Top Importance of ID Cards

No matter where you go, sooner or later you'll be asked for your ID. It's inevitable and can even happen when buying groceries, making trip arrangements, and applying for volunteer opportunities.

People usually show their driver licenses as proof of identity, but if you don't or can't drive for any reason, having a state ID card is an ideal alternative. It's just as valid as a driver license for identity purposes, and there are no pesky required tests.

Top How to Apply for a Florida ID Card

• Show your documents proving identity (non-U.S. citizens can use these documents as proof).

• Show your Social Security card (if you have one).

• Be at least 5 years of age.

• Offer proof of your correct address.

• Pay the applicable fees:

• Original card: $10

• Renewal: $10

• Duplicate: $10

• Address change: $10

Top Address Changes

To change your address on an ID card or driver license, fill out an Driver License or Identification Card Address Change Form and submit it in person at your local DMV office or mail it to the following address. Include a $10 check or money order made payable to Division of Driver Licenses.

• Bureau of Records

• P.O. Box 5775

• Tallahassee, FL 32314-5775

If mailing, allow 30 days for processing.

Online services are available if you want to apply for an ID card (as long as you already have a license record on file), or if you want to renew, request a duplicate, or submit an address change.

Top Renewing an ID Card

ID cards are valid for four years if you're 14 years old or younger. Otherwise, the ID cards expire after eight years.

The card must be renewed before your birthday in the renewal year. The expiration date is printed on the card, and you will receive notification by mail to alert you of the upcoming renewal date.

Florida also makes renewals easy, by giving you the option to renew your ID card online. You may also call 1-866-GoRenew (467-3639) to renew by telephone, or you may renew in person at your Florida Department of Highway Safety office. Also, if you prefer, you may simply return the expiration notification postcard you receive, along with a check for the renewal fee by U.S. Mail.

The renewal fee for your Florida ID card is $10, and the card will be valid for another four-year period.

Top Replacing an ID Card

U.S. citizens may apply for a replacement card online, or by stopping by a driver's license office with two acceptable pieces of documentation. You may need to show your Social Security card and proofs of your date of birth and residential address again, too.

Non-U.S. citizens must apply at a driver's license office, and provide acceptable proof of legal presence.

Replacement cards cost $10.

Top Out of State?

If you're temporarily out of state and your driver license or ID card is due to expire, you can renew online (as mentioned above), or contact the DHSMV Customer Service Center via e-mail or at 1-866-GoRenew (467-3639). If you contact the service center before your card expires, you will be eligible to receive a 90-day temporary permit, which will be mailed to you along with renewal instructions.

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