Statement by Dariel Fernandez, Miami-Dade County Tax Collector, on the Use of Falsified Documents to Obtain a Driver License or State ID

In the United States, obtaining a driver license or state identification card is a privilege, not a right. These documents are granted under strict conditions that protect public safety, uphold the law, and maintain the integrity of our identification systems.
Attempts to misuse or manipulate the system by submitting documents that fail to meet verification standards—such as fake bank statements or utility bills (water or electricity)—in an attempt to obtain a driver license or state ID are not tolerated. Let me be clear: this is a crime.
Using fraudulent documents not only violates the law, it also undermines the trust we work hard to build in our community. In Florida, the privilege to drive is only granted to individuals who meet all legal requirements, including proof of lawful presence and verified residency.
As Miami-Dade County Tax Collector, I am fully committed to protecting the integrity of our services. Our office is strengthening fraud protocols, applying new technology, and training our staff to identify and prevent these illegal attempts. 
We are here to serve the public but always lawfully, responsibly, and with zero tolerance to fraud.
 

Dariel Fernandez

Miami-Dade County Tax Collector