Navigating life in America without a green card can be tricky. It’s essential to understand your rights, regardless of your residential status. If you’re new to the United States, you’re probably wondering how to get a driver’s license to make transportation effortless.
How can a foreigner get a Florida driver’s license? Many non-citizens are wondering if they drive in Florida without a green card.
You don’t have to have a green card to get a driver’s license in Florida. That said, the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles requires significant evidence to issue you such a license. Anyone who wants to drive a motor vehicle in the state must have a Florida driver’s license.
Driver’s licenses are controlled by state law, and immigration is governed by federal law. That means each state can develop unique laws and regulations regarding who can drive within the state.
Regardless of your immigration status, you must meet several requirements to obtain your Florida driver’s license.
In Florida, it’s required to submit evidence of lawful status or, in some cases, evidence of efforts to receive legal status to get a driver’s license. Here’s everything you need to know about getting your driver’s license in Florida without a green card. The easiest way to understand the documentation requirements is to differentiate between immigrants and nonimmigrants.
Find out more about your specific situation and how you can get a driver’s license in Florida without a green card.
If you’re a US immigrant or have been granted lawful permanent residency in the United States, you need the documentation listed below.
Primary Identification
You must provide an original of one of the following documents.
Proof of Social Security
You must provide an original of one of the following documents with your complete name or SSN.
What happens if you don’t have a Social Security number? If you don’t, you must bring a letter from the Social Security Administration showing that you were never given one.
Proof of Residential Address
You must submit TWO of the following residential address documents. These documents can be copies or faxes.
If you don’t have the above documents in your name, contact a Florida immigration attorney for additional help.
You can learn more about it here.
You need the documentation listed below if you are a nonimmigrant and do not have immigrant or lawful permanent residence status. This applies to non-citizens renewing, replacing, or applying for a new driver’s license in FL.
Primary Identification
You must provide an original of one of the following documents.
You will need the following documentation if you fall under the refugee, asylee, or parolee classifications.
All documents must be valid for more than 30 days from the date of issuance.
Proof of Social Security
You must provide an original of one of the following documents with your complete name or
SSN. The name assigned to your Social Security Number (SSN) will match the name on your Florida driver’s license.
What if you don’t have a Social Security Number? You don’t have to have an SSN if you’re a non-citizen coming to the US without a work visa. However, you must prove you have not been issued a Social Security Number (SSN).
Proof of Residential Address
You may not use your current driver’s license or ID card as proof of your address. You must submit TWO of the following residential address documents. These documents can be copies or faxes.
What if you don’t have a permanent address? Letters from shelters or other transitional service providers may verify they receive your mail. A Certification of Address form must accompany the letter.
Learn more about the process here.
You can schedule an appointment with one of the several Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles locations to apply for your driver’s license.
If you’re still unsure if you qualify for a driver’s license or have other questions about your immigration status, please contact an immigration lawyer for further assistance.
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