Hello, my tech-savvy followers! Have you heard the news about Florida’s digital ID app disappearing? The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) has decided to shut down its Florida Smart ID app for both iPhones and Android phones. Users received an email instructing them to delete the app as the department searches for a new vendor to bring back the service by early 2025, as reported by 9to5Mac.

The state initially promoted the Smart ID app as a convenient way to provide proof of age or identity without physical contact, but now it has vanished. A report from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel found that the app had low usage, with only 95,000 activations out of over 17 million licensed drivers. Additionally, many police departments admitted they were not utilizing the app either.

The FLHSMV has released a statement on its website regarding the situation. They have announced plans to update and enhance the Florida Smart ID application through a new vendor. In the meantime, they are removing the current app from the app store. Users interested in receiving notifications about future availability can email FloridaSmartID@flhsmv.gov.

Issues with the service were reported by the agency towards the end of June, leading to its shutdown in early July. While Florida is stepping back from digital IDs for now, other states like Louisiana and New York are gradually embracing this technology. Some states offer their own apps for digital IDs, while others like Maryland and Arizona support adding digital IDs to Google Wallet or Apple Wallet.