying passengers.

Endorsements, listed as a letter, refer to special certifications--or privileges--a driver has earned, such as the ability to transport more than 1,000 gallons of liquid or gaseous materials or to operate a double trailer.

Do I Have to Get a New License?

No. Previously issued Florida driver licenses and identification cards remain valid until their expiration dates.

Source:

Florida Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles

More Information:

About Driver Licenses and ID Cards