How to Get a Florida ID Card: A Complete Guide
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Even if you don't drive, you still need identification in the United States. As a non-driving Florida resident, it's important to have a Florida ID card to be able to identify yourself, travel, and more. Fortunately, getting an ID card in Florida is a relatively straightforward process.
Eligibility Requirements for a Florida ID Card
In the state of Florida, any legal resident who is at least five years of age may get a Florida ID card. Individuals who are homeless may get an ID card provided they show a letter from a local shelter verifying that they are unhoused. People living at or below 100% of the poverty level may also be eligible to get an identification card at no cost.
Non-U.S. citizens may also meet Florida ID card requirements, but the documentation required is a bit different.
Required Documents for Application
Since the U.S. Department of Homeland Security REAL ID Act became effective in 2008, Florida has issued REAL ID-compliant licenses and ID cards. This act slightly changed the eligibility and documentation requirements for residents obtaining a new ID card. Notably, when applying for a new driver's license or REAL Florida ID card, you must provide the original documents, not copies or facsimiles.
To get a Florida ID card, U.S. citizens must provide primary identification, proof of Social Security, and proof of residential address. Acceptable documents include:
Primary identification
One of:
- U.S. birth certificate
- Valid U.S. passport or passport card
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad
- Certificate of Naturalization
- Certificate of Citizenship
Proof of Social Security
One of:
- Social Security card
- W-2 form
- Pay check/stub
- SSA-1099
- Any 1099
Proof of residential address
Two of:
- Deed, mortgage, monthly mortgage statement, or residential rental/lease agreement
- Florida voter registration card
- Valid Florida vehicle registration or title
- Utility bill dated within the last 30 days
- Automobile payment booklet dated within the last 30 days
- Selective service card dated within the last 30 days
- Medical or health card or medical bill dated within the last 30 days
- Homeowner or car insurance policy or bill dated within the last 30 days
- Employer documentation, like a W-2, 1099, or paystub
- A letter from a homeless shelter, transitional service provider, or halfway house
- Financial statements dated within the last 30 days
- Mail from government agencies
Non-U.S. citizens document requirements are essentially the same, except for the primary identification. You'll need to pass legal status verification, so acceptable documents for immigrants include:
- Green card
- Form I-551 stamp in passport or on Form I-94
- Immigration judge’s order, containing A-number (admissions number), granting asylum with a valid passport
- Form I-797, containing A-number, stating the customer has been granted asylum with a valid passport
- Another form from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), with the customer’s A-number, stating the customer’s application for refugee status is approved with a valid passport.
Fees and Costs for a Florida ID Card
The fee for a Florida ID card is $25, and most Tax Collector offices also assess a $6.25 service fee. This is less than the fee for an original driver's license, which is $48.
How and Where to Apply for a Florida ID Card
If you're getting an original driver license or ID card, you do not yet have a REAL ID, or you've legally changed your name since your last ID's issuance, you must visit a Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (HSMV) driver license office in-person. If you're unsure if this means you, you can perform a Florida driver's license check online.
You may renew or replace an existing card online using the HSMV website.
Replacing or Updating Your Florida ID Card
Floridians must renew a Florida ID card or driver's license every eight years. The expiration date is noted on the card. You may renew a driver's license up to 18 months before the expiration date and an ID card up to 12 months before.
If you have lost your ID card or you have to make an update, you can also replace your ID card. Some common instances in which this may be necessary include:
- You changed addresses, in which case you have 30 days to update your address on your ID card
- You changed your name
- Your ID card was lost or stolen
- You wish to add or update a designation or other information, like organ donor status
The cost to replace a license or ID card is $25. You may renew or replace a Florida ID card online if you can verify your Social Security number. Otherwise, you'll have to visit an HSMV office in person.
Additional Resources for Applicants
For additional guidance, check out these resources:
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