Immigration News & Updates

New Rule Defines Valid Passports for Vehicle Registration Applications in Florida

Martha Arias - Miami Immigration Law Attorney - 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.

Key Details About the New Rule

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.

Requirements for Dealers Submitting Applications on Behalf of Customers

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.

What This Means for Individual Applicants

If you are using a passport issued by a foreign government to apply for vehicle registration, you will also need to provide additional documentation demonstrating your lawful presence in the U.S., as specified in Section 2(a) or 2(b) of Rule 15C-1.015, FAC. If you do not have the necessary documents, you may need to obtain a Florida driver’s license or identification card before your application can be processed.

Final Thoughts

This update ensures clarity in the registration process and emphasizes the importance of proper documentation when using a passport to register a vehicle in Florida. If you have questions or need further guidance on this rule, please feel free to contact our office or consult with the FLHSMV directly.

At Arias Villa, PLLC, we are committed to keeping you informed of important regulatory changes that may affect your legal and personal affairs. Stay ahead of these updates by following our blog and social media channels.

About Martha Arias

Immigration Attorney, Martha Liliana Arias, Esq. is the founder and sole owner of Arias Villa Law, a full-service immigration law firm located in Miami, FL. Martha has been exclusively and successfully practicing U.S. immigration law for almost two decades; she has relevant experience with removal defense cases, USCIS and NVC cases, and business visas, particularly EB-5 investor visas.

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