Guide On Florida REAL ID

Anyone wishing to receive a Florida driving license or identification card must present appropriate papers to confirm their citizenship/immigration status and identity. Florida's rules are based on federal guidelines established by the Department of Homeland Security's Real ID Act, which aims to increase security and decrease identity fraud.

What is REAL ID Act?

In 2008, the REAL ID Act of the United States Department of Homeland Security went into force across the country, requiring stricter criteria for issuing driver licenses and identification cards. On January 1, 2010, Florida began issuing REAL ID-compliant identification cards. A star in the upper right corner of new driver licenses and ID cards indicates that they are REAL ID-compliant. Residents renewing or receiving a new driver's license or ID card must comply with the REAL ID Act's paperwork requirements. Customers must provide authentic documentation that verifies their identification, Social Security Number (SSN), and residential address to the first in-office issue after January 1, 2010.

Requirements for REAL ID in Florida

For US Citizens

Before a REAL-ID compliant driver's license or ID card may be granted, U.S. citizens renewing, replacing, or applying for a new driver's license or ID card in person must submit the following papers. Please keep in mind that the name on the Social Security Number (SSN) must match the name on the Florida driver's license or identification card. Customers who have recently changed their names should contact the Social Security Administration to correct their records before applying for a driver's license or identification card.

Primary Identification (Original and one of the following)

  • Birth certificate from the United States, including some U.S. territories and the District of Columbia
  • Passport or passport card valid in the United States
  • Birth Abroad Consular Report
  • Form N-550 or N-570, Certificate of Naturalization
  • Form N-560 or N-561, Certificate of Citizenship

Proof of Social Security (Original and one of the following)

  • Social Security Card
  • Printed W-2 form
  • Paycheck/stub
  • SSA-1099
  • Printed 1099 form

Proof of Residential Address (Any two of the following)

  • Residential rental/lease agreement, deed, mortgage, monthly mortgage statement, mortgage payment booklet
  • Voter registration card in Florida
  • Vehicle registration or title in Florida
  • Bill for utilities
  • A utility connection or a work order that is less than 60 days old
  • Payment booklet for automobiles
  • Card for selective service
  • If you have a medical or health card with your address on it, you can use it.
  • Copy of your current homeowner's insurance policy or a bill
  • Copy of your current motor insurance policy or a bill
  • A transcript from an educational institution is required for the current academic year.
  • A professional license issued by a government agency in the United States has not yet expired.
  • Form W2 or Form 1099
  • Financial institution mail, such as statements for checking, savings, and investment accounts
  • Government mail from the federal, state, county, and city governments
  • A letter confirming receipt of your mail from a homeless shelter, transitional assistance provider, or halfway house. The letter must be accompanied by a completed and notarized Certification of Address Form.

For Immigrants

Before a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or ID card may be issued, immigrants who are renewing, replacing, or applying for a new driver's license or ID card in person must submit the following documentation. Please keep in mind that the name on the Social Security Number (SSN) must match the name on the Florida driver's license or identification card. Customers who have recently changed their names should contact the Social Security Administration to correct their records before applying for a driver's license or identification card.

Primary Identification (Original and one of the following)

  • Green card or Form I-551
  • Stamp I-551 on passport or I-94
    • An order from an immigration judge is awarding asylum, which includes your A-number (admissions number).
    • I-797 contains your A-number and confirms that you have been granted refuge.
  • Form I-797, or a similar form from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), declares that your application for refugee status has been approved.

Proof of Social Security (Original and one of the following)

  • Social Security Card
  • Printed W-2 form
  • Paycheck/stub
  • SSA-1099
  • Printed 1099 form

Proof of Residential Address (Any two of the following)

  • Residential rental/lease agreement, deed, mortgage, monthly mortgage statement, mortgage payment booklet
  • Voter registration card in Florida
  • Vehicle registration or title in Florida
  • a bill for utilities
  • A utility connection or a work order that is less than 60 days old
  • Payment booklet for automobiles
  • Card for selective service
  • If you have a medical or health card with your address on it, you can use it.
  • Copy of your current homeowner's insurance policy or a bill
  • Copy of your current motor insurance policy or a bill
  • A transcript from an educational institution is required for the current academic year.
  • A professional license issued by a government entity in the United States has not yet expired.
  • Form W2 or Form 1099
  • Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status, Form DS2019
  • Financial institution mail, such as statements for checking, savings, and investment accounts
  • Government mail from the federal, state, county, and city governments
  • Completed and notarized Certification of Address Form

For Non-Immigrants

Before a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or ID card may be granted, non-immigrants who are renewing, replacing, or applying for a new driver's license or ID card in person must submit the following documentation.

Primary Identification (Original and one of the following)

  • Form I-688B or I-766 from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
  • CHS Form I-94 with required supporting attachments and non-expired verification of non-immigrant categorization (s).
  • A valid passport must accompany I-94s with a stamp indicating the entrance date. Certain classes necessitate the submission of additional documents. Here are a few examples:
  • An I-20 is required for F-1 and M-1 classifications.
  • A DS2019 must be submitted with a J-1 or J-2 designation.
  • Additional documentation is required for refugee, asylee, and parolee designations.
  • I-571 (refugee travel document/permit)
  • Acceptance of the I-512 parole letter
  • An order from an immigration judge granting asylum or canceling deportation.

Proof of Social Security (Original and one of the following)

  • Social Security Card
  • Printed W-2 form
  • Paycheck/stub
  • SSA-1099
  • Printed 1099 form

Proof of Residential Address (Any two of the following)

  • Residential rental/lease agreement, deed, mortgage, monthly mortgage statement, mortgage payment booklet
  • Voter registration card in Florida
  • Vehicle registration or title in Florida
  • a bill for utilities
  • A utility connection or a work order that is less than 60 days old
  • Payment booklet for automobiles
  • Card for selective service
  • If you have a medical or health card with your address on it, you can use it.
  • Copy of your current homeowner's insurance policy or a bill
  • Copy of your current motor insurance policy or a bill
  • A transcript from an educational institution is required for the current academic year.
  • A professional license issued by a government entity in the United States has not yet expired.
  • Form W2 or Form 1099
  • Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status, Form DS2019
  • Financial institution mail, such as statements for checking, savings, and investment accounts
  • Government mail from the federal, state, county, and city governments
  • Form of Certification of Address that has been completed and notarized

For Canadians

Before a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or ID card may be granted, Canadians who are renewing, replacing, or applying for a new driver's license or ID card in person must submit the following papers.

Primary Identification (Original and one of the following)

  • A valid Canadian passport is required.
  • Canadian birth certificate, original or certified
  • Certificate of Naturalization in Canada
  • Citizenship certificate from Canada

Proof of Social Security (Original and one of the following)

  • Social Security Card
  • Printed W-2 form
  • Paycheck/stub
  • SSA-1099
  • Printed 1099 form

Proof of Residential Address (Any two of the following)

  • Residential rental/lease agreement, deed, mortgage, monthly mortgage statement, mortgage payment booklet
  • Voter registration card in Florida
  • Vehicle registration or title in Florida
  • a bill for utilities
  • A utility connection or a work order that is less than 60 days old
  • Payment booklet for automobiles
  • Card for selective service
  • If you have a medical or health card with your address on it, you can use it.
  • Copy of your current homeowner's insurance policy or a bill
  • Copy of your current motor insurance policy or a bill
  • A transcript from an educational institution is required for the current academic year.
  • A professional license issued by a government entity in the United States has not yet expired.
  • Form W2 or Form 1099
  • Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status, Form DS2019
  • Financial institution mail, such as statements for checking, savings, and investment accounts
  • Government mail from the federal, state, county, and city governments
  • Form of Certification of Address that has been completed and notarized

How To Renew REAL ID in Florida?

Online

Did you know that you can renew, replace, or amend your driver's license online if you meet the following criteria:
  • You haven't utilized the one-time online convenience renewal before.
  • Your driver's license or ID card complies with the REAL ID Act.
  • Your driver's license shows no stops, holds, or other violations.

In Person

If you have any of the following problems, you must go to the service center:
  • Your driver's license or ID card does not comply with the REAL ID Act.
  • Your driver's license has a stop, hold, or infraction on it.
  • You're getting your first driver's license in Florida.
  • Your one-time online renewal has already been utilized.
  • You renamed yourself.
  • You allowed your driver's license to lapse.
  • You'd want to change your photo.
  • You are a Commercial Driver's License holder (CDL)
  • You want to make a change to a designation.
  • Your driver's license has the word "Temporary" on it.

Preparing For Visit

If you really must visit, use these strategies to make your visit as quick and painless as possible!
  • Make an appointment.
  • You have 18 months to renew your license before it expires.
  • Check your driver's license for free to see any stops, holds, or infractions. If you bring the proper papers, clearances can be processed.