The REAL ID Act was implemented nationwide by the US Department of Homeland Security in 2008.
This legislation established new guidelines for identifying cards and driving licenses.
On January 1, 2010, Florida began issuing credentials that complied with REAL ID. A star has been added to the top right corner of the new driver's licenses and ID cards to signify compliance with REAL ID requirements.
Residents renewing or obtaining a new driver's license or identity card in person are required by the REAL ID Act to provide certain documentation. Customers wishing to make their first in-person issuance after January 1, 2010, need to bring:
Customers must visit an office with the required documents if:
You are applying for a driver's license or ID card for the first time.
Your current license is expiring, and it doesn't have a star in the upper corner.
You legally changed your name (e.g., through marriage, divorce, or court order).
Click here to make an appointment at your nearest DMV office.
Primary Identification
Proof of Social Security
Proof of Address
Original documents to confirm your identity, Social Security Number (SSN), and residential address.
NOTEPeople who are U.S. citizens or immigrants, and are renewing, replacing, or applying for a new driver's license or ID card in person, must provide the necessary documents before receiving a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or ID card.
An original of one of the following documents with complete name:
Notes:
Name Changes
Customers who have legally changed their name by marriage, divorce or court order must submit the original or a certified marriage certificate, divorce decree or court order. Photocopies are not accepted. Marriage certificates must be recognized by the state of Florida. Generally, marriage certificates issued in Florida or another state in accordance with the respective laws of those states are recognized by the State of Florida. Church-issued marriage certificates are not accepted.
NOTE Please allow 24 to 48 hours after changing your name with Social Security Administration before applying to change it with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Your name must verify with the Social Security electronic system to obtain a Florida driver license or identification card.
Certified copies of marriage certificates or divorce decrees may be obtained at the clerk of court in the county where it was originally filed.
An original of one of the following documents with complete name:
An original of one of the following documents with complete name:
Notes:
An original of one of the following documents with complete name:
An original of one of the following documents with complete name and complete SSN:
NOTE Non-immigrants or Canadians in the country without a work visa, do not need to get a letter from the Social Security Administration confirming that they were never issued a Social Security Number (SSN), which is also known as an SSA refusal letter.
Customers cannot use their current driver's license or ID card as proof of their residential address. Instead, they need to provide two different documents showing their Florida residential address (printed or faxed copies of these documents are acceptable).
Addresses from out-of-state or U.S. territories will no longer be accepted for individuals applying for a Florida Class E license or identification card.
Acceptable residential address documents include, but are not limited to:
Customers who don't have any of the mentioned documents in their name can provide two proofs of residential address from a parent, step-parent, legal guardian, or another person with whom they live, along with a Certification of Address form.
Following the REAL ID Act, customers are not obligated to present these documents for subsequent renewals unless there are changes in their information, such as name or address. However, if a customer is applying for a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) or Commercial Driver License (CDL), they must present proof of residence documents as outlined below.
Every applicant for a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) or Commercial Driver License (CDL) must provide two proofs of Florida residential address in their name. They can either present two proofs from List A or one proof from List A and one proof from List B.
LIST A for CLP / CDL – item presented must be in the applicant’s name.
LIST B for CLP / CDL – item presented must be in the applicant’s name.
Applicants for a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) or Commercial Driver License (CDL) who cannot provide proof of residential address from List A must submit a Declaration of Domicile filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court, following Florida Statutes section 222.17. Additionally, they need to provide one proof of residential address document from List B.
CLP & CDL applicants cannot use a Certification of Address (HSMV-71120) for licensure.
Learn more about Florida's Commercial Drivers License (CDL).
If you need assistance obtaining original or certified documents, please choose the relevant link below.
NOTE Notarized documents are not accepted.
Refer to the Social Security Administration’s website for instructions and fees.
Only a birth certificate issued by a county health department or the CDC Bureau of Vital Statistics will be accepted. Hospital birth certificates are not considered certified documents and will not be accepted.
Refer to the National Center for Health Statistics’ website.
Refer to the U.S. National Center for Health Statistics’ website.
What to Bring
Florida Handbook
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