On Friday, Florida officials introduced new regulations stating that driver's licenses and identification cards issued to legal immigrants will expire no later than one year from their issuance date. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DMV) has revised the validity period for these licenses, as detailed in a press release from the Miami-Dade County Tax Collector's Office.
The notice highlights that, effective immediately, all driver's licenses and ID cards issued to non-immigrants will only be valid until the expiration date listed on the applicant’s U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) documentation, not exceeding one year. This aligns with Florida Statutes 322.051 and 322.18.
Previously, the DMV's website indicated that the expiration dates should match the last day of the visa or other legal documents allowing their stay in the United States. Now, these licenses will only last for a year. Immigration attorney Elizabeth Ricci, based in Tallahassee, explained to the Miami Herald that this change does not impact green card holders but rather affects immigrants with work visas or long-term permits.
Under the new policy, when these immigrants need a renewal or a change of address, they will only receive licenses valid for up to 12 months. “They’ll have to return every year,” said Ricci, who is associated with the firm Rambana & Ricci. This move aims to make obtaining licenses in Florida more challenging.
Legal immigrants will now have to make more frequent trips to DMV offices, which are already under strain due to increased demand, particularly from migrants who require these documents to access jobs and essential services. The situation has been exacerbated by staff shortages and outdated online booking systems.
Additionally, new measures mandate that by May 7, 2025, individuals must have identification that complies with the REAL ID Act, which has driven even more traffic to DMV offices. Amidst this crisis, and to curb the rise of appointment resellers, the Florida House of Representatives has passed legislation banning this activity, making it a first-degree misdemeanor.
Penalties for violating this law include fines of up to $1,000 and jail time of up to one year. This initiative seeks to address system abuses and improve access to DMV services. In Miami-Dade, those caught reselling appointments face fines of up to $500 per offense, in addition to the newly approved state penalties. Authorities are actively working to dismantle organized networks that hoard and resell appointments, disadvantaging county residents. The goal is to ensure a fair and accessible appointment system for all.
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida's New License Rules
Who is affected by the new driver's license rules in Florida?
The new rules impact legal immigrants with work visas or long-term permits, but not green card holders.
What is the maximum validity period for licenses issued to immigrants under the new policy?
Licenses issued to non-immigrants will be valid for a maximum of one year, depending on the expiration date of their USCIS documentation.
What penalties exist for reselling DMV appointments in Florida?
Reselling DMV appointments is now a first-degree misdemeanor, with fines up to $1,000 and possible jail time of up to one year.
When will the REAL ID requirement take effect in Florida?
The REAL ID requirement will be enforced starting May 7, 2025.