Driver License

Answer: The website GatherGoGet.com has all the information to assist you in making a checklist of the required documents. All documents must be the original government-issued item; no copies will be accepted.

Answer: Proof of Identity – Florida law requires applicants for a driver license or identification card to present the following identification documents:

• An original or certified birth certificate, valid US Passport, US Passport Card, or original Certificate of Naturalization (no copies or hospital certificates will be accepted); AND
• An out-of-state driver license or identification card, or an acceptable secondary form of identification; AND
• Original or certified name change documents for all (marriage, divorce, adoption, legal name change, etc.) must be presented at the time of application (may require more than one and must show a continuous link from birth name to current legal name); church marriage documents are not acceptable; AND
• Two forms of proof of Florida residential address (utility bill, lease, car payment book, etc.); AND
• An original Social Security card or acceptable proof of Social Security number. Social Security records must match the name being used and must include customer’s full Social Security number to be accepted.

Handwritten documents are not accepted. Contact the Social Security Administration at least 48-72 hours before making application for a driver license or identification card when changing names.

NOTE: Applicants under age 18 must have signed parental consent. You must surrender all Florida and out-of-state driver licenses or ID cards.

Acceptable Identity Documents: A complete list of acceptable identification and proof of Social Security documents are available online at www.flhsmv.gov or www.GatherGoGet.com

Answer: All customers must bring in the following documents to prove their identity and receive their licenses or IDs.

Provide one of the following proofs of primary identification:

• Certified US birth certificate, including territories and District of Columbia
• Valid US Passport or US Passport Card
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad
• Certificate of Naturalization, Form N-550 or Form N-570
• Certificate of Citizenship, Form N-560 or Form N-561

Note: original or certified name change documents for all (marriage, divorce, adoption, legal name change, etc.) must be presented at the time of application (may require more than one and must show a continuous link from birth name to current legal name); church marriage documents are not acceptable.

AND — Provide two proofs of residential address:

• Deed, mortgage, mortgage statement, mortgage payment booklet, or residential rental/lease agreement
• Florida voter registration card
• Florida vehicle registration or title
• Florida boat registration or title (if living on a boat/houseboat)
• Statement from parent, step-parent, or legal guardian. Must reside in same residence, accompany applicant, and present “Proof of Residence Address.”
• Utility hookup or work order
• Automobile payment booklet
• Selective service card
• Medical or health card with address listed
• Current homeowner’s insurance policy or bill
• Current automobile insurance policy or bill
• Educational institution transcript forms for current school year

AND — Provide one of the following proofs of Social Security number:

• Social Security card
• W-2 form
• Paystub with name and full Social Security number imprinted on stub

Answer: If you are REAL ID compliant, meaning your license has a gold star toward the top right of the front of the license, you are only required to bring the current license in the office. If there is a change to your REAL ID compliant license, such as address change, you will need to bring in proof of the requested change. If you are not REAL ID compliant, you will need to bring the standard REAL ID required documents to prove legal residence. These documents are outlined HERE. The cost for updating your license is $31.25.

Answer: Yes. You will be required to present two proofs of your new address.

Answer: Florida veterans who honorably served their Country can  now add a veteran designation to their driver license or identification card. You will need to present your DD-214, which shows the honorable discharge from active duty. A Retired Military ID Card or a Veteran’s Affairs ID Card can be used in place of the DD-214. For original issuance and renewals the designation is added for free. For replacement issuance when there are no changes to the card other than adding the veteran designation, there is no fee.    For a replacement with changes to the card in addition to the designation you will pay $25.00 for the replacement.  Go to www.GatherGoGet.com to ensure you have all the other required documents.

Veterans who need to obtain a copy of their DD-214 may request it through the National Archives, which provides information on how to make the request online HERE.

The Tax Collector offers all driver license services at the Northwest Public Branch location.  The Southwest and Downtown branches offer all services except for CDL Hazardous Materials Applications and Class E Road Tests.

Answer: Florida has passed laws that will help better protect our citizens and visitors by strengthening our ability to verify an applicant’s identity and legal presence in the United States. The changes will help increase our overall security.

Answer: Visit    www.GatherGoGet.com ,    www.flhsmv.gov    or    www.dhs.gov/real-id

Answer: You will need to request certified documents. For example, a replacement Social Security card is free, while a certified Florida birth certificate processed in the Tax Collector’s office is $21.25. If you need help determining how to get replacement documents, visit www.GatherGoGet.com and click on “Document Help” or call our Customer Service Line at (352) 374-5236.

Answer: Unfortunately, no. Florida law requires the surrender of all licenses and identification cards in your possession to be issued a new driver license or identification card.

Answer: No, since Florida is a Real ID compliant State you have until October 1, 2020 to obtain a new credential unless your renewal is prior to this date. https://www.dhs.gov/real-id

However, if you must visit an office to update or make any changes to your license, you will be required to comply with the Real ID requirements. For instance, if you have used the one-time convenience renewal option, your next renewal must be in an office.

Name changes, name corrections, and date of birth corrections will require a visit to an office.

Answer:

• • Must meet all the requirements of the Real ID Act.

• • Pass the vision exam and Class E General Knowledge (50 questions) tests.

• • Have the signature of one parent (or guardian) on the parental consent form, if under age 18.

• • Complete Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education course (TLSAE, DATE, or TL-DOE).

• • Must be in compliance with school attendance requirements if under age 18.

Parent accompanying the applicant to the office can provide two proofs of their Florida residential address from two different sources (addresses must be identical) and verbally certify the applicant lives with them. Otherwise a Certification of Address(Form HSMV 7120) is available online HERE.

Answer: All in-office renewals require a vision exam and are subject to all of the identification requirements of the Real ID Act.

Answer:

• First time drivers must have completed a state-approved Traffic Law Substance Abuse Education course.
• Pass the Vision and Class E General Knowledge (50 questions) tests to obtain a learner’s license.
  
• Applicants also passing the road skills exam can be issued a regular operator’s license without delay.

First time applicants also must meet all the identification requirements of the Real ID Act.

Answer: Applicants under age 18 may take the written exam online. A parent must be present to proctor the exam and accompany the applicant to the office to sign an affidavit. Falsification of parental proctoring will result in license suspensions for the parent and applicant.

Answer: While we gladly accept online testing results, parents should investigate the fees associated with online testing. The original Florida licensing fee includes one attempt at the required exam.

Answer: Not necessarily. You can request a replacement license at www.gorenew.com.

In most cases you may replace online one time, but DHSMV encourages you to come in and obtain a Real ID compliant license. At this time starting October 1, 2020, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will only accept drivers licenses and ID cards with a star (Real ID compliant designation) in the upper right corner as proof of identification at airport.  

Answer: We need to see proof of your name change.

If your name has changed multiple times, you must present a document trail that links your current name to your primary identification document. If your name has changed due to marriage or a court order, you must submit the original or a certified copy of your marriage certificate(s) or court order(s). Church certificates are not acceptable. For example, let’s say the last name on your birth certificate is Brown. You got married and changed your name to Smith. You got divorced, remarried, and your name changed to Johnson. You must provide a marriage certificate showing your name change from Brown to Smith, and you must also show a marriage certificate of your name change from Smith to Johnson. If your marriage certificate showing your name change to Johnson has your maiden name Brown listed on it, you will not need to bring in any previous marriage licenses. If you bring in a valid US passport in your current name, we do not need a birth certificate or any marriage licenses.

Answer: Complete an application for a new card and mail or show it and your identification documents to a Social Security Administration office. The application and list of acceptable forms of identification are available at the Social Security Administration Web Site: www.ssa.gov.

The Social Security office is located at 4562 NW 13th Street, Gainesville FL, 32609 (1-877-219-8323).

Answer: If you have legally changed your name by marriage or court order, you must submit the original or a certified copy of your marriage certificate or court order. If your name has changed several times, you will be required to provide a document trail that links your current name to the identification documents provided. If your marriage license with your current name has your maiden name listed on it, then we do not need to see any previous marriage licenses. No photocopies will be accepted unless certified by the issuing authority. Church certificates are not acceptable. A valid US passport with your new name may be used to update your license. Please allow 48-72 hours to pass after you changed your name with the Social Security Administration before you come into our office to change your name on your license or ID card. If you are not a US citizen, you must have your name changed on your USCIS documents (i.e. Permanent Resident card, Foreign Passport, etc)  as well prior to coming in to change your license.

Answer: Thirty (30) days. Name Changes must be made in an office, and you must comply with the Real ID Requirements.  If you change your address in an office, you must comply with the Real ID requirements. You will be required to show two proofs of residential address to update your address on your license or identification card. If you have a Real ID compliant card and change your address online, you will be required to present two proofs of your new address during the next office visit.

Answer: Children five years of age and older can obtain a Florida identification card. Children under five years of age applying for a disabled parking permit also may be issued a Florida identification card. Please be prepared to meet the Real ID requirements and present the handicap placard application signed by a doctor. Beginning November 1, 2009, no driver license or ID card will be required to obtain a handicap placard.

Answer: Contact the Clerk of Court in the county the citation was received in and arrange to attend the driving school prior to paying the citation. CDL drivers cannot attend driving school to avoid points on their license.

Answer: You can check the status of your driver license online at www.flhsmv.gov.

Answer: You can apply for a replacement online if your citizenship has been established on your driving record.

-or-

Military personnel whose driver license or ID card have been lost or stolen may receive a replacement license through the mail, or a 90-day temporary permit will be mailed to you along with duplicate license instructions. Please contact DHSMV’s Customer Service Center at (850) 617-2000.

Answer: If your driver’s license or ID card is scheduled to expire when you are deployed or stationed outside Florida, you are encouraged to renew before you deploy or move. Florida drivers may renew a drivers license up to 18 months prior to the expiration and an ID card holder may renew up to 12 months prior to the expiration date printed on the card.

If you are out-of-state or country with a digital image license (does not have a blue sticker or no-photo), and interested in renewing your license by mail, click here where you can enter your Florida driver license number, check the status of your driver license and if eligible download a renewal application.

Military personnel and members of their immediate family residing with them (spouse, son, daughter, and step-children) may be granted an extension of their Class E license. The military extension card is free of charge, and will be a photo ID that you carry with your Florida license and Military ID.  Click here to download an application. A Commercial Driver License may not be extended. A CDL must be renewed in person.

Military extension cards may not be accepted in some countries when serving overseas.

Answer: Customers applying for a CDL should consider this a professional license that will require additional testing far beyond that of a regular license. Customers wishing to apply for a CDL are strongly encouraged to obtain a CDL handbook prior to setting appointments for testing. Click the link HERE to download a copy of the CDL handbook.

Class A License

• Requires passing the written general knowledge, air brakes, and combination exams.*

Class B License

• Requires passing the written general knowledge exam and air brakes exam, if needed.*

Class C License

• Requires passing the written general knowledge exam and one or more of the following endorsement exams: school bus, passengers, or hazardous materials.*

All CDL applicants must also pass the CDL pre-trip, basic skills, and driving exams in a commercial motor vehicle of the proper license class.

*These are examples of the testing requirements and may vary depending on the vehicle driven and loads carried. Refer to the CDL handbook for additional testing requirements.

NOTE: Requirements for Real ID apply to all CDL applicants.

Answer: Federal regulations require drivers to obtain a CDL license in their home state. This includes members of the armed forces. Proof of Florida residency will be required for all original applications.

Answer: Military members with a military equivalent CDL must pass all required written exams for the license class for which they are applying.

Once the written exams are passed, the applicant can use a driving skills waiver signed by his/her military command to waive the driving exams.

Answer: Yes, unless exempt.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations require all commercial driver license holders to certify with the State’s driver license agency in one of the four categories below prior to the issuance or renewal of a CDL. Those certifying in non-excepted interstate or intrastate commerce (Category 1 or 3) also must ensure their medical documentation is on file with the state issuing agency and that it remains current. Failure to present valid medical documentation when required will result in the denial of the issuance or renewal of the CDL. Failure to maintain current medical documentation on file may result in CDL disqualification.

1. Non-excepted Interstate: I operate or expect to operate in interstate commerce and am required to maintain federal medical certification (medical card required).
2. Excepted Interstate: I operate or expect to operate in interstate commerce but engage exclusively in operations that qualify me for exception from the requirement to maintain federal medical certification.
3. Non-excepted Intrastate: I operate or expect to operate only in intrastate commerce and am required to meet State of Florida medical certification requirements (medical card required).
4. Excepted Intrastate: I operate or expect to operate only in intrastate commerce but engage exclusively in operations that qualify me for exception from State of Florida medical certification requirements.

CDL holders can no longer claim exemption from medical certification requirements because they are not currently operating in non-excepted interstate or intrastate commerce. If not specifically included in Category 2 or 4 above, they must maintain their medical certification or downgrade to a non-commercial license.

Note: If you self-certify in a category exempt from medical certification requirements (Category 2 or 4) and later change to a non-exempt type of operation (Category 1 or 3), you must recertify in the appropriate category and provide proof of valid medical certification to avoid potential enforcement actions.

For additional information and frequently asked questions concerning medical requirements, visit www.flhsmv.gov/ddl/cdlmedicalcert.html.

Answer: You can verify your driver school eligibility online at www.flhsmv.gov by using the online driver license check.

Answer: You can verify your Social Security information online at www.flhsmv.gov by using the online driver license check.

When insurance information is requested by Tallahassee for your driver record, you can update the records online at www.flhsmv.gov by using the online driver license check.

Answer: Handbooks are available HERE on the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website.

Answer: The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles’ authorized third party testers are listed online HERE.

Answer: You can verify the status of your background check online HERE.

Answer: In addition to all other CDL requirements, you must pass the hazardous materials written exam, submit a background check application, and be fingerprinted.

Answer: Drivers renewing with at least one day left on their current CDL will receive a 90-day permit for hazardous materials. Once your background check is approved by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), you will receive by mail a new CDL with the “H” endorsement.

Answer: The background check and fingerprint application can take up to 90 days to complete. You will not be authorized to haul hazardous materials until your background check and fingerprint application have been approved by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the new license with the “H” endorsement is in your possession.

Answer: A Florida CDL with hazardous materials endorsement is valid for four year.

Answer: Yes. The hazardous materials written exam, background check, and fingerprint application are required during every renewal.

Answer: CDL drivers with a hazardous materials endorsement may renew up to 12 months in advance. To avoid possible loss of eligibility to haul hazardous materials while waiting for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to approve your background check, you are encouraged to make your application at least 30 days prior to expiration of your license.

The following link has information on approved driver improvement or DUI courses: https://www.flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/education-courses/