Identifying Yourself

Driver Licenses

Florida now requires proof of identity, Social Security number and 2 proofs of residential address. Click here for more information.

A Windows Media movie explaining some of the changes is viewable by clicking here. (6.37 MB. A media viewer may be needed.) Use your "Back" button in your browser to return to this page.

(Note: The charges listed on the FLHSMV website do not include the $6.25 service fee the Tax Collector collects.)

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has established minimum security standards for state-issued drivers’ licenses and identification cards. The REAL ID Act of 2005 sets uniform standards that enhance the integrity and reliability of drivers’ licenses and identification cards, strengthen issuance capabilities, and increase security at driver license and identification card production facilities. Real ID refers to minimum standards for state-issued driver's licenses or personal identification cards that will allow you to board a federally-regulated airplane, access a federal facility or nuclear power plant. More information how the State of Florida will be affected can be found here. Information from DHS can be found here.

Each applicant for an original (first time) Florida driver license or identification card must present two forms of identification. State law requires identification, proof of date of birth, 2 proofs of residency, and proof of Social Security number (U.S.citizens and immigrants) from all customers before a driver license or identification card can be issued.

U.S. Citizens

The following documents may be used as primary identification.

Original or Certified U.S. Birth Certificate from a government agency
Naturalization Certificate or Certificate of Citizenship (N-600)
Valid, unexpired U.S. Passport or U.S Passport Card

AND, in addition, a secondary document is also required and may include the original or certified copy of one of the following:

School record stating date of birth, containing the registrar's signature
A military identification
Florida vehicle registration or out of state registration showing name and date of birth
Florida Voter registration card issued at least 3 months previously
Social Security Card (Note: Hand-written forms not accepted)

License/ID Card Issuance for Non-U.S. Citizens

The Gulf-to-Bay, Mid County, North County, Skyway and Tarpon Springs Tax Collector Offices, as well as state offices, can issue Florida driver licenses and identification cards to non-US citizens. Non-U.S. Citizens applying for an original driver license will receive a 30-day temporary permit and a receipt. Non-U.S. citizens applying for an original ID card will receive a receipt. After document validation is performed, a driver license may be mailed within 30 days.

Non-U.S. Citizens

Non-U.S. Citizens must present one of the following valid documents:

Alien Registration Receipt Card (I-151, I-551)
Employment Authorization Card (I-688B, I-766)
Valid Passport along with proof of non-immigrant classification

In addition, an acceptable form of secondary identification is required.

Please note that other supporting documentation may be required.

Canadian Citizens

Canadian Citizens shall provide proof of Canadian citizenship by presenting one of the following four documents:

Canadian Certificate of Citizenship
Canadian Naturalization Certificate
Valid Canadian Passport
Original or certified Canadian birth certificate

In addition, an acceptable form of secondary identification is also required.