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University of Florida

IDs and Licenses

State ID and Driver's License

 

It is very important that you always have a valid form of photo identification on your person at all times during your J program. Your home country's driver's license or a national identity card is not a valid form of photo ID in the US. The GATORONE card is only accepted as a form of identification on the UF campus. The information in this section applies to J-1 exchange visitors and J-2 dependents. 

The following are valid forms of photo ID in the US: 

  • Passport 
  • State ID from a US state 
  • Driver's license from a US state  

Florida State ID

 

The State ID is a valid form of photo ID that is an easier and safer alternative to your passport for daily identification purposes.  

We highly recommend that you get the State ID, especially if your program is longer than one month. 

Driver's License

 

You must have a valid driver’s license to drive any motor vehicle within Florida. If you have a valid driver's license from your home country, you may use it temporarily.  

To drive in Florida, you must get a Florida license within 30 days if you fit into one or more of the following categories:   

  • Enroll your children in public school 
  • Accept employment 
  • Reside in Florida for more than six consecutive months 

If you do not fit into any of the categories above, you may use your driver's license from your home country for up to 6 months.  

Depending on where your driver's license was issued, you may also be exempt from certain tests when you apply for a Florida driver’s license. 

Applying for a State ID or Driver's License

 

You must go to a Florida Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office to apply for a State ID or a driver's license. There are a few steps to complete first to ensure a smooth and successful application process. 

  • Wait 10 days after you arrive in the US to apply. 
  • Complete the EVS Check-In process to ensure that your SEVIS record is in Active status. 
    • You will receive an email notification confirming when your record has been validated. 
  • If applying for a driver's license, review the testing requirements. 
  • Gather the required documents and schedule your appointment at the DMV office. One of the requirements is an SSN. 
    • If you are eligible for an SSN but do not yet have one: Wait until you have received your SSN. 
    • If you are not eligible for an SSN: You must first go to the Social Security Administration office to request an “Ineligibility Letter.”  

You will receive your State ID and/or Driver's License the same day that you apply.