If you've just moved to Florida, one of the first things you'll want to do is acquire your Florida driver's license. You must apply for a Florida driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency in Florida to avoid fines and penalties. As long as you have a valid license in another state, this is a fairly straightforward and simple process, although identification requirements have been a bit more stringent since 2010. You will be required to surrender your out-of-state license before receiving your Florida license, so don't expect to keep it as a souvenir. The minimum age to acquire a Florida license is 16. Teenagers under 18 looking to transfer a driver's license must have held an out-of-state license or permit for 12 months or more. The signature of a parent or guardian is also required. Documents You'll NeedDMV.us.org marks used herein are service marks of DMV.us.org. Other online product and company names mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners. The materials appearing on DMV.us.org web site could include technical, typographical, or photographic errors. After you get your Florida driver's license, you'll need to insure your car in Florida. To do that, visit a Florida insurance agent. After you have insurance that meets Florida's standards, you can transfer your vehicle's registration and get Florida license plates. The first thing you need to do is round up the necessary documents. To transfer your out-of-state license to Florida, you'll need the driver's license from your previous state; a secondary form of identification, which could include a certified proof of birth, a Social Security card, an insurance policy, or a marriage certificate; proof of address; and proof of your Social Security number. If your driver's license was issued by one of 20 states, it will not be accepted as a primary form of identification; it can only be used as a secondary form of ID. In that case, you must have a birth certificate, a valid U.S. passport or passport card, or a certificate of naturalization in addition to your current driver's license that will serve as your primary form of identification. For proof of birth, a valid U.S. passport or passport card or a state-certified copy of your birth certificate is necessary (hospital certificates are not acceptable). To prove your Social Security number, use your Social Security card (no copies). If you've lost your Social Security card, visit the Social Security Office and request a new one as well as a verification letter, which will be accepted in lieu of the card. To prove your address, you'll need two documents. Acceptable documents include rental or lease agreements, mortgage deeds, recent utility bills, and voter registration cards. If such documents are not available, a note from a parent, guardian or landlord may be acceptable in some cases. Getting Your Florida LicenseAfter you have all the documents you will need, find the nearest Florida Department of Motor Vehicles office. Use the Florida Highway Department's locator to find an office near you. If you want to avoid a long wait, make an appointment. Expect the application process at the DMV office to take about an hour; a bit less if you don't have to wait. After you give the office representative your documents, your driving record will be checked, and if it's clean, the only test you will be required to take is one that checks your vision. If there are issues on your driving record, you might be required to take the written test, and in some cases, you also might have to take a driving test if there is some question about your ability to drive safely. If you do not have an out-of-state license, you will be required to pass a written and possibly a driving road test. TipsIf you are not a U.S. citizen, the ID requirements are even more strict, and you'll need to provide additional documentation, such as a Green Card or naturalization certificate. After you get your Florida driver's license, you'll need to insure your car in Florida. To do that, visit a Florida insurance agent. After you have insurance that meets Florida's standards, you can transfer your vehicle's registration and get Florida license plates. In the state of Florida, Class E (non-commercial) driver licenses are valid for 8 years. You are allowed to renew your license up to 18 months before it expires, and you will pay a renewal fee of $48. How Do I Renew My License?If you hold a Florida driver license that was issued in 2002 or later, you can renew in one of three ways:
Am I Eligible to Renew Online?Not everyone can renew their Florida driver license online. Florida drivers are allowed a one-time “convenience” renewal (meaning renewing online or by mail), but if you have already used one of these methods, you will be required to renew in person. You will also be required to renew in person if you legally changed your name (including name changes due to marriage and divorce). When you renew online, you can pay with an American Express, MasterCard, Visa, or Discover card. What Do I Need to Bring If I Renew in Person?When you visit the driver license office, you will need to bring identification with you, in addition to proof of the following:
Acceptable Documents: Proof of Date of BirthYou must provide one original or certified copy of one of the following documents:
Acceptable Documents: Proof of Social Security NumberYou are required to provide one of these documents, which must show your full name and Social Security number:
Acceptable Documents: Proof of Residential AddressYou must provide two different documents from this list:
What If I’m in the Military?If you are stationed outside of Florida and your citizenship is established on your driving record, you can apply online. You also have the option to request an extension of your driver license. Once you complete it, you can then:
After your request is processed, you will get a free extension card. This card will keep your Class E license valid up until 90 days after you are discharged from military service. You must keep this card with your driver license. What Happens If I Don’t Renew Before My License Expires?If you don’t renew your Florida driver license before it expires, you will have to pay an additional “delinquent fee” when you actually do renew it. That’s why it’s important to always renew on time!
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