(FLORIDA) Getting a REAL ID driver’s license or ID card in Florida in 2026 is a document-heavy but predictable process for immigrants who qualify. Most people leave the office with a temporary paper credential the same day. The plastic card usually arrives by mail in 1–3 weeks, and your expiration date often tracks the end date on your immigration document.
Since May 7, 2025, a REAL ID-compliant card (marked by a gold star in the upper right) has been required for domestic flights and many federal facilities. The federal government explains the national rule and acceptable IDs on the Department of Homeland Security’s REAL ID page at DHS.gov.
Who is eligible — and why the expiration date surprises people
Florida issues REAL ID cards through FLHSMV offices and many county tax collectors to lawful permanent residents, asylees, refugees, and some temporary status holders. That includes many people on work and student categories who can show current, unexpired immigration paperwork.
A common surprise is the expiration date. Florida often sets the card’s validity to match the end date of your lawful status document. For example, if a green card expires in 2026, the Florida license can expire in 2026 as well, even when other drivers receive longer terms.
Florida’s rules track the federal REAL ID Act and Florida Statute 322.08. If you were issued a compliant Florida credential in person after January 1, 2010, permanent residents usually only re-submit documents when a key detail changes. Changes in name, address, or immigration status trigger a new document check.
Non-permanent residents should plan for repeat checks. Florida requires many temporary status holders to bring full documentation on every visit, even for updates that feel routine.
Before you go: build a clean document set that matches exactly
Bring original documents, not photocopies. Make sure every document shows the same full name. If anything differs, bring proof of the change — for example, a certified marriage certificate or court order.
Florida verifies four verification “buckets.” You need to satisfy each one without gaps:
- Who you are (primary identity and lawful status)
- Your Social Security number (if one has been issued)
- Where you live in Florida (two address proofs)
- Why your name changed (only if it did)
If you’re replacing an out-of-state card, remember: an out-of-state REAL ID does not transfer into Florida automatically. Your first Florida issuance usually requires a full document review.
The five-step Florida REAL ID process (realistic timeframes)
- Gather originals and confirm they qualify.
Start with your primary immigration document, then add Social Security proof and two address proofs dated within the required window. This stage takes most applicants the longest, because missing one item means a second trip. -
Choose the office and plan the visit.
Florida applicants can go to FLHSMV locations or county tax collectors (e.g., Pinellas, Lee, or Orange counties). Appointments are widely recommended; use the MyDMV Portal to cut down wait times. -
Complete required testing when it applies.
If you are a new Florida driver or replacing an out-of-state license, you may need vision, knowledge, or driving skills tests. Florida can waive some testing for certain foreign licenses, but still arrive prepared. -
Pay the state fee and complete the in-office verification.
Florida lists $48 for an 8-year Class E license for immigrants, with variations by license type and age. Staff review your documents at the counter and confirm lawful status and residency proofs. -
Leave with a temporary credential and wait for the card by mail.
Most applicants receive a temporary paper ID the same day. The permanent REAL ID card is typically mailed to your Florida address within 1–3 weeks.
Document checklist that works for most immigrants
Florida’s checklist is strict but consistent. The goal is to show lawful status, then tie you to a Florida address.
Primary identity and lawful status (bring one)
Common examples used by immigrants include:
- A valid green card, Form I-551 (Alien Registration Receipt Card). USCIS explains permanent resident cards at uscis.gov/green-card.
- An I-551 stamp in your passport or on your I-94 record.
- An immigration judge’s order showing an A-number and a grant of asylum.
- A valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD), such as Form I-766. USCIS describes EADs at uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/employment-authorization-document.
Nonimmigrants often need a current passport and status record. Many also present an I-94; CBP provides official access to that record at i94.cbp.dhs.gov.
Social Security number proof (bring one, if issued)
Florida accepts one of these:
- Social Security card
- W-2 or 1099
- Pay stub dated within 60 days
If you do not have an SSN because you are not eligible, staff may rely on your immigration documents and state procedures at the counter.
Proof of Florida residential address (bring two)
Florida commonly expects two items dated within 60 days, unless a listed item has a different rule. Typical documents:
- Lease (often 6+ months), deed, mortgage statement, or similar housing record
- Utility bills: water, gas, electricity, cell phone, or cable
- Bank or credit card statements
- Government mail from federal, state, county, or city agencies
- Florida vehicle registration or title
- Insurance paperwork (homeowner or automobile coverage)
- Property tax bill
Applicants experiencing homelessness can use a shelter letter verifying an address, dated within 60 days.
Name change proofs (only if needed)
Bring the original or a certified copy of the document that links names, such as:
- Marriage certificate
- Divorce decree
- Court order
A missing name-link is a common reason for being told to “come back with more documents.” Bring name-change papers even if the older name is rarely used.
Renewal rules: when you can stay online and when you must return in person
Renewal is simpler after you have a compliant Florida REAL ID on file. Many drivers can renew online when there are no changes in name, address, or immigration status.
However, non-permanent residents should expect more in-person requirements. Florida’s “bring documents every visit” approach for many temporary categories means even small updates can trigger a full review.
Plan around your status dates. If your EAD or I-94 end date is approaching, renewing the driver’s license may be limited until you update your immigration status.
What to expect at the counter — and how to avoid a second trip
The in-office experience is usually straightforward when your packet is clean. Staff will:
- Verify lawful status documents
- Confirm address proofs
- Check that identity documents match
- Ask you to sign forms and take a photograph
Three practical habits reduce repeat visits:
- Put your two address proofs at the top, both within the required date window.
- Bring name-change documents even if you rarely use the older name.
- Use originals, and keep them unbent and readable.
Important: According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the most common delays for immigrants in Florida are avoidable document mismatches — especially around address proofs and name formatting — not processing backlogs.
For many immigrant families, a Florida REAL ID is more than a travel rule. It’s the card used for jobs, school pickups, apartment leases, and the everyday tasks that make life feel stable while immigration cases move forward.
Obtaining a REAL ID in Florida involves a rigorous document verification process for immigrants. Requirements include proving identity, Social Security, and residency with original documents. Validity periods often match immigration status duration. While renewals can sometimes occur online for permanent residents, temporary status holders usually require in-person visits. Preparation is key to avoiding repeat trips to the DMV, specifically ensuring name consistency across all documents.
