They just now started making strict rules in Florida...so no, I didn’t have to show my birth certificate when I got mine years and years ago. I haven’t shown up at a DMV for years either, I’ve renewed by mail. I did have to show proof of residency, but anyone could have that.
Each state sets their own rules, I think NC has the easiest rules to get a driver’s license. Check it out, you don’t need a birth certificate.
http://www.ncdot.org/DMV/driver_services/drivingpublic/applying.html
I had to show my BC in Texas years ago.
http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/DriverLicense/identificationrequirements.htm
Since the attacks on September 11, 2001, Virginia has really toughened up their license requirements. Now you are required to provide your long form birth certificate if you want a driver’s license. I believe existing license holders are grandfathered, but my wife, who moved here from Michigan had to provide her choice of a long form birth certificate or U.S. Passport.
Now Virginia has switched to these high-tech licenses. They are ugly but supposedly are more tamper proof with regard to faking.