TALLAHASSEE, Fla. Beginning this month, Florida has changed its rules for obtaining a drivers license and for keeping a commercial drivers license.

CDL holders convicted of driving under the influence even in their personal vehicle will have their licenses revoked for one year. Second offenses would result in permanent disqualification.

Penalties are based on the date of convictions, not the date of offenses.

Also, Class A, B and C commercial licenses now will be valid for eight years up from six years except for drivers 80 and older. All licenses for drivers 80 and older are valid for six years.

At the same time, the rules for obtaining a Florida drivers license have been altered to comply with the controversial Real ID Act of 2005. Florida joins a small group of states that have taken steps toward compliance with Real ID, including Indiana, Michigan, Nevada and Tennessee.

Real ID is a federal law that requires states to enhance their driver license systems and security by Jan. 1, 2010. Most states are under an extension granted to all 56 U.S. jurisdictions through the end of 2009 by the secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

The Florida Department of Motor Vehicles decided to go ahead and enforce new identification requirements intended to make it more difficult to obtain drivers licenses or identification cards. The agency now requires applicants for drivers licenses to provide proof of a valid Social Security number.

Proof of a Social Security number can be provided by showing a Social Security card, tax return, W-2 form, paycheck, DD-214, or school records.

Licenses from other states no will longer be accepted as primary identification.

Advocates for the licensing changes say they will strengthen the states ability to verify identities and legal presence.