Your local DMV office provides a variety of services many related to drivers licenses. Below are identification requirements when obtaining a drivers license in Florida.
Identification Requirements
Obtaining Your Florida Driving Records Traffic violations, the original issue date of your driver's license, driver’s school - all of these items (and more) show up on your Florida driving record, demonstrating how you’ve handled your time behind the wheel. Social Security Number and/or Insurance update(s), if applicable, are available on the Driver License Check results page. To access the driving history of your child under the age of 18, enter the teen's driver license number below.
As of Jan 1, 2010 the State of Florida has implemented strict ID requirements for a New Drivers License or Identification Card.
Renewing Your Florida Drivers License
If you are renewing a current Florida Drivers License you may renew your license online or via mail one time only. After you have used these convenience methods once you must visit a Florida DMV office and provide the required ID (see below.)
New Drivers License or ID
If you are applying for a new Florida Drivers License, ID Card, or have legally changed your name you Must Provide the Documents listed below.
The three types of documents requirements include: 1) Primary Identification; 2) Proof of Social Security Number; and, 3) Two (2) Proofs of Residential Address.
First Time Drivers
If you have never had a drivers license before you will be required to complete the Drug Alcohol Traffic Awareness (DATA) course.
Find Your Requirements
US Citizens
Florida law requires identification, proof of date of birth, proof of residential address, and proof of social security number (if issued, Chapter 322, Florida Statutes, requires the Department of Motor Vehicles see proof of social security number for the issuance of driver license and identification cards) from all customers before a driver license or identification card can be issued.
The name assigned to the social security number must match the name that will appear on the Florida driver license or identification card. If you have recently changed your name, update your records with the Social Security Administration before you apply for your license or identification card.
All U.S. citizens renewing or applying for a New Driver License or Identification Card in person after January 1, 2010 must submit:
1. Primary Identification
An Original or Certified Primary Identification Document may be one of the following:
- Certified United States Birth Certificate, including territories and District of Columbia
- Valid United States Passport or Passport Card
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad
- Certificate of Naturalization, Form N-550 or Form N-570
- Certificate of Citizenship, Form N-560 or Form N-561
Note: When necessary, marriage certificates, court orders, or divorce decrees must be provided to tie the name on the primary identification to the name the customer would like to place on the driver license or identification card.
2. Proof of Social Security Number
- Social Security Card
- W-2 Form
- Pay Check
- SSA-1099
- Any 1099
If you Do NOT have a Social Security Number:
If you do not have a social security number, you must bring a letter from the Social Security Administration indicating that you were never issued one. In addition, you will need to present at least one proof of ID from the following list:
- A Driver License or Identification Card from the District of Columbia, U.S. Territories, or one of our 50 states.
- School record stating date of birth, which must contain the registrar's signature.
- Transcript of the birth record filed with a public officer charged with the duty of recording certificates.
- Baptism certificate, which shows date of birth and the place of baptism.
- Family Bible record or birth announcement in a baby book.
- An insurance policy on the customer's life which has been in force for at least two years and has the month, day and year of birth.
- United States military or military dependent identification card.
- Florida license record or identification card record.
- Selective Service Registration (Draft Card).
- Florida Vehicle Registration certificate (HSMV 83399, owner's copy) obtained from the tax collector's office where the customer's vehicle was registered, Florida, or out-of-state registration certificate, if name and date of birth are shown.
- Receipt copy of your last Florida driver license issuance.
- Immigration form I-571.
- Federal form DD-214 (military record.)
- Marriage certificate.
- Court order, which includes legal name.
- A Florida voter registration card, which was issued at least 3 months previously.
- Parent consent form of minor, signed by the parent or legal guardian.
- Government issued out-of-country passport, driver license, or identification card.
- Concealed weapons permit.
3. Two (2) Proofs of Residential Address
Gather two (2) of the following documents showing your residential address (internet printouts or faxes of these documents are acceptable):
- Deed, mortgage, monthly mortgage statement, mortgage payment booklet or residential rental/lease agreement
- Florida Voter Registration Card
- Florida Vehicle Registration or Title
- Florida Boat Registration or Title (if living on a boat/houseboat)
- A statement from a parent, step-parent or legal guardian of an applicant. The parent or guardian must reside at the same residence address, accompany the applicant and present 'Proof of Residence Address'
- A utility hook up or work order dated within 60 days of the application
- Automobile Payment Booklet
- Selective Service Card
- Medical or health card with address listed
- Current homeowner's insurance policy or bill
- Current automobile insurance policy or bill
- Educational institution transcript forms for the current school year
- Unexpired professional license issued by a government agency in the U.S.
- W-2 form or 1099 form
- Form DS2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) status
- A letter from a homeless shelter, transitional service provider, or a half-way house verifying that the customer resides at the shelter address
- Utility bills, not more than two months old
- Mail from financial institutions; including checking, savings, or investment account statements, not more than two months old
- Mail from Federal, State, County or City government agencies (including city and county agencies)
- Transients Sexual Offender/Predator/Career Offender: FDLE Registration form completed by local sheriff's department
Immigrants
Immigrants that apply for a Florida Drivers License or ID card must provide Proof of Social Security Number and 2 Proofs of Residential Address described above.
As an Immigrant you must provide one original or certified copy of the following Identification documents:
- Valid Alien Registration receipt card, (Green Card, Form I-551)
- I-551 stamp in passport or on I-94
- Immigration Judges Order with the customer's A-number granting asylum
- I-797 with the customer's A-number, stating the customer has been granted asylum
- I-797 or another form from the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services with the customer's A-number, stating the customer's application for Refugee status is approved
Non Immigrants
Non Immigrants that apply for a Florida Drivers License or ID card must provide Proof of Social Security Number and 2 Proofs of Residential Address described above.
As a Non Immigrant you must provide one original or certified copy of the following Identification documents:
- Employment authorization card issued by the United States Department of Homeland Security (Form I688B or I-766); or
- Proof of Non Immigrant classification provided by United States Department of Homeland Security (Form I-94, not expired, with required supporting attachment(s).
If in doubt regarding required documents, please bring all of your US BCIS documentation with you. I-94s must be accompanied by a Passport. Certain classifications require additional documentation. Some examples are:
F-1 and M-1 classification must also be accompanied by an I-20.
I J-1 or J-2 designation must be accompanied by an DS2019.
Refugee, asylee and parolee classifications must be accompanied by additional documentation.
- I-571 Travel Document/Refugee Travel Permit**
- I-512 Parole Letter Accepted**
- IJO- Asylum or Cancellation of Removal - Immigration Judges Order granting Asylum or Cancellation of Removal**
** These documents will only be accepted with a supporting document, including but not limited to a Passport, Florida Driver License or Identification Card, Driver License from any other state, Employment Authorization Card, Employer Identification, Identification from home country, Identification from school or college, Social Security Card (Chapter 322, Florida Statutes, requires the Department to see proof of social security number for the issuance of driver license and identification cards) or other US BCIS document.
Notes:
All required and supporting documents MUST be original or certified.
Documents must be valid for more than 30 days from the date of issuance.
Non-U.S. citizens applying for an original driver license will be issued a 30-day, no photo, paper temporary permit and a receipt. Non-U.S. citizens applying for an identification card will be issued a receipt.
All records are transmitted to the DMV's database in Tallahassee, where the information is examined and run against FDLE, FBI and US BCIS databases.
Upon identity and legal status verification, a driver license or identification card will be issued within 30 days from the DMV in Tallahassee, mailed to the address on the driver record. The license or identification card will be issued for the period of time specified on the US BCIS document, up to a maximum of one year.
If a problem is detected, a denial of issuance letter will be mailed to the customer.
Canadians
Canadians citizens that wish to be issued a Florida Driver License or state of Florida ID card must provide the Proof of Social Security Number and 2 Proofs of Residential address described above.
As a Canadian Citizen you must provide one original or certified copy of the following identification documents:
- Valid Canadian Passport
- Original or Certified Canadian Birth Certificate
- Canadian Naturalization Certificate
- Canadian Certificate of Citizenship
Complete details for drivers license identification requirements are in the Florida drivers manual.
Have you ever wondered what's in your Florida driving record? If not, consider the effects that your driving history can have on your life and career.
Original Issue Date Of Driver License Florida Application
Insurance companies routinely check driving records to determine their clients' car insurance rates, and employers review records while screening job candidates and deciding if an employee should drive a company vehicle.
Your Florida driving record, also known as your motor vehicle record (MVR), contains important information about your driving history, including:
- Any moving or nonmoving violations
- Crashes that resulted in a citation
- Driving restrictions, such as daylight driving only
- License suspensions
- Traffic school completions
- Exam results
You can obtain a copy of your Florida driving record online at FloridaDrivingRecord.com. When you order, you can choose to receive your record by U.S. mail or instantly by email. Alternatively, you can request your MVR by visiting any driver's license office or any tax collector or county clerk that provides this service.
Types of Florida Driving Records
Three types of Florida driving records are available online:
- Three-year driving record
- Seven-year driving record
- Complete driving record
Three- and seven-year driving records contain traffic infractions, driving restrictions and additional information. However, if you received a ticket and went to traffic school to keep points off your license, those infractions will not appear on your three- or seven-year driving records.
Your complete driving record will contain all infractions, driving restrictions and additional information dating back approximately 11 years. It will list any traffic infractions that were removed from your three- and seven-year driving records because you completed traffic school. It will also include traffic infractions that other states have reported to Florida.
Are You Close to Having Your License Suspended?
Florida drivers who accumulate too many points on their record can lose their license temporarily. If you have committed several traffic violations and want to know how close you are to getting your license suspended, you can order a copy of your driving record to find out.
The state will suspend your license for 30 days if you accumulate 12 points over a 12-month period. Receiving 18 points over 18 months will result in a three-month suspension. And if you accumulate 24 points over 36 months, then your license will be suspended for a full year.
Check Your Driving Record for Incorrect Information
If the information on your driving record is inaccurate, you may end up paying higher insurance rates or missing out on job opportunities. Periodically review your driving record as you would your credit report to find any errors that could harm your financial well-being.
If you notice any errors on your motor vehicle record, contact the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles at 850-617-2000.
Sections Included in Your Florida Driving Record
Your driving record is divided into multiple sections that list information on your identity, driving history, license type and more. Find out exactly what information is included in your driving record.
Personal Information
Driving records typically contain identifying information such as your name, date of birth, address and social security number. But when you order your driving record online, your name, address and social security number will not appear. The protection of this information is mandated by the Driver Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) and federal regulations.
Current License Type
This section displays the class of your current license. A Class E license, which is the most common, allows you to drive noncommercial motor vehicles that weigh less than 26,001 pounds.
Original and Prior State Information
This section indicates when your original driver's license was issued. If applicable, it will also contain information about your commercial driver's license (CDL) or any driver's licenses you held in other states.
Original Issue Date Of Driver's License Florida
License Type
This section displays the type and status of your current license, as well as issue dates and expiration dates. Your status may be listed as eligible, noneligible, suspended, canceled, disqualified or revoked. The License Type section will also list any permits, identification cards, operators and CDLs you have held previously.
Issuance History
Here you will find the issue dates for your licenses and ID cards, including the dates of any renewals and replacements.
Exams
The Exams section provides your scores on exams, including knowledge tests, driving tests and vision tests. It lists the number of exam attempts, the dates and your results.
CDL Exams
When applicable, this section provides your commercial driver's license exam scores, testing dates, the number of test attempts and your results.
Restrictions and Endorsements
This section lists any driving restrictions and endorsements on your license. Restrictions limit your ability to drive by requiring certain conditions to be met. For example, you may be required to wear corrective lenses or drive only automatic transmission vehicles. Endorsements allow you to drive certain vehicles, such as motorcycles, hazardous material transports or tankers.
Special Driver Information
Information related to your status or driving record is found in this section. It may indicate that you are a safe driver, an organ donor or a person eligible to renew your license online.
Sanctions
This section lists any actions taken against you for violating state or federal laws while driving.
Violations
The Violations section contains information about your traffic violations, including the date, location, citation number and number of points added to your record.
Crashes
This section lists any crashes you were involved in that resulted in a citation.
Driver's School
This section lists the driver's school courses you completed after a sanction or violation.
Correspondence
This section lists the clerk of court school elections for violations. It will list instances when you were not eligible to elect to go to traffic school or when you failed to complete a course in the required time frame. Your complete driving record will also list satisfaction of sanctions, such as a failure to comply with a traffic citation.
Florida Driving Records for Businesses
Businesses that routinely check the driving records of their employees or job candidates can receive discounted rates on online driving records. For more information, visit FloridaDrivingRecord.com.