HSMV Form 72120 Florida Developmental Disability Designation

HSMV Form 72120 Florida Developmental Disability Designation – The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) provides Form HSMV 72120 to help individuals with developmental disabilities and certain other conditions receive important designations on their driver licenses, identification cards, and motor vehicle registrations. These voluntary designations alert law enforcement and first responders during traffic stops, emergencies, or crisis situations, promoting safer and more effective communication.

Updated in May 2025 (Rev. 05/25), the current version of HSMV Form 72120 combines two key options:

  • Adding a capital letter “D” to a Florida driver license or identification card for a developmental disability
  • Adding or removing a “SAFE” designation on one or more motor vehicle registrations

Download the official form here: HSMV Form 72120 PDF (Official FLHSMV)

What Is the Purpose of HSMV Form 72120?

Form HSMV 72120 serves two related but distinct purposes under Florida law:

1. Developmental Disability Designation (“D” on Driver License or ID Card)
Pursuant to Sections 322.14(1)(f) and 322.051(8)(e), Florida Statutes, a person with a developmental disability (or their parent/legal guardian) may request that a capital letter “D” appear on their Florida driver license or identification card. This discreet indicator alerts law enforcement and emergency personnel that the individual has a developmental disability, allowing for more appropriate interaction.

2. SAFE Designation on Motor Vehicle Registration
Authorized by Section 320.02(15), Florida Statutes (created by HB 341 in 2024 and implemented in 2025), the SAFE designation (Safeguarding American Families Everywhere) can be added to a vehicle’s registration record. When an officer runs the license plate, they are notified that a driver or passenger may have special communication or interaction needs. Importantly, the specific diagnosis is never displayed in the vehicle record.

Who Qualifies for the Developmental Disability “D” Designation?

To receive the “D” designation, the individual must have a developmental disability as defined in Section 393.063, Florida Statutes. This includes a disorder or syndrome attributable to:

  • Intellectual disability
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Autism
  • Spina bifida
  • Down syndrome
  • Phelan-McDermid syndrome
  • Prader-Willi syndrome

The condition must have manifested before age 18 and constitute a substantial handicap that can reasonably be expected to continue indefinitely.

A physician licensed under Chapter 458 or 459, Florida Statutes, must certify the diagnosis on the form.

Who Qualifies for the SAFE Designation?

The SAFE designation applies to a broader list of conditions. An applicant (or proponent parent/legal guardian) may request it if they or their child/ward has been diagnosed with one or more of the following:

  • Autism
  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
  • Down Syndrome
  • Alzheimer’s Disease
  • Traumatic Brain Injury
  • Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Diabetes
  • Autoimmune Disorder
  • Deafness
  • Blindness
  • Any other mentally or physically limiting disorder

A licensed physician (Chapter 458 or 459) must complete the certification section cofirming the diagnosis.

How to Complete and Submit HSMV Form 72120?

The form contains four main sections:

Section 1 – Applicant Information
Complete the applicant’s full name, date of birth, mailing and residential addresses, and signature (applicant, parent, or legal guardian). Include the current driver license or ID number if applicable.

Section 2 – Placing a “D” on Driver License or Identification Card
Check the appropriate box to request the letter “D” on either a driver license or identification card.

Section 3 – Adding or Removing SAFE Designation
List the license plate number, vehicle identification number (VIN), year, and make for each vehicle. Indicate whether you want to add or remove the SAFE designation. (Removal does not require physician certification.)

Section 4 – Physician Statement of Certification
A physician licensed under Florida Chapters 458 or 459 must complete and sign this section, providing their name, license number, business address, contact number, and the required professional opinion statement.

Where to Submit:
Take the completed form to your local Florida tax collector office or driver license service center. Do not mail the form to Tallahassee unless specifically instructed.

Fees and Important Notes

  • Adding or removing the SAFE designation on a vehicle registration is free.
  • Adding the “D” designation to a driver license or ID card may involve a small additional fee in some cases (historically $1 in certain statutes), but replacement cards solely for adding or removing the “D” are often issued without the standard replacement fee if no other transaction is occurring.
  • The specific medical diagnosis is never printed on the driver license, ID card, or vehicle registration record visible to the public.
  • Both designations are completely voluntary.

Why These Designations Matter

Traffic stops and emergency encounters can be stressful for anyone. For individuals with developmental disabilities, autism, Alzheimer’s, PTSD, or other conditions that affect communication, sensory processing, or behavior, these interactions can escalate quickly without proper awareness. The “D” and SAFE designations give officers and first responders an immediate, discreet alert so they can adjust their approach, use clearer communication, allow extra time, or call for specialized assistance when needed.

These tools support Florida’s commitment to safeguarding vulnerable residents while protecting privacy—no detailed medical information appears in public-facing records.

Official Resources and Next Steps

Always use the most current version of the form available on the official FLHSMV website. Requirements and form revisions can change, so verify details with your local tax collector or driver license office before submitting.

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