Get a Florida driver’s license as a non-resident
Yes, it is possible for a non-resident to get a Florida driver license. Anyone who wishes to obtain a driver’s license in Florida must present the documents that show their immigration status/citizenship and identity.
Anyone who has had a license issued since January 1 2010, should be Real ID compliant. It will show whether you are Real ID compliant on your current driver license or ID card, as there will be a gold star in the top right corner.
If you have this evidence of Real ID compliance, you will not be required to produce any further documents, unless there are some changes such as name, address or immigration status.
For US citizens that are not Real ID compliant, the following documents would be required:
- Proof of ID (birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate, certificate of citizenship or consular report of birth abroad).
- Proof of SSN (social security card, W2 or 1099, Medicare card, letter from Social Security.
If you need to make a name change, you would need to bring the documents to evidence the change of name, such as:
- Marriage certificate
- Court order
- Divorce decree
A Florida driver license for US citizens would be issued for 8 years if all of the required documents are provided and the application is approved at the office.
Read more: Registration renewal Florida
Non-immigrants
Non-US citizens are entitled to a one-year driver license, as long as they are able to provide the required documents.
The required documents will depend on the immigration status of the applicant, so it is recommended that non-immigrants visit their local tax collector office to find out which documents they are required to provide in order to obtain a Florida driver’s license.
When you visit the office, you should take all of your immigration documentation with you so that the officer can review your documents and issue your Florida driver license for the period of time stated in the USCIS document, which will be up to a maximum of four years.
Read more: Title transfer Florida
Non-US citizens who have been authorized to work will be issued a SSN but if you are a non-US citizen who has not been authorized to work, you are still able to obtain a Florida driver’s license.
If a non-immigrant has been issued a US social security number, they are required to show proof of their social security number. This proof could be from:
- A social security card
- A W-2 form
- A SSA-1099 form
- A non-SSA-1099 form
- A paystub showing the social security number
You will also be required to provide proof of address which can be two documents from the following list:
- Mortgage statement or deed
- Florida voter registration card
- Utility bill
- Florida vehicle registration or title
- Automobile payment booklet
- Medical or health card with address listed
- Homeowner insurance policy or bill
- Automobile insurance policy or bill
- W-2 form or 1099 form
Once the application for a Florida license has been submitted and approved at the office, the new Florida driver license will be mailed to the person’s address, usually within about a week.
