Jacksonville drivers renewing their driver’s license are going to find it much more complicated.
Starting in January, Floridians will be required to show valid identification, a Social Security card and two separate documents proving they have a Florida address to get a driver’s license.
The new requirements are part of a controversial change from state driver’s licenses to a nationally compliant card. The licenses will look essentially the same as they do now, but with these changes a license will become compliant with federal government provisions.
This week the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles launched an education campaign to assist Floridians about what is changing.
People who already have a Florida driver’s license will need to present proof of identification (like a birth certificate), a Social Security number and proof of their residential address when they renew their license. Current driver’s licenses will remain valid until their expiration date, which means everyone will not need to do this in 2010.
New residents to Florida have been required to provide this information since October 2008. A current driver’s license will not be accepted as proof of identification, or proof of residential address.
Why is this being done?
The federal government believes the new regulations will make identity theft harder for criminals and terrorists. I hope it also cuts down on the number of Jacksonville car accidents.