Get a Florida ID at your local Department of Motor Vehicles office

You get a Florida ID card at a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office, which the state calls the Florida DHSMV (Division of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles). There are offices in every county. You walk in with the documents they require, pay the fee, have your photo taken, and leave with a temporary ID the same day. The permanent card arrives by mail in about two weeks.

You do not need an appointment at most offices, though some counties now offer them online to skip the wait. Walk-in hours are typically 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. Some offices stay open one evening a week and a few open Saturday mornings, but hours vary by location.

The fee for a Florida ID card is $25 for an eight-year card. If you are 65 or older, the card is free. If you need it faster, some offices offer a rush service for an extra fee, though the permanent card still comes by mail.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit any Florida DHSMV office in your county with proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residential address.
  • Bring your original documents or certified copies — photocopies alone are not accepted for most items.
  • The ID costs $25 for eight years, or free if you are 65 or older.
  • You receive a temporary ID on the spot and the permanent card by mail within two weeks.
  • Most offices do not require an appointment, but some counties let you reserve a time slot online to reduce wait time.

What documents you need to bring

Florida requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. You must bring originals or certified copies. A photocopy of your driver's license or passport will not work on its own.

For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid U.S. passport, a valid passport card, a valid driver's license from another state, a valid military ID, a certified birth certificate, or a valid Tribal ID. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a combination of two documents from a longer list that includes school IDs, work IDs, and insurance cards — ask your local office which combinations they accept.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, a paystub, or a letter from the Social Security Administration. The document must show your full name and full Social Security number.

For proof of address, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government mail addressed to you at your current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement or credit card statement also works if it shows your name and address.

How to find the DMV office nearest you

The Florida DHSMV website has an office locator tool where you enter your county or ZIP code and see all nearby locations, their hours, and whether they accept walk-ins. Go to flhsmv.gov and click "Find an Office." You can also call 1-850-617-3800 to ask for the address and hours of your nearest office.

Some larger cities have multiple offices. If one has a long wait, you can visit another in the same county — your documents work at any Florida DHSMV location. A few offices in high-traffic areas like Miami and Tampa now use a ticket system where you take a number when you arrive, so you can sit in your car instead of standing in line.

What to expect during your visit

When you arrive, bring all your documents and be ready to wait. Even with an appointment, waits can run 30 minutes to an hour during busy times. Bring the originals of everything — do not rely on the office having a copy machine.

A staff member will review your documents, ask you to sign an process form, and take your photograph. The photo is taken against a plain background and must show your face clearly. You cannot wear sunglasses or a hat, and if you wear glasses, they cannot have a glare on the lenses. If you have a religious or medical reason to cover your face, tell the staff member before the photo — they have rules for those situations.

You will receive a temporary ID printed on paper the same day. This temporary ID is valid for 30 days and works as proof of identity while you wait for the permanent card. The permanent card is mailed to the address you provided and usually arrives within 10 to 14 days.

Getting your ID faster if you cannot wait

If you need an ID before the permanent card arrives, your temporary paper ID is valid for 30 days and counts as official identification in most situations. Banks, government offices, and police will accept it.

Some Florida DHSMV offices offer expedited service for an additional fee, though this only speeds up processing at the office — the permanent card still comes by mail on the same schedule. Ask your local office whether they offer this option and what the cost is, as it varies.

If you lose your temporary ID before the permanent one arrives, return to the office with your documents and they will print a new temporary ID for free.

Renewing or replacing a Florida ID

If your ID is expiring soon, you can renew it at any DHSMV office using the same process as getting a new one. Bring your current ID plus the three document categories (identity, Social Security, address). You do not need to bring your original birth certificate or passport again if your current ID is still valid.

If your ID is lost, stolen, or damaged, go to the office and ask for a replacement. Bring the same documents as you would for a new ID. There is no extra fee for a replacement — you pay the standard $25 for an eight-year card.

You can also renew your ID by mail if it is not expiring for at least 60 days. The DHSMV website has a mail renewal form. This takes longer — usually four to six weeks — but you do not have to visit an office.

Special situations and exceptions

If you are homeless, you can still get a Florida ID. Use the address of a shelter, a trusted friend, or a social service agency where mail can reach you. Bring a letter from that location confirming you can receive mail there.

If you are a non-citizen, you can get a Florida ID if you have a valid visa or immigration status. Bring your passport and visa or other immigration document along with the standard three document categories. Refugees and asylees can also get an ID — bring your refugee travel document or asylum approval letter.

If you are a minor (under 18), a parent or legal guardian must come with you. Bring the minor's birth certificate, the parent's ID, and proof of the parent's address. The minor must be present for the photo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Florida ID if I do not have a Social Security number?

No. Florida law requires a Social Security number to issue an ID card. If you are a non-citizen without a Social Security number, you may be able to get a passport or travel document from your country of origin instead, which works as ID in most situations.

How long does the permanent card take to arrive?

The permanent card usually arrives within 10 to 14 days of your visit. Mail times vary depending on where you live in Florida and the current volume at the processing center. If your card does not arrive within three weeks, contact the DHSMV office where you applied.

What if I moved and my address on the proof of address document is old?

Your proof of address must be dated within the last 60 days and show your current address. If you just moved and do not have a utility bill or lease yet, bring a letter from your landlord or a recent piece of government mail sent to your new address. Some offices also accept a signed statement from you and a witness confirming your address.

Can I get a Florida ID without visiting an office in person?

No. You must appear in person for the photograph and to sign the process. There is no online or mail-in option for a new ID card.

What if my documents are from another country?

If your birth certificate or other identity document is from another country, bring the original plus an English translation certified by a translator. The DHSMV office can tell you which translators they accept. Some documents, like passports, do not need a translation.