Legal immigrants in Florida who do not have permanent residency status will be required to renew their driver's licenses or identification cards annually, according to a new regulation implemented by the Division of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DMV).
The change, announced on May 3 by the Miami-Dade County Tax Collector's Office, establishes that licenses and cards for these individuals will have a maximum validity of 12 months, even if their immigration status allows for a longer stay in the United States.
“According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) and in accordance with Florida Statutes 322.051 and 322.18, all licenses and identification cards issued to non-immigrants will be valid only until the expiration date of their documentation from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), not to exceed one year,” states the official announcement.
This means that even those who are awaiting political asylum and have valid work permits for up to five years will need to renew their permits every year, which involves paying new fees and standing in long lines at offices with high demand for this service.
The measure does not affect green card holders, but it does impact those with work visas or temporary permits to be in the southern state.
Queues cannot drive you to take desperate measures
The situation further complicates access to licenses in Florida, especially in counties like Miami-Dade, where DMV offices deal with outdated technology, insufficient staff, and an increasing demand for appointments.
Additionally, the mandatory implementation of REAL ID starting May 7, 2025 has increased congestion in the offices.
Recently, in response to the proliferation of appointment resellers, the Florida House of Representatives approved a law that penalizes this activity with fines of up to $1,000 and up to a year of jail time.
In Miami-Dade, local fines can reach up to $500 for each violation.
Frequently Asked Questions about the New Driver's License Regulations for Immigrants in Florida
How does the new driver's license regulation affect immigrants in Florida?
The new regulation requires legal immigrants in Florida to renew their driver's licenses every year, regardless of whether their immigration status allows for a longer stay in the United States. This affects those with work visas or temporary permits, but not green card holders.
Why is there such a high demand at the DMV offices in Florida?
The increase in demand at DMV offices in Florida is due to the mandatory implementation of the Real ID and the annual renewal requirement for immigrant licenses. This has resulted in long lines and congestion due to a lack of staff and outdated technology, especially in counties like Miami-Dade.
What measures have been taken to combat the resale of appointments at the DMV in Florida?
The Florida House of Representatives has passed a law prohibiting the resale of appointments for procedures at DMV offices, making this activity a first-degree misdemeanor, with fines of up to $1,000 and penalties of up to one year in jail.
What is the Real ID and why is it important for immigrants in Florida?
The Real ID is an identification that meets federal security standards and will be mandatory starting May 7, 2025, to board domestic flights and access federal facilities in the United States. Its implementation has increased the demand for services at the DMV, particularly impacting the immigrant population that needs to update their documents.
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