Legal Resources: State ID or Driver’s License

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State ID/Driver’s License:

Why does an individual with disabilities need a state ID?

Most people rely on their driver’s license as a form of state issued identification. But what if you don’t drive, are not able to drive, or have had your driver’s license taken away from you because of medical issues? People are still required to have a government issued ID, meaning a passport, a driver’s license, or a state ID. Individuals with disabilities who do not drive may be asked for their ID when they travel, attend certain movies or events, vote, check into a hotel, or obtain state services. FL ID cards are issued to individuals who are five years of age or older. If you have a driver’s license from another state, you must cancel that license before you may apply for a Florida ID. This includes those who hold a FL driver’s license. You may not have both a valid FL driver’s license AND a FL ID Card.

The new Florida State ID card has a designation to indicate that the holder has a developmental disability, is deaf or hard of hearing, or has a medical need for insulin. In the case of individuals with Autism, this can help police and emergency service providers understand how to communicate with the individual.

The process to obtain a FL ID card is the same as the one to obtain a driver’s license, you do not have to take the test. To view eligibility requirements and application process for State of Florida ID cards Click Here.

References:

General information on state ID cards can be found at DMV.org:
dmv.org/fl-florida/id-cards.php

Florida Driver’s Licenses:
flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/newdl

Written by: Dr. Mary Louise Duffy. FAU College of Education, Department of Exceptional Student Education, Academy for Community Inclusion[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]

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