Do I have to get a REAL ID?

No. The DMV says the REAL ID card is optional. It is needed to keep using a California license or ID card to board domestic flights or enter secure federal facilities; a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID or other federally accepted identification does the same job.

Can I get my first REAL ID by mail or online?

No. The DMV requires an in-person office visit with the identity and residency documents for the first REAL ID; once you hold one, you may be eligible to renew by mail or online later.

Do children need a REAL ID to fly?

No. The DMV says the TSA does not require anyone under 18 to show identification when flying within the U.S. with a companion; the companion needs acceptable identification.

Why must I show my identity documents again if the DMV already has them?

Because the DMV treats the REAL ID as a new form of identification with its own federal documentation rules; documents shown for an earlier license or ID card do not carry over.

What is the DMV residency letter?

A letter the DMV sends some REAL ID holders asking them to confirm the address or send two residency documents. If the address on the letter is right, check Yes, sign and return it in the prepaid envelope; if not, check No, sign it, add two residency documents with the current California address, and change the address with the DMV separately, since the documents alone do not change it.

Can DACA or TPS recipients get a REAL ID?

Yes, if their legal presence documents are current. The card expires on the same date as the legal presence document, and renewing it means a field office visit with the updated documents, never by mail.

Florida Crash Reports in 2026: How to Get a Copy and What It Costs

Florida's official crash report service

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles operates the Florida Crash Portal for official traffic crash reports. FLHSMV's portal implementation notice explains that the department receives crash reports from Florida law enforcement agencies and provides a statewide purchase service. A highway patrol crash and one reported by a local police agency can both enter this system when submitted by the investigating agency.

The statewide portal replaced the department's previous BuyCrash sales service in July 2019. Search for your crash using the identifying information available from the incident, then check the result carefully before purchasing.

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Crash report fees in 2026

FLHSMV's published portal terms set a fee of $10 per report. An online shopping cart has an additional $2 convenience charge per transaction, and the department limits an online transaction to 10 reports. These figures are from the agency's published program materials, not a new fee announced for 2026.

An online purchase provides access to the report immediately after checkout when the report is available. The department notice explains that the file can be downloaded one time and must be downloaded within 48 hours of purchase. Save the downloaded PDF securely instead of assuming it will remain available in the cart indefinitely.

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Who can request a crash report

Florida's Sworn Statement for Crash Report distinguishes access during the first 60 days after a report is filed from access 60 days or more after filing. The form identifies statutory access qualifications and requires applicants to state the proper basis for obtaining protected information. Do not assume that any member of the public can obtain an unredacted report immediately following a crash.

After 60 days, personal identifying information remains subject to privacy restrictions. The state form requests a permissible use under the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act for a report containing protected personal information. The form is the relevant starting point for a request that needs a sworn eligibility statement.

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Finding a report that does not appear online

Check that you entered the correct date, location and involved driver details. A report can also be unavailable because it has not yet been filed or processed by the investigating agency. FLHSMV's portal memo confirms that law enforcement agencies remain responsible for submitting crash reports to the department. If you cannot find a report, contact the investigating police agency to verify that it was completed and transmitted. Avoid repurchasing similar search results without matching incident details.

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Incident listings are not crash reports

The Florida Highway Patrol live traffic incident page provides traffic events and road condition information. It is not a substitute for an investigative crash report. Incident listings may identify a location and type of response but do not supply the complete official report needed for claims, litigation or record requests.

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Reading the report and requesting corrections

A crash report reflects the investigation documented by law enforcement. If a party believes the report contains an error, the logical first contact is the investigating agency shown on that report. FLHSMV's purchasing portal distributes the report but does not independently witness the crash or determine disputed facts. Retain the incident number, purchase receipt and downloaded copy so the agency can locate the correct case.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I order a Florida crash report?
Use the state's Florida Crash Portal at https://www.FloridaCrashPortal.gov.

How much does a Florida crash report cost?
FLHSMV's published charge is $10 per report, with an additional $2 convenience fee per online cart transaction.

Can I buy several reports in one order?
The state describes a limit of 10 crash reports per online cart transaction.

How long do I have to download my report?
FLHSMV's portal announcement says downloads are available once and must be completed within 48 hours of purchase.

Are Florida crash reports immediately public to everyone?
No. The department's sworn statement distinguishes the first 60 days from later access, and privacy rules continue to apply to personal identifying information.

Can I use the live Highway Patrol incident page instead?
No. The incident page is for traffic and response information, not a replacement for the official crash report.

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