Florida state ID cards are issued and managed by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). These official identification documents are available to residents aged five and older. Like a driver’s license, a DMV ID card serves as a widely accepted form of identification.

Cardholders can use their ID cards for a variety of purposes, including applying for public assistance, requesting vital records, or verifying their age for age-restricted services. Obtaining a child ID card can also be beneficial, as it ensures that essential personal information is on file in case an AMBER Alert ever needs to be issued.
As official identity documents, Florida ID cards are strictly regulated for both individual and public safety. Applicants may choose between REAL ID-compliant and non-compliant ID cards, depending on their needs, preferences, and available documentation.

Florida DMV ID Requirements

To apply for a REAL ID-compliant card in Florida, applicants must provide documents that prove their:

• Identity
• Date of birth
• Social Security Number (SSN)
• Florida residency
• U.S. citizenship or legal presence
• Legal name change history (if applicable)

Additional considerations for Florida DMV ID applicants include:

• Children must be at least five years old to be issued a child ID card.
• Applicants must surrender any existing ID cards or driver’s licenses issued by Florida or another state.
• The name on the applicant’s Social Security record must match the name on their documents. If updates are needed, applicants should contact the Social Security Administration at least 48 hours before applying to allow the system to update.

What do you need to get an ID in Florida?

To meet Florida DMV ID card requirements, applicants for REAL ID-compliant cards must present the following:

• Proof of identity and date of birth. One original or certified copy of:
  • A U.S. birth certificate or Consular Report of Birth Abroad
  • An unexpired U.S. passport or passport card
  • Certificate of Naturalization (Form N-550 or N-570)
  • Certificate of Citizenship (Form N-560 or N-561)

Proof of Social Security Number. Applicants without an SSN must submit official documentation from the SSA confirming ineligibility. Others must show one of the following with full legal name and SSN:

• Social Security card
• W-2 form
• Pay stub
• SSA-1099 or other 1099 form

• Proof of Florida residency. Two documents (different types) showing name and current address are required. Accepted documents include:
  • Deed, mortgage, lease agreement, or mortgage payment booklet
  • Florida voter registration
  • Florida vehicle registration or title
  • Utility bills
  • Selective service cards
  • Health insurance or medical cards
  • Insurance policies or premium bills
  • Recent school transcripts
  • Professional licenses issued by U.S. agencies
  • W-2 or 1099 forms
  • Form DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor)
  • Bank statements
  • Certification of Address with a letter from a homeless shelter or transitional housing provider
  • Official mail from local, state, or federal government agencies
  • FDLE registration form issued by a local sheriff’s office
  • Minors or others without proof of address may use two proofs from a parent or guardian, along with a Certification of Address form.

Applicants who cannot meet REAL ID documentation requirements, or who prefer not to apply for a REAL ID-compliant card, may request a non-compliant Florida ID card under slightly less strict rules.

How to Get an ID in Florida

Wondering where to get a state ID in Florida? Due to identity verification procedures, residents cannot apply for an ID online. All applications must be submitted in person at a DMV driver’s license service center. While appointments are optional, they can save time.

Steps to apply for a Florida ID include:

1. Gather the required documents.
2. Schedule an appointment (optional).
3. Visit a driver’s license service center in person.
4. Have your photo taken.
5. Pay the required fees.
6. Surrender any existing state-issued IDs or licenses.
7. Wait for your new ID card to arrive by mail.

REAL ID Cards in Florida

A Florida REAL ID card meets federal security standards and includes a gold star marking. As of May 2025, REAL ID cards are required to board domestic flights or enter federal buildings unless you have a different federally approved identification, such as a passport.

REAL ID-compliant cards are now the standard in Florida. The DMV strongly encourages all new applicants to obtain a REAL ID. However, those who lack the necessary documents may still opt for a non-compliant ID.

How to Renew or Replace a State ID in Florida

Florida residents who lose, damage, or need to update their ID cards can request replacements at any DMV service center. Renewals and replacements do not usually require re-submitting original documents, unless there are updates to the name, address, or other vital info.

Many Floridians are eligible to renew their state IDs online, although an additional convenience fee may apply.

DMV ID Costs in Florida

How much does a Florida state ID cost? The base fee for applying, renewing, or replacing a Florida ID card is $25, regardless of age. Additional fees may be charged to add designations such as:

• Deaf or hard of hearing
• Developmentally disabled
• Lifetime hunting or fishing permit holder
• Insulin-dependent
• Organ donor

Residents who renew their IDs online may also need to pay a convenience fee.

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