The Real ID Document Checklist (DL/ID) is a one-page guide from the Alachua County Tax Collector that lists what to bring when you apply for a Real ID driver license or ID card: primary identification, proof of Social Security number and proof of Florida residential address. This edition also lists the passport, I-94 and I-20 or DS2019 documents for F-1, F-2, F-3, J-1 and J-2 visa holders, and the requirements for first-time driver and learner's license exams. On FillingPDF you can fill out the checklist online and download or print the completed PDF; the Tax Collector publishes the original PDF at its website.
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What is Real ID Document Checklist – Alachua County, FL?
The Real ID Document Checklist is the Alachua County Tax Collector's checklist of the documents an applicant brings to get a Real ID driver license or identification card (DL/ID). It sorts the evidence into three groups and adds the exam steps for new drivers.
The three groups are:
- Primary identification: bring one.
- Social Security number: bring one document that displays all 9 digits.
- Residential address: the address must be a Florida resident address, and the checklist asks for two proofs.
The page also carries a block for F-1, F-2, F-3, J-1 and J-2 visa holders, with the passport, I-94 and I-20 or DS2019 documents each class needs. A second part, "First Time Driver or Learner's License Exam Requirements," explains three steps: the TLSAE (Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education) course, the general knowledge exam and the driving exam.
The checklist is a planning aid, not an application. It produces no license or number by itself. The Tax Collector tells applicants to schedule an appointment at AlachuaCollector.com before going, and to visit AlachuaCollector.com/driver-license/ for additional document options, document help and frequently asked questions. The revision printed on the checklist is Rev. 1/2025.
Who needs to file Real ID Document Checklist – Alachua County, FL?
Anyone applying for a Real ID driver license or ID card through the Alachua County Tax Collector uses this checklist to gather documents before the appointment.
- All applicants: one primary identification document, one proof of Social Security number and proof of a Florida residential address.
- F-1, F-2, F-3, J-1 and J-2 visa holders: the checklist lists the passport, I-94 and I-20 or DS2019 documents for each class, and the I-539 option for F-1, F-2 and F-3.
- First-time drivers and learner's license applicants: the second part lists the TLSAE, general knowledge exam and driving exam. A learner's license applicant must be at least 15 years old, with parental consent if under 18. A driver license applicant must be at least 16, with a Certification of Driving Experience if under 18.
- Applicants living with someone else: may use an address proof in that person's name together with an Address Statement, but the checklist says this cannot be used with CDL issuances.
When to file Real ID Document Checklist – Alachua County, FL
Use the checklist before you go to the Tax Collector's office, and schedule an appointment at AlachuaCollector.com first; the checklist's "Before you go!" notes say so. The checklist is not filed and has no due date of its own.
Timing rules printed on it: the Real ID documents must be provided at the time of testing for a learner's license or driver license, and no testing is available after 3 pm. Utility bills and bank, credit card or other financial statements used as address proof must be dated within the last 60 days. A learner's license must be held for 1 year ticket-free, or until age 18, as the checklist states.
Documents you need
- One primary identification document, such as a valid U.S. Passport or Passport Card, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, an Alien Registration Card (Green Card) or an Employment Authorization Document from USCIS.
- For F-1, F-2 or F-3 visa holders: a valid passport with an I-94 showing class of admission F1, F2 or F3 and an I-20, or a pending (filed in status) or approved I-539 to change class of admission.
- For J-1 or J-2 visa holders: a valid passport with an I-94 and a DS2019.
- Proof of Social Security number that displays all 9 digits: a Social Security card, W-2 form, paycheck stub, SSA-1099 or other 1099. W-2s, stubs and 1099s must not be handwritten.
- If you are not eligible for a Social Security card: a letter from the Social Security Administration stating so because of your work or legal presence status.
- Two proofs of Florida residential address, such as a deed, mortgage, monthly mortgage statement or rental lease agreement, or a Florida vehicle registration or title.
- Other address proofs from the checklist: a utility bill, hook up or work order, bank, credit card or other financial statement dated within the last 60 days, or mail from a postal service.
- If you live with someone: one address proof in that person's name plus an Address Statement; the signature must be notarized if that person is not present. Not for CDL issuances.
- Under 18, learner's license: parental consent. Under 18, driver license: a Certification of Driving Experience.
- Upgrading a Florida learner's license with no changes: the physical license, to receive the reduced fee.
- For the driving exam: a vehicle with valid registration and proof of insurance that passes a vehicle inspection.
How to fill out Real ID Document Checklist – Alachua County, FL
Schedule your appointment first
Go to AlachuaCollector.com and schedule an appointment, as the "Before you go!" notes on the checklist direct.
Select one primary identification
In the Primary Identification column, choose the one document you will bring, such as a valid U.S. Passport or Passport Card or a USCIS document.
Add visa documents if they apply
If you are an F-1, F-2, F-3, J-1 or J-2 visa holder, check the passport, I-94 and I-20 or DS2019 documents listed for your class, plus the I-539 option for F classes.
Choose proof of Social Security number
Pick one document that displays all 9 digits, such as a Social Security card, W-2, paycheck stub or 1099. Handwritten W-2s, stubs and 1099s are not accepted.
Gather proof of residential address
Select the address proofs listed, with a Florida resident address. Check dates: utility bills and financial statements must be within the last 60 days. If you live with someone, add the Address Statement.
Review the first-time driver exam steps
If you are a new driver, plan the TLSAE, the general knowledge exam and the driving exam, and check the age and parental consent rules for a learner's or driver license.
Review and download the checklist
Confirm each category has a document chosen, then download or print the completed PDF from FillingPDF and bring the documents to your appointment.
How to submit Real ID Document Checklist – Alachua County, FL
You do not submit this checklist. You bring the documents it lists to your appointment with the Alachua County Tax Collector.
- Appointment: schedule at AlachuaCollector.com before you go.
- More information: AlachuaCollector.com/driver-license/ has additional document options, document help and frequently asked questions.
- Address Statement: if you live with someone, the form is available at www.alachuacollector.com/form-library.
- Driving exam: taken in person at the Northwest office, by appointment only. Bring a vehicle with valid registration and proof of insurance that passes a vehicle inspection.
- Third-party testing: Third Party Administrators are available for the TLSAE, general knowledge and driving exams (approved providers are listed at FLHSMV.gov), but their testers are subject to retesting in office.
A reduced fee applies when you upgrade a Florida learner's license with no changes; the checklist does not state amounts, so ask the Tax Collector. FillingPDF lets you fill out and download the PDF; submission follows the channels above.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Bringing a handwritten W-2, paycheck stub or 1099 as proof of Social Security number; the checklist says these must not be handwritten.
- Presenting a Social Security document that does not display all 9 digits of the number.
- Bringing only one proof of residential address when the checklist asks for two.
- Using a utility bill or financial statement dated more than 60 days ago as address proof.
- Using a proof of address in another person's name without the Address Statement, or without a notarized signature when that person is not present.
- Trying to use the Address Statement for a CDL issuance; the checklist says it cannot be used for those.
- Arriving for a driving exam without valid vehicle registration, proof of insurance or a vehicle that passes inspection.
- Showing up after 3 pm for testing, or without an appointment scheduled at AlachuaCollector.com.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Alachua County Real ID Document Checklist?
It is the Alachua County Tax Collector's checklist of documents to bring for a Real ID driver license or ID card: one primary identification, one proof of Social Security number and proof of Florida residential address. It also lists the exam steps for first-time drivers.
Do I need an appointment for a Real ID in Alachua County?
The checklist tells you to schedule an appointment at AlachuaCollector.com before you go. The driving exam is by appointment only at the Northwest office, and no testing is available after 3 pm.
What counts as proof of Social Security number?
Documents such as a Social Security card, W-2, paycheck stub, SSA-1099 or other 1099, which must display all 9 digits. W-2s, stubs and 1099s cannot be handwritten. If you are not eligible for a card, a Social Security Administration letter stating so is listed.
How many proofs of address do I need?
Two. The checklist says to bring two proofs of a Florida residential address, and utility bills and financial statements must be dated within the last 60 days. If you live with someone, you may use a proof in their name with an Address Statement.
What documents do F-1 and J-1 visa holders bring?
F-1, F-2 and F-3 holders bring a valid passport with an I-94 showing their class and an I-20, or a pending or approved I-539 for the class. J-1 and J-2 holders bring a valid passport with an I-94 and a DS2019.
What are the age rules for a learner's or driver license?
A learner's license applicant must be at least 15, with parental consent if under 18. A driver license applicant must be at least 16, with a Certification of Driving Experience if under 18. The learner's license must be held 1 year ticket-free, or until age 18.
Can I fill out the Real ID Document Checklist on FillingPDF?
Yes. You can fill out the checklist online on FillingPDF and download or print the PDF. FillingPDF is independent of the Alachua County Tax Collector and does not schedule appointments or submit anything to the agency.
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