REAL ID Requirements in Florida when Renewing Your Driver's License

As of January 1st, 2010 the state of Florida will make the REAL ID mandatory for all residents of the state and will replace their current driver's licenses. While many people in the state have been concerned about the change over and what information will be available to the Government or average people searching through Public Records the state must comply with the act and start issuing the new ID's as of New Years Day 2010.

What is the REAL ID?

According to flhsmv.gov The REAL ID Act became effective nationwide on May 11, 2008 and was implemented as a nationwide effort to improve the integrity and security of State-issued driver licenses and identification cards, which in turn will help the Government fight terrorism and help consumers and businesses reduce fraud.

What Will This Mean for You?

According to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles there shouldn't be any hassles with changing over from your Florida driver's license and Florida ID to the new REAL ID. For any current resident your current Florida license or ID card will continue to be valid as identification for federal purposes until December 1, 2014 for individuals born after December 1, 1964 and December 1, 2017 for everyone else born before that date. You will also be able to travel abroad using your license and ID as long as you have a valid United States Passport with you until you renew your ID to the REAL ID.

How Long Will Your Florida Driver's License Be Usable in a Foreign Country?
You will have until the dates previously stated to use your Florida driver's license or ID in a foreign country. If you plan to be in another country after December 1st, 2014 or 2017 you can go to any local DMV in Florida up to 18 months before the renewal date for any non CDL licenses and 12 months prior for a commercial driver's license (CDL). After the 2014 and 2017 dates Federal agencies will no longer accept a driver's license or ID card unless it is Real ID compliant. This means you will not be allowed to board commercial flights or enter federal facilities unless you have a REAL ID compliant document in your possession.

What Documents Will You Need to Bring With You When You Apply for a REAL ID?

One of the following documents will be needed when you apply for the REAL ID to establish your identity, proof of legal residence and date of birth:

For U.S. Citizens:

A valid, unexpired U.S. passport
An original or Certified copy of a birth certificate
A Consular Report of Birth Abroad
A Certificate of Naturalization issued by Homeland Security
A Certificate of Citizenship
Court or marriage/divorce documents that provide proof of a change in name that differs from your primary identity document

For Non-Citizens:

A valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card - I-551 for Lawful Permanent Residents
A valid Passport for non-immigrants except for asylum applicants and refugees
Any other government issued document showing your full name
A Department of Homeland Security document showing proof of lawful presence
If your name has changed by marriage/divorce, you must have your name changed on your Citizen and Immigration Services documents

For Both US and Non US Residents:

You will need to bring the following along with one of the other documents;Your Social Security Card, other document with SSN on it, or evidence that you are not eligible for one AND Two documents that show your principal residence

Will Your New License Look Different?

No. Your license will look much like it does now except with a different security hologram to identify it as a REAL ID.

Can You Still Renew Online?

You are allowed to renew one time by either Internet or mail. But the next time you renew you must do it in person at the DMV. For example, if you renewed your license online in March 2009 you will need to visit a driver license office the next time you renew to the REAL ID.