When applying for a Florida driver’s license, you may use tax returns, bank statements, and more to prove you are a permanent resident and occupy a legal residence.
, you'll need proof of resident status and potential additional documentation when applying at the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). Be sure to check the FLHSMV website to see what classifies as proof of residency and identity by the state of
According to Florida statutes, proof of residency for a Florida driver’s license can include income tax forms, bank statements, or a signed and completed vehicle registration form.
Documents that do not count as proof of residency by Florida law are out-of-state or old in-state driver’s licenses, medical or health cards, or expired IDs.
Proof of identity will vary depending on whether you’re from the US, Canada, or an outside country.
What documents can be used as proof of residency in Florida?
There are a few differences in what you may be able to use as proof of residency, depending on the type of license you are seeking enrollment for.
Mail from federal, state, county, or city government agencies
FDLE registration form completed by local sheriff’s department
You will need to bring two different required documentation pieces from the above list to provide sufficient proof of a primary residence. Claimants such as minors or those who may not have accounts or property in their name can use a parent’s or legal guardian’s information instead.
, prospective drivers will need two proofs of residence from List A, or one proof from List A and one from List B.
List A:
Recent cellular or landline telephone bill (must be dated within the last 60 days)
Recent internet service provider bill (must be dated within the last 60 days)
A recent lease or rental agreement for the residence with a term of 6 months or greater in the name of the driver (must be dated within the last six months)
Latest property tax bill
Current utility bill
Current homeowner’s insurance policy or bill (declaration of domicile)
Current Florida voter registration card
Florida vehicle or vessel registration or title
List B:
Recent official government documents
Recent pay stub (from the last 60 days)
Recent credit card statement (from the last 60 days)
Recent bank statement (from the last 60 days)
Latest W-2 form or 1099 form (from the last 6 months)
Latest military orders
Florida allows you to use printouts or faxes for residential documents, but your name must match on every proof. If you have recently changed your name, be sure to change it with the Social Security Administration before attempting to get your driver’s license.
Your proof of identity documents will depend on your citizenship. There are four categories (U.S. citizen, immigrant, non-immigrant, and Canadian) that affect what documents will serve as proof of identity.
U.S. Citizen:
U.S. birth certificate (includes District of Columbia and some U.S. territories)
U.S. passport or passport card
Consular Report of Birth Abroad
Certificate of Naturalization
Certificate of Citizenship
Immigrant:
Valid green card (form I-551)
I-551 stamp in passport or on I-94
Asylum order (with admissions number)
I-797 asylum order
I-797, or another form from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) with approved refugee status
Non-immigrant:
Valid employment authorization card issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) form I-688B or I-766
Proof of non-immigrant classification (DHS form I-94) with required supporting documents (must be valid for more than 30 days)
Valid travel document/refugee permit (I-571)
Parole letter (I-512)
Asylum court order or removal cancellation
Canadian:
Valid Canadian passport
Birth certificate (original or certified)
Canadian naturalization certificate
Canadian citizenship certificate
Keep in mind: You only need one of these documents for proof of identification in Florida, but it must be the original copy. Members of each category will also need proof of their social security number.
How long can you drive in Florida with a foreign license?
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You can drive in the state of Florida for up to 30 days (or a one month period) with a foreign license before you will have to apply for a Florida issued ID.
How long do you have to live in Florida to prove residency?
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In Florida, you must live in the Sunshine State for at least 183 days (or 6 consecutive months) before you can prove residency and accessibility. Remember, that any time spent in Florida can count as a day.
, replacements, or address changes can be completed online through the FLHSMV. To register a new Florida license, you will need to visit your local Florida DMV.
What counts as proof of residency in Florida for college?
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When claiming Florida residency for tuition purposes as a dependent student, proof of residency can include:
Florida voter’s registration card
Florida ID and driver’s license
Florida vehicle registration
Proof of permanent home in Florida for 12 consecutive months prior to enrolment
Proof of homestead exemption in Florida
Proof of full-time employment in Florida
Documentation of family ties in Florida
Proof of membership to a Florida-based charity or organization
Official transcript from Florida high school for 2 or more years, only if the high school diploma or GED was earned in past 12 months
For a full list of documentation requirements, please contact your Florida college for more information.
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