The Complete Florida DMV Document Checklist (for a REAL ID)

One of the most common and frustrating experiences at a Florida driver license office is waiting for your turn only to be sent away because of a missing or incorrect document. A failed trip wastes your time and delays your goal of getting on the road. The single best way to ensure a successful, one-visit appointment is to arrive fully prepared with all your paperwork in order.

This definitive checklist will ensure you have every document you need. We will focus on the requirements for obtaining a REAL ID, as this is the standard, federally compliant license that all new applicants in Florida receive.

Why Get a REAL ID?

A REAL ID is a driver's license or ID card that meets the enhanced security standards set by the federal government. In Florida, you can identify it by the gold star in the upper-right corner. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID or another federally approved document (like a U.S. passport) to board domestic flights and enter secure federal facilities.

Because it is a federal credential, the document requirements are very strict. All documents must be original or certified copies. The FLHSMV will not accept photocopies or expired documents (unless specified).

The Core Document Categories for a Florida REAL ID

To get your REAL ID license or permit, you must provide documents that prove your identity, your Social Security number, and your Florida residency.

1. Proof of Identity (Bring ONE)

This is your primary identity document. It must be an original or a certified copy from the issuing agency.

Original or certified U.S. birth certificate (from a state vital statistics office; not a hospital certificate).
Valid, unexpired U.S. passport or passport card.
Valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card (Green Card).
Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of U.S. Citizenship.
Unexpired foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa and I-94 form.
Valid, unexpired Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Card.

You must provide a document that shows your full, correct Social Security number (SSN).

Social Security card.
W-2 form (not handwritten).
SSA-1099 form.
Paystub from an employer showing your full name and SSN.
If you are not eligible for an SSN, you must provide an official ineligibility letter from the Social Security Administration.

3. Proof of Florida Residency (Bring TWO)

You must present two separate documents from two different sources to prove you live in Florida. The documents must show your name and your current physical address. P.O. boxes are not acceptable. [6]

Deed, mortgage, or rental/lease agreement. [6]
Florida vehicle registration or title. [6]
Home utility bill or hook-up work order (dated within the last two months). [6]
Bank statement or credit card statement. [6]
Medical or health insurance documents. [6]
Official mail from a federal, state, county, or city government agency. [6]
Florida Voter Registration Card.
Educational transcripts for the current school year.

Important: Both documents must come from different companies/sources. For example, your electric bill and your cable bill are acceptable if they are from two different providers.

What If Your Name is Different?

If your current legal name does not match the name on your primary identity document (e.g., your birth certificate), you must provide legal proof of the name change. You must show the entire paper trail linking the names from birth.

Original or certified marriage certificate(s).
Divorce decree that specifies the name change.
Court-ordered name change document.

If your name has changed multiple times (e.g., marriage, divorce, another marriage), you must bring the certified document for each and every change.

Additional Forms for Minors (Under 18)

Parental Consent Form: The "Parental Consent for a Driver Application of a Minor" form must be completed. A parent or guardian must sign this at the driver license office or have their signature notarized.
Proof of TLAC/DATA course completion.

Final Pre-Appointment Checklist

Before you head to your driver license appointment, organize your documents in a folder and run through this final check:

[ ] Proof of Identity: Do you have ONE original or certified document?
[ ] Proof of SSN: Do you have ONE document showing your full SSN?
[ ] Proof of Residency: Do you have TWO different documents with your address?
[ ] Name Change Documents? (If applicable, do you have the certified originals showing the full chain of changes?)
[ ] Minor Forms? (Parental consent form signed/notarized and TLAC completion)
[ ] Payment: Do you have an accepted form of payment for the fees?

Taking 20 minutes to gather and double-check these documents is the best guarantee for a fast, successful, and stress-free trip to the Florida driver license office.