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Driver License General Information

The Alachua County Tax Collector is an agent for the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Florida residents from any County may receive driver license and motor vehicle services at any of our branches. We provide all driver license services at all three of our public branches, except the following services: Road Skills tests are provided only at our Northwest Branch, and CDL Hazardous Materials Applications are provided only at our Southwest Branch.

Effective February 7, 2022, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) for entry level commercial drivers. This includes current CDL holders adding Passenger, School Bus, or Hazardous Material endorsements for the first time. The training requirements must be verified prior to taking a skills test with the exception of drivers taking the hazardous materials knowledge exam for the first time. Verification of completion of the ELDT is required before the hazardous materials knowledge exam can be administered. For a list of ELDT providers CLICK HERE.

Effective June 1, 2022, the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles requires all Commercial Driver License (CDL) and Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) applicants to provide two proofs of Florida residential address in their name. Self-Certification of address is no longer allowed. CDL applicants that are obtaining a CDL for the first time or updating an address will be required to present one proof of residential address from List A and List B. See below Documents Required-Proof of Residential Address for specific requirements.

Effective February 6th, 2026, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) has directed that all driver license knowledge and driving exams administered in the State of Florida will be offered in English only. Click here for more information.

Services Provided

The following services are provided at all Public Branch Offices. Click here to schedule an appointment.  

  • All nonimmigrant transactions must schedule an appointment. Click Here
  • Original License (not requiring a road test)/ Identification Card – New Photo Taken
  • Original Learner’s License (no road test) – New Photo Taken
  • Driver License- Class E /ID Card Renewals and Replacements – New Photo Taken
  • CDL Renewals Without Hazmat Endorsement- New Photo Taken
  • Original CDL License Without Hazmat Endorsement – New Photo Taken
  • Reinstatement of Sanctions (Suspensions, Cancellations, Disqualifications, Revocations)
  • Driving /Road test services are provided at the Northwest Branch location at 5830 NW 34th Blvd. Gainesville FL, 32653
    • Vehicles used for testing must pass a vehicle inspection and have valid insurance and registration.
  • The Alachua County Tax Collector does not provide CDL Road Skills Testing. A list of State certified CDL skills testing sites is available HERE.
  • CDL Hazmat Endorsement services are provided at the Southwest Branch located at 3837 Windmeadows Blvd. Gainesville FL, 32608
  • To determine type of CDL license or CDL exams required Click Here. 

Tests Administered

The following are tests conducted at the Alachua County Tax Collector’s office. All tests may or may not be required for the type of driver license you seek.

  • Hearing – Drivers applying for a license who are deaf or cannot hear conversation spoken in a normal tone of voice, are restricted to driving with an outside rearview mirror which should be mounted on the left side of the vehicle, or wearing a hearing aid.
  • Vision – Vision testing, using an eye machine located on the counter, is conducted in all driver license service centers. Individuals with visual acuity readings below 20/40 are referred to an eye specialist. Color blindness will not cause any special condition for licensing.
  • Knowledge Exam – To make an appointment Click Here. This test consists of 50 multiple choice questions about traffic laws and traffic signs. (Available in English only). To prepare, review the Florida Driver License Handbook and review the Test Your Knowledge Study Guide. Translation devices are not allowed for exams.
  • Driving/Road Test – This test is conducted in English only by appointment only at our Northwest Branch located at 5830 NW 34th Blvd. Gainesville, FL 32653. To make an appointment Click Here. For a medical driving test please call (352) 374-5236 to schedule an appointment. You must provide a vehicle for the driving test. The vehicle must have a valid tag, proof of insurance, and pass a vehicle inspection. During the driving test, the examiner will observe your ability to control the vehicle and how well you obey traffic laws. Click Here for a list of skills tested on the driving test (Click Here for Spanish). The Alachua County Tax Collector’s office does NOT provide CDL road skills testing. For a list of certified CDL skills testing sites Click Here. Effective February 6, 2026, interpreters and/or translation devices are not allowed for exams.

Gainesville Driving School is authorized by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) to administer driving/road tests as a third-party administrator. This option may be suitable for applicants who need practice, or need a more convenient appointment, such as weekends. Please note, licensees will return to the Tax Collector’s office to process their license upon satisfactory completion of their exam.

Gainesville Driving School is an additional option and provide the following:

  • Business hours and after-hours testing, including weekends
  • Driver License tests, written and road skills (fees apply)
  • Practice tests (fees apply)
  • A vehicle for testing (fees apply)
  • Testing results uploaded immediately upon completion to the FLHSMV.

*Fees charged by  Gainesville Driving School are separate from the cost of the driver license.

* Tests administered by third party providers are subject to random re-testing as required by Section 322.56(3)(b) Florida Statutes.

To schedule an appointment or for additional information visit their website at: Gainesville Driving School.

Attention First Time Licensees

Proof of Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course completion is required for anyone 18 or older that has never held a driver license.

Proof of Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) Course Completion is required for anyone under 18 that has never held a Driver License

Attention Written Testers

WRITTEN TESTS ARE CONDUCTED AT ALL OFFICE LOCATIONS IN ENGLISH ONLY. Please click HERE to make an appointment.

Attention CDL Road Skills Testers

Please note that the Alachua County Tax Collector does not provide CDL Road Skills Testing.  A list of certified CDL skills testing sites is available HERE.

Attention Road Testers

ROAD TESTS ARE CONDUCTED IN ENGLISH ONLY AND BY APPOINTMENT ONLY AT OUR NORTHWEST BRANCH LOCATION AT 5830 NW 34th BLVD. GAINESVILLE FL, 32653. VEHICLES USED FOR TESTING MUST PASS A VEHICLE INSPECTION AND HAVE VALID INSURANCE AND REGISTRATION OR THE TEST CANNOT BE ADMINISTERED. * FOR A MEDICAL ROAD TEST YOU MUST CALL TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT AT (352) 374-5236. INTERPRETERS AND/OR TRANSLATION DEVICES ARE NOT ALLOWED FOR EXAMS. FOR A NON-MEDICAL ROAD TEST PLEASE CLICK HERE TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT.

Attention New Drivers

If you are upgrading from a learner’s license to an operator’s license, you must bring your learner’s license to our office to upgrade. If you do not have your learner’s license, you will be required to pay $31.25 for the upgrade.

Documents Required

Florida law requires proof of identity, Social Security number, and 2 proofs of Florida residential address for a driver license or ID card. To create a personalized checklist of the documents you need to bring, visit What to Bring.

New residential and address requirements are effective October 1, 2024. Please be sure to review the new requirements listed below.

1. Identification (Bring 1):

Please bring one of the following:

  • Original or certified U.S. birth certificate from a government agency
  • Valid, unexpired U.S. passport or U.S passport card
  • Naturalization certificate or certificate of citizenship
  • Consular Report of Birth Abroad

Has your name ever changed?

If the name on your identification document doesn’t match your current legal name, you will need to show an original or certified copy of your marriage certificate(s) (or other legal documents) to prove your current name. Uncertified photocopies of the marriage certificate(s) (or other legal documents) are not acceptable. Church marriage certificates are not acceptable.

Please Note

If you are presenting a US birth certificate using a name other than your current name (if you are divorced or married), you are required to present an original or certified copy of your marriage license showing how you obtained your current name.

Example: If your birth certificate reads “Mary Alice Doe DOB: 03/06/1970” and your Florida Driver License reads “Mary Alice Smith”, we will need an original or certified copy of your marriage license to show how your last name changed from Doe to Smith.

Florida marriage licenses generally have the maiden name on the marriage license. If you have been married more than once and the maiden name appears on the document which connects you to your current name, that is acceptable. If the document you are using for your current last name does not have your maiden name listed, you must present a document trail that links your current name to your primary document. This only applies to US birth certificates. An original or certified copy of your marriage license is not required if you are presenting a US passport in your current name.

Born in Florida and need a copy of your birth certificate? Click here for information on obtaining your Florida Birth certificate.

2. Proof of Social Security Number (An original of one of the following documents with complete name and complete SSN):

  • Social Security card
  • W-2 form (hand-written not acceptable)
  • Pay check stub (hand-written not acceptable)
  • SSA-1099, or non-SSA-1099 (hand-written not acceptable)
  • Self Certification (Self Certification Form is Available Here) – Please note that the social security number must verify through the Social Security Administration system.
  • If you are a non-immigrant in a work status classification you must provide a social security number or a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you are not eligible to obtain a social security number.

3. Class E Driver License or Identification Card Proof of Residential Address (Must Bring 2):

  • Must be Florida residential address. May have out of state address for mailing address.
  • Deed, mortgage, recent monthly mortgage statement, payment booklet, or rental agreement
  • Florida voter registration card
  • Florida vehicle registration or title
  • W-2 form or 1099, or recent paycheck stub (Must be dated within the last 60 days)
  • Utility bill, hookup, or work order (Must be dated within the last 60 days)
  • Current automobile or homeowner’s insurance policy or bill (Must be last bill that is in effect)
  • Financial Statements (bank, credit cards, or investment accounts) (Must be dated within the last 60 days)
  • Medical or health card with address or medical bill (Must be dated within the last 60 days)
  • Letter from shelter or half-way house verifying the customer lives at the agency’s address. (Must be dated within the last 60 days)
  • Current educational transcripts
  • Documents issued by Federal, State, County or City government agencies. (Must be dated within the last 60 days)

If you are unable to provide 2 proofs of residential address in your name: 

Section 322.051 and 322.08, Florida Statutes, require that applicants provide proof of residential address documents to obtain a Florida Class E driver license or identification card.

Two residential address documents from the approved documents list are required. If the applicant cannot provide two approved Florida residential address documents in their name a Certification of Address can be used along with the documents provided by the individual whose name is on the proof of Florida residential address documents.

The individual whose name is on the document and Certification of Address form may appear in person and sign the form in the presence of the issuance personnel, or they may sign the document in the presence of a notary.

The Certificate of Address is available HERE. If this certification is used, you must also provide the required documents specified in this form.

Children in custody of the Florida Department of Children and Families may submit the following notarized affidavit: Click Here for proof of address. 

Only US Citizens and Immigrants are eligible for Commercial Driver Licenses

4. Commercial Driver License (CDL) Proof of Residential Address

Effective October 7, 2024, 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. A current Florida Class E Driver License or Florida Identification card held for a period of more than six (6) consecutive months.

B. A lease agreement, in the customer’s name, that has been in place for a period of more than six (6) consecutive months.

C. A current residential mortgage, in the customer’s name, signed more than six (6) months ago.

D. A current residential deed, in the customer’s name, signed more than six (6) months ago.

E. A Florida Voter Registration Card.

F. A statement of domicile pursuant to section 222.17, Florida Statutes. Click Here for Alachua County Declaration of Domicile.

G. A homestead tax exemption filing on property in this state.

CDL Applicants must also present one proof from List A and one proof from List B OR present two proofs from List A. The document used for proof of Florida residency may also be used for proof of residential address if it meets the requirements listed below. 

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

  1. Recent lease or rental agreement for the residence with a term of six months or greater (Must be dated within the last 6 months)
  2. Current Florida voter registration card
  3. Florida vehicle registration or title
  4. Florida vessel registration or title
  5. Current homeowner’s insurance policy or bill
  6. Current electricity or water bill (Must be dated within the last 60 days)
  7. Recent cellular or landline telephone bill (Must be dated within the last 60 days)
  8. Recent Internet service provider bill (Must be dated within the last 60 days)
  9. Latest property tax bill
  10. Declaration of Domicile: http://www.alachuaclerk.org/forms/DECLARATION_OF_FLORIDA_DOMICILE.pdf filed with the Clerk of Court
  11. Mortgage deed for property in Florida

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

  1. Latest W-2 form or 1099 form (Must be dated within the last 6 months)
  2. Recent bank statement (Must be dated within the last 60 days)
  3. Recent credit card statement (Must be dated within the last 60 days)
  4. Latest military orders
  5. Recent pay stub (Must be dated within the last 60 days)
  6. 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.

Military Extension Card

For information on applying for a Military Extension card to extend your current license for 90 days please refer to this PDF document HERE.

Estimated Fees

  • ORIGINAL/RENEWAL LICENSE OR LEARNER’S LICENSE:
  • ADDRESS CHANGE / REPLACEMENT LICENSE:
  • ORIGINAL/RENEWAL LICENSE WITH MOTORCYCLE END.:
  • REPLACEMENT LICENSE ADDING MOTORCYCLE END.:
  • ORIGINAL/RENEWAL/REPLACEMENT IDENTIFICATION CARD:
  • ORIGINAL/RENEWAL CDL:
  • SCHOOL EMPLOYEE ORIGINAL/RENEWAL CDL*:
  • ADDITIONAL ENDORSEMENTS:
  • REPLACEMENT CDL:
  • HAZMAT APPLICATION FEE:
  • DRIVER LICENSE/CDL RENEWAL LATE FEE:
  • 3 Year Driving History Record
  • 7 Year or Complete Driving History Record
  • $54.25
  • $31.25
  • $61.25
  • $38.25
  • $31.25
  • $81.25
  • $54.25
  • $7.00 each
  • $31.25
  • $91.00
  • $15.00
  • $14.25
  • $16.25
* CDL drivers who are applying for or work for a public or non-public school must present a letter from their employer or their school employment identification card to receive the CDL at the fee listed above.

 Driver License FAQ’s

Answer: The website What to Bring 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 name changes (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 an application for a driver license or identification card when changing names.

NOTE: License 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 What to Bring

Answer: Please see Documents Required on the Driver License page: https://www.alachuacollector.com/driver-license/#documents_required

Answer: If you are REAL ID compliant, meaning your license/identification card has a gold star toward the top right corner, you are only required to bring the current license/identification card in the office. If there is a change to your REAL ID compliant license/identification card, such as address change, you will need to bring in proof of the requested change. If you are a non-immigrant, you are required to present proof of legal presence, and if you have an address change, proof of your new address is required. For a list of acceptable proofs of address see above Documents Required- Proof of Residential Address. 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. For a list of acceptable proofs of address see above Documents Required- Proof of Residential 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 at no additional cost (license fees apply). For replacements where we are only adding the designation and there are no other changes, all fees are waived. For a replacement where the previous license is lost or other changes are made, replacement license fees apply. Go to What to Bring to ensure you have all the other required documents. The Tax Collector service fee is waived for all transactions when proof of Veteran status is presented or is already on file.

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.

All Alachua Tax Collector Offices provide driver license services. Appointments are recommended to ensure an expedited wait time. Class E Driving Tests are provided at the Northwest Branch Office by appointment only. CDL Hazardous Material applications are only provided at the Southwest Branch Office.

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 What to Bring, 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 What to Bring 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:

Effective May 7, 2025, if you do not currently hold a Real ID compliant credential, you would need to obtain one in order to use it as identification when flying domestically or entering Federal buildings.  A valid US passport may also be used if you do not hold a current Real ID credential.
For a list of required documents to become Real ID compliant  or additional Real ID information please Click Here.

Answer:

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 18 or older must have completed a state-approved Traffic Law Substance Abuse Education course. (TLSAE Approved Providers)
  • 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: We will gladly accept online testing results from a State approved Third Party Provider. Parents or applicants should research the fees associated with online testing.  Also, any exam given by a Third Party Provider may be randomly selected by the driver license system for a mandatory re-test without prior notice as Section 322.56 Florida Statutes requires. The original Florida licensing fee includes one attempt of the required exam.

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 change 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. For a list of acceptable proofs of address see above Documents Required- Proof of Residential Address.

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. Only citations received in the state of Florida are eligible: https://www.flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/driver-license-suspensions-revocations/points-point-suspensions/

Answer: You can check the status of your driver license online at https://mydmvportal.flhsmv.gov/home/en/publicweb/dlcheck/.

Answer: You can apply for a replacement license/ID online at MyDMV Portal if you are Real ID compliant and 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 of Florida, you are encouraged to renew before you deploy or move. A Florida Class E driver license may be renewed up to 18 months prior to the expiration. A Florida commercial driver license (CDL) may be renewed up to 12 months prior to the expiration. A Florida identification card may be renewed up to 12 months prior to the expiration.

If you are out-of-state or country with a Real ID compliant license/ID (gold star in upper right corner) you may be eligible to renew online at MyDMV Portal. In addition, you may order a replacement license at any time if you lose your license or if your address changes.

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.

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.

Effective February 7, 2022, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) for entry level commercial drivers. The training requirements must be verified prior to taking a skills test with the exception of drivers taking the hazardous materials knowledge exam for the first time. Verification of completion of the ELDT is required before the hazardous materials knowledge exam can be administered.

 

FMCSA’s Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) regulations set the baseline for training requirements for entry-level drivers. This includes those applying to:

·          Obtain a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time;

·          Upgrade an existing Class B CDL to a Class A CDL; or

·          Obtain a school bus (S), passenger (P), or hazardous materials (H) endorsement for the first time.

 

The ELDT regulations are not retroactive; individuals who were issued a CDL or an S, P, or H endorsement prior to February 7, 2022, are not required to complete training for the respective CDL or endorsement.

 If an applicant who obtains a CLP prior to February 7, 2022, obtains a CDL before the CLP or renewed CLP expires, the applicant is not subject to the ELDT requirements.

 Any individual who meets one of the exceptions for taking a skills test in 49 CFR Part 383 is also exempt from the ELDT requirements.

For additional information please visit FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training For a list of ELDT providers please visit the following site: https://tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov/Search

*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: CFR 384.212 provides that CDLs or CLPs may only be issued to a person who resides within that state and has their true, fixed, and permanent home and principal residence to which they have the intention of returning whenever they are absent.

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  

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/ask-fmcsa?keyword=self-certify&topic=All

Answer: You can verify your driver school eligibility online at www.flhsmv.gov by using the online driver license check. Only citations received in Florida are eligible. CDL licensed drivers are not eligible.

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

Answer: When insurance information is requested by FLHSMV for your driver record, you can provide updated insurance information online at the MyDMV Portal: Click Here.

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: Renewal applications for hazmat endorsement should begin at least 30 days in advance of the expiration date to avoid possible ineligibility to transport hazardous materials while awaiting the results. Your renewal notice will advise you of that date. When you apply for the background check, you will be issued a new license with a time-limited Hazmat endorsement. If you apply for your Hazmat renewal less than 30 days of expiration it could cause a longer transaction processing time in the office. Once your background check is approved by TSA, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles will mail you a new license with the Hazmat endorsement that is valid until your license next expires. CDL’s with Hazmat endorsement must be renewed every four years or whenever your CDL license expires. The CDL license or Hazmat endorsement may be renewed up to one year before they expire.

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 years.

Answer: Your replacement license with the hazardous materials endorsement will expire in four years.

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 the expiration of your license.

Answer: Approved driver improvement information and DUI courses can be found here: https://www.flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/education-courses/.

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