Documents Required for a Florida ID

To get a Florida ID card, you need to bring proof of your identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) accepts specific documents for each category—you cannot substitute one type for another. Bring originals or certified copies; photocopies alone will not work.

You must appear in person at a DHSMV office. You cannot mail in your process or use a third-party service to obtain an ID card. Bring all documents with you on your first visit, because missing even one document means you will have to return another day.

Key Takeaways

  • You need one document proving your identity (such as a birth certificate or passport), one document proving your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2), and one document proving your address (such as a utility bill or lease).
  • All documents must be originals or certified copies—photocopies will not be accepted.
  • You must visit a DHSMV office in person; there is no online or mail-in option for ID cards.
  • Bring your documents on your first visit, because the office will not hold your place if you return later with missing paperwork.
  • The fee for a Florida ID card is $25 for an eight-year card or $10 for a four-year card.

Proof of Identity Documents

DHSMV accepts a limited list of documents to prove who you are. A U.S. birth certificate (long form, with a raised seal or security features) is the most common choice. A valid U.S. passport, passport card, or passport book also works. If you were born outside the United States, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certificate of Naturalization is acceptable.

Military documents count as well: a military ID card, military discharge papers (DD Form 214), or a military dependent ID card will satisfy the identity requirement. If you are a Native American, a tribal ID card issued by a federally recognized tribe is accepted. A Florida driver's license or learner's permit also counts as proof of identity if you already have one.

Documents must not be expired, except for military discharge papers and tribal IDs. A birth certificate has no expiration date. If your birth certificate is missing the raised seal or security features, contact the vital records office in the state where you were born to request a certified copy.

Proof of Social Security Number

You must bring an original Social Security card, or a document that displays your full Social Security number. An original Social Security card is the simplest option. If you do not have your card, DHSMV will accept a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, a pay stub, or a Social Security statement from the Social Security Administration.

These documents must show your full nine-digit Social Security number and your name. A pay stub from your current or recent employer works if it includes your complete number. If you have never worked, you can request a Social Security statement online through ssa.gov or by calling the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213.

Proof of Current Address

DHSMV requires a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and your current Florida address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most straightforward choice. A lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or homeowner's insurance bill also works. Bank statements, credit card statements, and medical bills are accepted if they show your current address.

Government mail counts as well: a voter registration card, a tax notice from the county property appraiser, or a vehicle registration document will satisfy this requirement. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, bring a signed letter from the person whose name is on the bill, stating that you live at that address. The letter must include the date and the address.

Age-Specific Requirements

If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must appear with you at the DHSMV office. They must bring their own ID and sign the process. If you are 18 or older, you can explore on your own without a parent or guardian present.

If you are over 80 years old, you do not need to renew your ID card—it does not expire. However, you still need to bring all required documents when you first obtain it.

What to Bring to the DHSMV Office

Make a checklist before you go. Bring your proof of identity document (birth certificate, passport, or military ID), your proof of Social Security number (Social Security card or tax document), and your proof of address (utility bill or lease). Bring the originals or certified copies—do not bring photocopies.

Bring $25 in cash or card payment for an eight-year ID card, or $10 for a four-year card. DHSMV offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Bring your current Florida driver's license if you have one, even though you are getting an ID card instead. If you are under 18, bring a parent or legal guardian with their ID.

Arrive during office hours. DHSMV offices are open Monday through Friday, with some locations open on Saturday mornings. You do not need an appointment for an ID card—most offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis. However, some locations allow you to reserve a time slot online through the DHSMV website.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not bring photocopies of your documents. DHSMV requires originals or certified copies. If your birth certificate is a photocopy, contact the vital records office in your birth state and request a certified copy with a raised seal.

Do not assume an expired document will work. Your proof of identity document must be current, except for military discharge papers and tribal IDs. If your passport expired, you can still use it, but if your military ID expired, it will not be accepted.

Do not bring a document dated more than 60 days old for proof of address. If your utility bill is older than 60 days, bring a more recent one. If you just moved and do not have a recent bill in your name, ask the person whose name is on the bill to write a signed letter confirming you live there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a school ID or work ID as proof of identity?

No. DHSMV only accepts the documents listed above: birth certificates, passports, military IDs, tribal IDs, or existing Florida driver's licenses. School IDs and work IDs are not on the approved list.

What if I was born outside the United States and do not have a birth certificate?

Bring your Consular Report of Birth Abroad, Certificate of Naturalization, or valid passport. If you have a green card, bring that as well. Contact DHSMV directly if you are unsure whether your documents will work.

Do I need an appointment to get a Florida ID card?

Most DHSMV offices do not require appointments for ID cards and serve customers on a first-come, first-served basis. However, some locations allow you to reserve a time slot online through the DHSMV website to reduce wait time. Check your local office's website to see if appointments are available.

What if my address on my proof-of-address document does not match my identity document?

Bring both documents anyway. DHSMV will use the address on your proof-of-address document (the one dated within 60 days) as your current address on the ID card. Your identity document can show an old address.

Can someone else pick up my ID card for me?

No. You must appear in person to explore for an ID card. Once it is issued, you can pick it up yourself or authorize someone else to pick it up on your behalf by signing a form at the DHSMV office.