Beginning Jan. 1, 2010, the state of Florida is changing driver’s license and photo ID requirements.
Not only will people be required to bring in proof of residency and their Social Security card, but proof of identity will be required as well, including a birth certificate, passport or naturalization card.
Dave Westberry from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles said the new regulations fall in line with federal requirements.
“This is part of our continued efforts to protect our driver’s license cards. But, the federal identification act laid out most of these requirements already,” Westberry said. “So it was natural for us to take that extra step and makes these additional changes.”
The Federal Real ID act, created through the office of Homeland Security, imposes certain security, authentication and issuance procedures standards for the state driver’s licenses and state ID cards.
Florida set up a new Web site called GoGatherGet.com that spells out all necessary documentation when applying for a new driver’s license or identification card, as part of the federal guideline.
Westberry said the new Web site was crucial in helping people make the transition to these new identification requirements.
“We wanted to make sure our customers realized what they needed to do,” Westberry said of the site.
According to a press release from the state of Florida, people renewing their license may use a “convenience option” on the Internet or ground mail.
Westberry stressed that people who need to renew don’t need to do so until the expiration date listed on their driver’s license, or by 2014.
“Folks need to realize they don’t need to come into the office in January … they can go through their regular renewal process,” Westberry added. “You have plenty of time to get in and take care of your needs.”
For more information visit GatherGoGet.com, or call the Lee County Tax Collector’s office at 533-6000.