by Immigrants legally residing in Florida will now face new restrictions: the validity period of their driver’s licenses has been reduced to one year, regardless of the visa’s expiration date. This decision is likely aimed at complicating the process of obtaining a driver’s license in the state. While permanent residents and U.S. citizens will not be affected, this could become a serious obstacle for foreign visitors and workers.
Previously, legal immigrants could obtain licenses for the entire duration of their visa, which often exceeded a year. Now, they will have to renew the document annually. Also, individuals whose immigration documents do not have a specified expiration date will receive a license for only 12 months.
Reportedly, these changes align Florida’s policy with the federal Real ID Act, which requires driver’s licenses and identification cards to comply with national standards. Such documents are necessary for domestic air travel.
Immigration attorney Rebecca Black expressed the opinion that the new rules could deter foreigners from moving to Florida. “This sends a certain signal on an international level. If I were a foreign student planning to study in Florida, I would think twice if I had to renew my license every year instead of getting it for the entire period of stay,” she noted.
Black also advised everyone already in the state: “If you are here legally and have a driver’s license, always carry it with you. Even permanent residents should carry their green card. These are rather unpredictable times, so I advise always having documents that confirm your legal status.”
DMV Queues Reach Critical Levels
The innovations could further increase queues at Florida DMV offices. As media report, long lines for walk-in services have already formed in Miami. The situation is so serious that some residents start lining up near offices from the evening.
One local resident, 72-year-old George Smith, shared that he arrived at 3 a.m. – six hours before the office opened – and still ended up 77th in line. It seems that obtaining services at the Florida DMV has turned into a real competition.
