What to Bring

U.S. Citizen

 

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U.S. citizens renewing, replacing, or applying for a new driver license or ID card in-person must submit the following documents before a REAL-ID compliant driver license or ID card can be issued. Please note that the name assigned to the Social Security Number (SSN) must match the name that will appear on the Florida driver license or ID card. Customers who have recently changed their name should update their records with the Social Security Administration, before applying for a driver license or ID card.

1. Primary Identification

An original of one of the following documents with complete name:

  • U.S. birth certificate, including some U.S. territories and District of Columbia (birth certificates from Puerto Rico must have an issue date after July 1, 2010); or
  • Valid U.S. passport or passport card; or
  • Consular Report of Birth Abroad; or
  • Certificate of Naturalization, form N-550 or form N-570; or
  • Certificate of Citizenship, form N-560 or form N-561.

NOTES

  • 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 a certified document and will not be accepted.
  • Please come prepared to present one of the above listed identification documents as proof of citizenship or legal presence.
  • When applicable, marriage certificates, court orders or divorce decrees must be provided to link the name on the primary identification to the name on the driver license or ID card.
  • If a valid U.S. passport has the customer’s current name, they are not required to present additional name change documents.

2. Proof of Social Security

An original of one of the following documents with complete name and complete SSN:

  • Social Security card (with the customer’s current name);
  • W-2 form (not handwritten); or
  • Pay check/stub; or
  • SSA-1099; or
  • Any 1099 (not handwritten).

Customers without an SSN can find assistance on our What To Bring FAQ page.

3. Proof of Residential Address

Customers may not use their current driver license or ID card as proof of residential address.

Customers must submit two different documents with their Florida residential address (printouts or faxes of these documents are acceptable). We will no longer accept out-of-state or U.S. territory addresses for applicants obtaining a Florida Class E license or identification card.

Residential address documents include, but are not limited to:

  • Household information documents – Deed, mortgage, monthly mortgage statement, or residential rental/lease agreement; or
  • Florida voter registration card; or
  • Valid Florida vehicle registration or title; or
  • Utility bill – (Ex. water, gas, electricity, cell phone, cable) (must be dated within the last 30 days); or
  • Automobile payment booklet (must be dated within the last 30 days); or
  • Selective service card (must be dated within the last 30 days); or
  • Medical or health card and/or medical bill (must be dated within the last 30 days); or
  • Homeowner and/or automobile insurance policy or bill (must be dated within the last 30 days); or
  • Employer documentation (W-2 form or 1099 form, paycheck stub
  • A letter from a homeless shelter, transitional service provider or a half-way house verifying the customer resides at the shelter address. (must be dated within the last 30 days); or
  • Financial statements (bank, credit cards or investment accounts) (must be dated within the last 30 days)
  • Mail/documents used by Federal, State, County or City government agencies (including cities and county agencies) (must be dated within the last 30 days)
  • Sexual Offender/Sexual Predator/Career Offender: (must be dated within the last 30 days) Certification of Address, section A, and the FDLE Registration form completed by the local sheriff’s department.

Customers who do not have any of the above documents in their name may have the person they reside with complete a Certification of Address form along with two proof of address documents listed on that form.  The person the customer lives with must be present at the issuance office or must sign a Certification of Address form in the presence of a notary.

In accordance with the REAL ID Act, customers are not required to present these documents for subsequent renewals unless their information changes (e.g., name, address). However, if the 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.

Proof of Residential Address for CLP and CDL Holders

All CLP or CDL applicants must present two proofs of Florida residential address in their name. Applicants can 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.

  1. A recent lease or rental agreement for the residence with a term of 6 months or greater in the name of the driver; or
  2. Current Florida voter registration card; or
  3. Florida vehicle or vessel registration or title; or
  4. Current homeowner’s insurance policy or bill; or
  5. Current utility bill (water, gas, electricity, cell phone, cable) must be dated within the last 30-days; or
  6. Recent cellular or landline telephone bill (must be dated within the last 30 to 60 days); or
  7. Recent internet service provider bill (must be dated within the last 30 to 60 days); or
  8. Latest property tax bill;
  9. Mortgage deed for property in Florida

LIST B for CLP / CDL – item presented must be in the applicant’s name.

  1. Latest W-2 form or 1099 form; or
  2. Recent bank statement (must be dated within the last 60 days); or
  3. Recent credit card statement (must be dated within the last 60 days); or
  4. Latest military orders; or
  5. Recent pay stub (must be dated within the last 60 days); or
  6. Recent official government documents (must be dated within the last 60 days)

CLP or CDL applicants unable to provide a proof of residential address from list A, must provide a Declaration of Domicile filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court pursuant to Florida Statutes section 222.17 and one proof of residential address document from list B.

CLP & CDL applicants cannot use a Certification of Address (HSMV-71120) for licensure.

Proof of Florida Residency for CLP and CDL Applicants

All customers applying for an original CDL or Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) must present one of the documents listed below to establish Florida residency:

  • A current Florida Class E Driver License or Florida Identification card held for a period of more than six (6) consecutive months.
  • A lease agreement, in the customer’s name, that has been in place for a period of more than six (6) consecutive months.
  • A current residential mortgage, in the customer’s name, signed more than six (6) months ago.
  • A current residential deed, in the customer’s name, signed more than six (6) months ago.
  • A Florida Voter Registration Card.
  • A statement of domicile pursuant to section 222.17, F.S.
  • A homestead tax exemption filing on property in this state.

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.