Recently the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles announced a series of rule changes affecting customers who need to obtain vehicle registrations, driver licenses and commercial driver licenses. Below is a synopsis of the changes and when they take effect.

September 23, 2024
Vehicle Registration
Defines “valid passport”

As of September 23, 2024, customers filing an application for a vehicle registration must provide a valid driver license or identification card issue by the state of Florida, or a valid passport which is now defined as:

1. An unexpired passport or passport card issued by the United States government; or
2. An unexpired passport issued by the government of another country with:
   • A stamp or mark affixed by the United States Department of Homeland Security onto the passport to evidence and authorize lawful presence in the United States; or
   • An unexpired I-94 or current permanent resident card, or unexpired immigrant visa, issued by the United States Department of Homeland Security.

October 1, 2024
Driver License and ID Card
Changes to residential address requirements

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles has revised the policy on providing proof of residential address for issuing credentials. Starting October 1, 2024, customer must now provide either:

1. Two (2) proofs of address in their own name; or
2. Two (2) proofs of address in the name of someone they live with (called the “certifier”) along with the completed Certification of Address form (3 documents total). If the customer is providing a Certification of Address form, the certifier either must be with them in person at the time of the transaction, or the form must be notarized.
   • When using proof in someone else’s name, one of the two proofs provided MUST be a deed, mortgage statement, or lease agreement to prove that the certifier rents or leases the property.
   • The second proof of address must be one of the following:
     • Florida Voter Registration Card
     • Selective Service Card
     • Florida Vehicle or Vessel Documentation
     • Utility Bills dated within the last 30 days (ex: water, gas, electricity, telephone/cell, cable etc.)
     • Financial Statement dated within the last 30 days (ex: bank, credit card or investment account statements)
     • Professional license issued by a U.S. government agency
     • Employer Documentation dated within the last 30 days (ex: paycheck stub, W-2 form)
     • Insurance policy or bill for Homeowner’s and/or Automobile dated within the last 30 days
     • Documents issued by Federal, State, County or city government agencies dated within last 30 days
     • FDLE Registration form completed by the local sheriff’s office or Department of Corrections dated within the last 30 days

October 7, 2024
Commercial Driver License and Commercial Learner’s Permit
Changes to residence requirements.

Acceptable proof of residential address for a new CLP/CDL (includes upgrade) or an address change on an existing CLP/CDL are as follows:

Two residential address documents from list A or one residential address document from list A and one from list B is required. The documents must have a Florida address in the name of the applicant.

LIST A – Item Presented Must be in the Applicant’s Name

1. A recent lease or rental agreement for the residence with a term of 6 months or greater in the name of the driver.
2. Current Florida voter registration card.
3. Florida Vehicle/Vessel Registration or Title.
4. Current homeowner’s insurance policy or bill.
5. Current utility bill (water, gas, electricity, cable) must be dated within the last 60days.
6. Recent cellular or landline telephone bill (must be dated within the last 60 days).
7. Recent internet service provider bill (must be dated within the last 60 days).
8. Latest property tax bill.
9. Mortgage deed for property in Florida.

LIST B – Item Presented Must be in the Applicant’s Name

1. Latest W-2 form or 1099 form.
2. Recent bank statement (must be dated within the last 60 days).
3. Recent credit card statement (must be dated within the last 60 days).
4. Latest military orders or documents.
5. Recent pay stub (must be dated within the last 60 days).
6. Recent official government documents (must be dated within the last 60 days).

CLP/CDL applicants unable to provide a proof of residential address from list A, must provide a Declaration of Domicile filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court and one proof of residential address document from list B.

CLP/CDL applicants cannot use a Certification of Address (HSMV-71120) for licensure.