New immigration law in Florida regulates and penalizes the recruitment and mobility of undocumented foreigners in the state. Therefore, anyone who fails to comply with the new rules faces fines and criminal charges, if applicable.
This legal instrument, signed by Governor Ron DeSantis, prohibits documents issued by other states, among several points. In other words, if an immigrant was able to obtain a driver’s license or any other type of permit outside Florida, these remain void within this state.
Similarly, the rules state that if a foreigner has no way to demonstrate that he was legal at the time the said procedures were completed, he may obtain sanctions. Which means that under no circumstances can you drive in the “Sunshine State”.
To avoid inconvenience and enforce the law, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles has updated the requirements foreigners must meet to obtain a driver’s license.
What are the documents required to complete the process in Florida?
All immigrants applying for a renewal or replacement of a license or identity card for the first time must present one of several valid documents. Each of them should be in its original form, otherwise the road safety department will not accept it.
In the main identification section, foreigners must have one of the following original certificates with full name:
Valid proof of resident registration or I-551 stamp in passport.
An order issued by an immigration judge guaranteeing immigration status. Whether it is asylum or humanitarian parole, they must have an entry number.
Form I-797 or any other document issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that contains the number of entry into the country.
Humanitarian parole must include an admission number. Photo: Reference
Proof of Social Security will also be required
On the other hand, in the security section, foreigners must have one of the following original files with full name and social security number:
Social Security card or Form W-2 (not handwritten).
Payroll stub or Form SSA-1099.
Any 1099 form that is not handwritten.
Those who do not have a social security number may consult with an officer of the Department of Highway Safety and present their case.
Social Security number is not required but you can consult your case if necessary. Photo: Reference
residence address
In order to process a driver’s license, immigrants must submit at least two separate documents that show their address of residence in Florida. Each certification can be printed or faxed, but must be in the state or else it will be rejected.
Proof of residential address can be:
Real estate title, mortgage, monthly mortgage statement, mortgage payment stub, or real estate rental contract.
Invoices for payment of domestic services or work orders for domestic services must not be older than 60 days prior to the date of request.
Health card with printed address.
Invoice or current insurance policy of the property.
Current automobile insurance policy or bill.
Transcript of the school year issued by an educational institution.
Current occupational license issued by a government agency in the United States.
Proving in-state residency is required to process a license in Florida. Photo: Freepik
Do you have humanitarian parole but can’t prove you live in Florida?
If you do not have documents in your name to prove your residence, applicants will have to provide two proofs of address of the people you live with. They can be legal representatives, parents, step-parents or anyone living under the same roof.
Additionally, along with the two files, they have to submit a residence certificate form. It should be noted that you will need to bring only one of each document to the first appointment.
During renewal, if you change your name or address, you will need to resubmit each document with your new data.
The official website of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles can be contacted for any additional information.
