Immigrants who are legally present in Florida will now face new restrictions: the validity period of their driver’s licenses has been reduced to one year, regardless of their 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 significant obstacle for foreign visitors and workers.
Previously, legal immigrants could obtain licenses for the entire period of their visa’s validity, 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 an ID for only 12 months.
According to reports, 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. “It sends a certain signal on the international level. If I were a foreign student planning to study in Florida, I would think twice if I had to renew my license annually instead of getting it for the entire duration of my 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 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 reports, long lines for services without an appointment have already formed in Miami. The situation is so serious that some residents start lining up at offices from the evening before.
One local resident, 72-year-old George Smith, reported 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.