New Rule Defines Valid Passports for Vehicle Registration Applications in Florida

If you’re planning to register a vehicle in Florida, it’s important to stay updated on the latest requirements for documentation. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) has implemented a new rule—Rule 15C-1.015, FAC—which provides specific guidance on what qualifies as a “valid passport” for vehicle registration. Below, we’ll break down this new rule and what it means for individuals submitting vehicle registration applications.

Under Section 320.02(2)(a) of the Florida Statutes, individuals applying for vehicle registration are required to provide one of the following documents:

• A valid driver’s license or identification card issued by Florida or any other U.S. state, or
• A valid passport.

Rule 15C-1.015, FAC, clarifies what constitutes a “valid passport” for these purposes. Here’s how the new rule defines it:

1. U.S.-Issued Passports
   • An unexpired passport or passport card issued by the United States government qualifies as valid.
2. Foreign Passports
   • An unexpired passport from another country must include one of the following to be accepted:
     • A stamp or mark from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) authorizing lawful presence in the United States.
     • An unexpired I-94 form, a current permanent resident card, or an unexpired immigrant visa issued by DHS.

Dealers who submit vehicle registration applications for their customers must ensure that they provide a copy of either:

• A valid driver’s license or state-issued identification card, or
• A valid passport along with the required supporting documentation outlined in the new rule.