Driver License Information

All Florida residents must have a Florida driver license to drive a motor vehicle on public streets and highways within 30 days of establishing residency. Florida ID cards are available for persons that do not drive.

It is the responsibility of the Tax Collector, in his/her capacity as an agent for the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, to provide the services and operations necessary. The Tax Collector works very closely with this state agency to ensure all transactions are conducted in accordance with state statutes and rules and federal regulations.

Driver License services can be performed at all of our Tax Collector locations, but many transactions, such as renewals and replacements, can be completed online on FLHSMV's MyDMV Portal.

When coming into our office, appointments are encouraged for most transactions, but please note that Driving Skills/Road Tests are by appointments ONLY. For more information, read the Road Test Procedure below.

Written tests for Class E and CDL are available in all locations until 3:30 pm. Driver licenses and identification cards are issued until 4:30 pm.

Driver License Navigation

Driver License and ID Card Requirements

For office visits, you must bring specific forms of proof for identification, Social Security number and residential address. The checklists here list some valid documents. For more document options, visit the What to Bring website.

1. Primary Identification: (Bring one)
Must be Original or Certified Copy
  • Certified United States Birth Certificate, including Territories and District of Columbia
  • Valid United States Passport
  • Consular Report of Birth Abroad
  • Certificate of Naturalization
  • Certificate of Citizenship
    • For immigrant or nonimmigrants:
    • Permanent Resident Card I-551
    • Employment Authorization Card I-766
    • Valid Foreign passport with proof of legal presence

    • Note: A birth certificate must be issued by a government agency. Hospital birth certificates cannot be accepted.

    2. Legal Name Change Documents (if applicable)
    Must be Original or Certified Copy
      Documents are required if your current name does not match your primary identification from step 1. You will be required to prove the chain of names from Primary ID to current name, multiple documents may be required if the name(s) have changed more than once.
    • Marriage Certificate
    • Court ordered name change
    • Divorce decree changing name
    3. Social Security Number (Bring one)
    • Social Security Card
    • W-2 form or any 1099
    • Pay check stub

    The proof must include the applicant’s full name and complete social security number. The name assigned to the social security number must match the name that will appear on the Florida credential. If it does not, please change the name with Social Security Administration more than 24 hours before application.

    4. Residential Address (Bring two in applicant's name*)
               If CDL, please see additional residential requirements below
    No screenshots or envelopes only
    • Household information document- Deed, mortgage, monthly mortgage statement, residential rental/lease agreement, or current property tax documents
    • Florida Voter Registration Card
    • Valid Florida Vehicle/Vessel Registration or Title
    • Utilities bills – (Ex. water, gas, electricity, cell phone, cable) (must be dated within the last 60 days)
    • Financial Statements (bank, credit cards or investment accounts) (must be dated within the last 60 days)
    • Employer Documentation (W-2 form or 1099 form, paycheck stub dated within the last 60 days)
    • Mail/Documents issued by Federal, State, County or City government agencies (including city and county agencies) (must be dated within the last 60 days)
    • Medical or Health card and/or Medical bill (must be dated within the last 60 days)
    • Homeowner’s and/or Automobile insurance policy or bill (must be dated within the last 60 days)
    • Automobile Payment Booklet (must be dated within the last 60 days)
    • Selective Service card
    • A letter from a homeless shelter, transitional service provider, or half-way house verifying that the customer resides at the shelter address (must be dated within the last 60 days)
    • Sexual Offender/Sexual Predator/Career Offender: FDLE Registration form completed by the local sheriff’s department (must be dated within the last 30 days)
      *If applicant cannot provide two approved Florida residential address documents in their name, then a Certification of Address HSMV 71120 is required. This form requires two proofs of residency in a Certifier’s name; one document from the list above AND one household information document with the residential address:
    • Deed/Mortgage
    • Property Tax
    • Recent Monthly Mortgage Statement
    • Rental or Lease Agreement
    Commercial Driver License Residential Address Requirements

    To comply with the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles requires all Commercial Driver License (CDL) and Commercial License Permit (CLP) applicants to provide two proofs of Florida residential address in their name.*

    Applicants must present two documents from list A or one from List A and one proof from List B. CLP or CDL applicants unable to provide a proof of residential address from List A must provide a Declaration of Domicile filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court in their county of residence pursuant to Florida Statutes, Section 222.17 ✔ AND one proof of residential address document from List B.

    List A for CLP / CDL - item presented must be in the applicant's name:

    • Recent lease or rental agreement for the residence with a term of 6 months or greater (✔ if in place more than six months)
    • Current Florida voter registration card ✔
    • Florida vehicle or vessel registration or title
    • Current homeowner's insurance policy or bill
    • Current utility bill (must be dated within the last 60 days)
    • Recent cellular or landline telephone bill (must be dated within the last 60 days)
    • Recent Internet service provider bill (must be dated within the last 60 days)
    • Latest property tax bill
    • Mortgage deed for property in Florida (✔ if signed more than six months ago)

    List B for CLP / CDL - item presented must be in the applicant’s name:

    • Latest W-2 form or 1099 form
    • Recent bank statement (must be dated within the last 60 days)
    • Recent credit card statement (must be dated within the last 60 days)
    • Latest military orders or documents
    • Recent pay stub (must be dated within the last 60 days)
    • Recent official government documents (must be dated within the last 60 days)

    *CFR 384.212 provides that CDLs or CLPs may only be issued to a person who resides within that state and has his/her true, fixed, and permanent home and principal residence to which he/she has the intention of returning whenever he/she is absent.

    ✔ Indicates this will also satisfy the original CDL/CLP residency requirements.

    Commercial Driver License Residency Requirements

    Pursuant to section 322.03(4)(a), Florida Statutes, the department may not issue a commercial driver license to any person who is not a resident of this state. Section 322.01(36), F.S. defines a “Resident” as a person who has his or her principal place of domicile in this state for a period of more than 6 consecutive months, has registered to vote, has made a statement of domicile pursuant to section 222.17, F.S. or has filed for homestead tax exemption on property in this state.

    All customers applying for an original CDL or Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) must present one of the documents listed below to establish Florida residency:

    • A current Florida Class E Driver License or Florida Identification card held for a period of more than six (6) consecutive months.
    • A lease agreement, in the customer's name, that has been in place for a period of more than six (6) consecutive months.
    • A current residential mortgage, in the customer's name, signed more than six (6) months ago.
    • A current residential deed, in the customer's name, signed more than six (6) months ago. (✔ if a mortgage deed)
    • A Florida Voter Registration Card. ✔
    • A statement of domicile pursuant to section 222.17, F.S. ✔
    • A homestead tax exemption filing on property in this state.

    ✔ Indicates this will also satisfy the original CDL/CLP residential address requirements.

Commonly Asked Questions

Why has my Driver License or Identification Card number changed?
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) has implemented legislation which amends Florida Statute 322.14(1)(a), requiring that the distinguishing numbers assigned to a driver license and identification card contain a minimum of four randomly generated digits. As a result, customers renewing or replacing the driver license or identification card in person or online will be issued a new number. Those applying for the first-time will be issued a number that meets the new statutory requirements. Once an individual is issued a new number it will not change unless the customer’s last name changes. For more information please visit FLHSMV’s website.

Can I have both a Driver License and an Identification Card?
No, each individual can only hold a driver license or identification card, but not both simultaneously.

I lost or need to update my license or ID card. Will I have to visit an office to replace it?
Not necessarily. If eligible, you can request a replacement license at FLHSMV's MyDMV Portal. If you need to come into the office to request a replacement, then you must bring the required documents as described on the What to Bring website.

I only have copies of my documents, not originals. What should I do?
You will need to request original or certified copies from the record holder. If you need help determining how to get replacement documents, visit the What to Bring website. If you are unable to get a replacement, you can request an exception. We should know within 48 hours if your request was granted.

My last name is different than my primary identification. What should I do?
We need to see proof of your name change(s). You must submit the original or a certified copy of your marriage certificate(s) or court order(s) to show documentation that links the name on your primary identification to your changed name. If you are a non-U.S. citizen, your name change must already be reflected in your primary identification.

Teens and New Drivers

Requirements to Obtain a Florida Learner’s License
  • Must be at least 15 years old;
  • If under 18 years old, parent/guardian must accompany or have a signed/notarized Parental Consent Form (step-parents may not sign unless they have legally adopted the minor child);
  • Proof of Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course completion or valid out of country driver license;
  • Pass a vision and hearing test during the application process;
  • Pass Class E Knowledge Exam;
  • Must provide documents needed to establish proof of identity, proof of social security number and proof of residential address. See the Driver License Document Requirements for more information.
Requirements for Obtaining a First Time Florida Driver License
  • Must be at least 16 years old;
  • Must hold learner’s license for at least one year (12 months) OR reach age 18, whichever comes first;
  • If under age 18, a parent, legal guardian or responsible adult over 21 years old accompany applicant or must complete the Certification of Minor Driving Experience Form, certifying the driver has 50 hours of driving experience, of which 10 hours must be at night. Use this Practice Log Sheet to track driving experience time;
  • If under age 18, NO moving violation convictions for one year from learner’s license date of issuance (OR may have one moving violation as long as adjudication was withheld);
  • Must pass Class E Driving Skills Test, see Road Test Procedure section for more information.

For information about the Graduated Licensing laws and driving curfews please visit FLHSMV’s website.

Road Test Procedure

Please note that Driving Skills/Road Tests are by appointment only.

For information on taking the Class E road test after hours or on the weekends, please view the list of other private providers throughout the state.

If an interpreter is necessary please make sure to choose the appointment type “Skills/Road Test with Interpreter” and bring an interpreter over 18 years old, who has a valid Driver License, is not an immediate family member, does not live in the same household, and is not a driving school instructor. If an ADA interpreter is needed please contact our office at 941-743-1350 prior to scheduling.

    Road Testers will need to bring the following for their road test appointment:
  • A valid learner’s permit or license
  • A valid vehicle registration
  • Current Florida insurance
  • A licensed driver 21 years or older (not a driving school instructor)
  • An interpreter, if necessary
    You must provide a vehicle that is safe to drive and insured. The vehicle must:
  • Have a valid license plate
  • Have a valid vehicle registration
  • Have proof of valid Personal Injury Protection and Property Damage Liability Insurance
  • Pass a vehicle safety inspection
  • Have operable seatbelts (exception: cars manufactured prior to 1968 and trucks manufactured prior to 1972)

The examiner/tax collector licensing agent will inspect your vehicle before the test is started. If your vehicle does not meet the minimum safety requirements, your driving test will be rescheduled. Learn more about Vehicle Safety Inspection Requirements below.

When you appear for your driving test, the driving test examiner will ask to see the driver’s learner permit or license, vehicle registration, and vehicle insurance .

There is a fee of $6.25 for the initial road test. If you do not pass, you may schedule an appointment to attempt the road test on another day. Only one attempt is allowed per day. A $26.25 retake fee is charged for each subsequent attempt.

Vehicle Safety Inspection Requirements

Your vehicle must meet the minimum safety requirements.

Your driving test begins with a vehicle safety check. This pre–drive inspection demonstrates that you are familiar with your vehicle and that your vehicle meets the DMV’s minimum safety requirements. You will be asked to identify and/or demonstrate parts of the vehicle commonly used in driving. If your vehicle does not meet the minimum safety requirements, your driving test will be rescheduled.

    VEHICLE INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS:
  • Horn must be heard from 200 ft
  • Must have rearview mirror (inside or outside)
  • Directional signals or knowledge of hand signals (if directional signals are not working)
  • Two (2) Brake lights must work
  • Headlights
  • Doors must open from inside and outside
  • Driver and passenger windows must work
  • Car must be clean (We reserve the right not to administer a driving test)
  • Emergency brake must work
  • Tires must be in good condition (Cannot be worn)
  • Windshield wipers must work.
  • Glass must have clear view to front, sides and rear

The items listed above are not inclusive; please refer to the official Florida Drivers Handbook for additional information.

Commercial Driver License Entry-level Driver Training

Skills Testing Prerequisite

Applicants with a Commercial Learner Permit issued on or after February 7, 2022, must successfully complete a mandatory theory (knowledge) and behind-the-wheel (BTW) training program prior to taking the CDL skills testing.

    This includes
  • Obtaining a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time;
  • Upgrading an existing Class B CDL to a Class A CDL; or
  • Obtaining a school bus (S), passenger (P), or hazardous materials (H) endorsement for the first time.
Hazardous Materials Prerequisite

Applicants for a hazardous materials (H) endorsement must complete mandatory theory training provided by a training provider listed on FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry prior to taking the knowledge test for the H endorsement unless a hazardous materials (H) was obtained prior to February 7, 2022.

ELDT Exceptions:
  • Individuals who hold a valid CDL, including those with an S, P, or H endorsement, are not required to complete additional ELDT training unless upgrading or adding endorsements as indicated above.
  • Any individual who meets one of the exceptions for taking a skills test is also exempt from the ELDT requirements.
Helpful Links

Hazmat Information

We offer Commercial Driver License HAZMAT Endorsement services in our Punta Gorda office by appointment only. For more information please visit the following pages:


Military Driver License Information

Military Driver License Extension
  • This extension is available to military personnel and members of their immediate family residing with them that hold a Florida driver license. It may extend your driving privilege until 90 days after discharge or your return to Florida to live.
  • Download form HSMV 73032 with instructions or call 850-617-2000 for assistance.
Commercial Driver License
  • Military personnel who have separated from service no more than 90 days before application date may apply for a certification for waiver of a commercial driver skill test for military personnel. Form HSMV 71054 - Certification for Waiver of Skill Test for Military Personnel must be completed by you and your commanding officer. If you do not meet all of the requirements, you will be required to take the commercial driver license skills tests.
Driver License & State ID Fee Exemption
  • Any honorably discharged veteran who has a valid FDVA disabled veteran ID card or who has been determined to have a 100% total and permanent service-connected disability and is qualified to obtain a driver license is generally exempt from most fees.
Veteran's Designation
  • This designation is offered on a Florida driver license and Florida identification card as a convenient way to provide proof of veteran status. You must present your DD-214 or other accepted document showing discharge or release under conditions other than dishonorable or uncharacterized.
Military Links

No-Fee Identification Cards

No-fee Identification Cards can be issued to applicants who qualify under several different circumstances such as those listed below. Please contact our office for further information and the documentation required.

  • Persons Considered Homeless Pursuant to Section 420.621(5), Florida Statutes
  • Certified Unaccompanied Homeless Youth
  • Applicants proof indicating their income is at or below 100% of the Federal Poverty level
  • Voters Registration with Financial Hardship
  • Original applicants 80 Years or Older who have failed to pass the Vision Test

Driver License Forms and Files

 

Driver License Links