Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Florida Driver's Licenses Have New ID Requirements

Renewing or updating information on driver's licenses in Florida will get tougher after Dec. 31.

After that, the state will require additional proof of identity and place of residence. It's part of the federal "Real ID'' Act, which aims to reduce fraud and combat terrorism.

Starting Jan. 1, new license applicants and in-person renewals need two proofs of residence, proof of Social Security number and a primary form of identification. An existing license or identification card does not qualify.

The new ID requirements coincide with big increases in the cost of a license for Florida residents. In September, the price of a new license rose from $27 to $48, renewals rose from $20 to $48 and replacements increased from $10 to $25.