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LICENSE & REAL ID

Where can I get the latest information on the REAL ID requirements to obtain a Florida driver license or identification card?

  • Check out our Required documents page for a handy checklist
  • All identity documents must be the original government-issued item; no copies will be accepted.

 

What do I need to transfer my driver license or ID card from another state to Florida?

  • Be sure to bring your out-of-state driver license and all required documents to one of our offices (Please note: appointments are encouraged and prioritized - schedule one online)
  • Applicants under the age of 18 must have signed parental consent. You must surrender any Florida and out-of-state driver licenses or ID cards.

 

Why have the license and ID card requirements changed to REAL ID?

  • The REAL ID Act of 2005 is a law passed by Congress that sets forth requirements for state driver licenses and ID cards that will be accepted by the federal government for “official purposes.”
    • The “official purposes” are boarding commercially operated airline flights, entering federal buildings, and entering protected areas such as nuclear facilities, airports, and other sensitive sites.
  • The REAL ID Act was passed in response to the 9/11 attacks. Florida was one of the first states to receive the Department of Homeland Security certification as a REAL ID State in 2013.

 

Where can I find additional information on the Real ID requirements?

 

I only have copies of my documents, not originals. What should I do?

  • You will need to request certified government-issued identification documents. If you need help determining how to get replacement documents, visit the CDC Vital Records Website.

 

My last name is different than what is on my primary identification document. What should I do?

  • You will need to provide proof of the name change
    • 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
    • If you have not updated your current name with Social Security, you will need to do so before coming into one of our offices

 

How do I change my name on my Florida license or ID card?

  • Before visiting one of our offices, you must legally change your name with a Social Security office. 
    • Make sure you bring:
      • Valid U.S. passport in current name – OR-
    • Original or certified name change documents for all name changes (marriage, divorce, adoption, legal name change, etc.)
    • You must be able to show a continuous link from birth name to current legal name
    • Church marriage documents are not acceptable

 

Can my child be issued a Florida ID card?

  • Children five years of age and older can obtain a Florida ID card.

 

I lost my driver license / ID card. How do I replace it?

  • Apply for a replacement online through MyDMV Portal
  • If your ID is not REAL ID compliant, you must visit one of our offices

Testing and Learner’s Permits

What is required to obtain a Florida learner’s permit?

  • One form of ID
  • Proof of social security
  • Two proofs of address
  • Be at least 15
  • Pass a vision test
  • Pass a knowledge exam
  • Complete a FLHSMV approved Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Course
  • Find more info on our Learner’s Permit page 

 

I am 18 years old and applying for my first driver license. What do I need to do?

  • Complete a FLHSMV approved Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Course
  • Pass the Vision and Class E General Knowledge tests (50 questions) at one of our offices to obtain a learner’s permit
  • Applicants who passed the road skills exam can be issued a regular operator’s license without delay
  • First-time applicants also must meet REAL ID requirements

 

 

My Class E Driver License is expired. Will I need to take any tests to renew?

  • All in-office renewals require a vision exam or bring in a completed FLHSMV Report of Eye Examination Form 72010

 

 

Can I take the written exam online?

 

How do I obtain a driver handbook for Florida?

 

 

Which offices offer driver license, road tests, or hazardous materials application services?

  • All our offices provide driver license services 
  • Class E Road Tests are provided at North County and South County
    • Road tests require an appointment, schedule one online
  • CDL hazardous materials endorsement testing and processing are available at  South County 
    • These services require an appointment, schedule one online

 

Suspensions

My driver license may be suspended. How can I find out without visiting an office?

  • You can check the status of your driver license online through MyDMV Portal

I received a letter asking for insurance information for my driver license. How do I update my insurance information?

 

I received a traffic citation. How can I keep the points off my Florida license?

  • You must contact the Clerk of Court in the county the citation was received in and arrange to attend a driving school prior to paying the citation
  • Only for citations received in FL
  • CDL drivers cannot attend driving school to avoid points on their license
  • Find more info online from the FL Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle’s website

 

 

I received a citation. How can I verify if I can attend a driver school to avoid points?

  • You can check this online using MyDMV Portal
  • This only applies to citations received in FL
  • CDL licensed drivers are not eligible

 

What courses are approved for driver improvement or DUI?

  • Find more info on the State’s website

Medical

How do I report someone who should no longer be driving?

  • Anyone can report a driver who may be unsafe to operate a motor vehicle because of a medical condition.
  • The report should be made in writing, giving the full name, date of birth, address, and a description of the alleged physical or mental disability that could affect the driving ability of any person over 15 years of age.
  • See more detailed information on the Medical Conditions & Driver Safety brochure provided by the FL Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).
  • Form 72190 - Medical Referral Form - may be used to report these concerns.
  • These reports are kept strictly confidential and shall be used only to determine the qualifications of the individual to operate a motor vehicle on Florida’s highways. No civil or criminal action may be brought against any physician, person, or agency for providing this information.

Military

I’m in the military stationed outside of Florida and my license/ID card is about to expire. How do I request an extension?

  • Military personnel and members of their immediate family residing with them (spouse, son, daughter, and stepchildren) 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
    • Find the extension application online
    • A Commercial Driver License (CDL) may not be extended. A CDL must be renewed in person
    • Military extension cards may not be accepted in some countries when serving overseas

 

I’m in the military stationed outside of Florida and my license/ID card was stolen/lost/destroyed. How do I get it replaced?

  • You can apply for a replacement license or ID card online if your citizenship has been established on your driving record

 

How do I get the VETERAN designation on my Florida 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 a replacement where we only add 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
  • Veterans who need to obtain a copy of their DD-214 may request it through the National Archives

 

I am a member of the armed forces and a Florida resident. How can I obtain a commercial driver license (CDL)?

  • 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

 

Commercial Driver Licenses

How do I apply for a commercial driver license (CDL)?

  • A CDL is a professional license that will require additional testing far beyond that of a regular license
  • Requirements for Real ID apply to all CDL applicants.
  • Visit the State (FLHSMV) site for more info on CDL requirements

 

My commercial driver license is expired. Will I need to take any tests to renew?

  • All in-office renewals require a vision exam or bring in a completed Report of Eye Examination - Form 72010
  • If your CDL is expired 1 year or more, you will also be required to pass the Class E written exam, any required knowledge CDL exams, and all applicable CDL skills tests

 

What are the residency requirements for a commercial driver license (CDL)?

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

 

 

I am a member of the armed forces and a Florida resident. How can I obtain a commercial driver license (CDL)?

  • 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

Does Florida require a valid medical card for CDL licensed drivers?

  • Yes, unless they are exempt
  • Find more info about CDL medicals from the FLHSMV (Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles)

 

I have passed the written commercial driver license exams. How do I contact a third-party tester for the driving exams?

  • Find FL State authorized testing sites online

 

 

How do I renew my Florida commercial driver license (CDL) with a hazardous materials endorsement?

  • In addition to all other CDL requirements, you must pass the hazardous materials written exam, submit a background check application, and be fingerprinted.
  • Find more info on the FLHSMV’s website

 

I have a Florida commercial driver license (CDL) with a hazardous materials endorsement. Will I still be allowed to carry hazardous materials while my renewal application is being processed?

  • 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 a new CDL with the “H” endorsement via mail.

 

I am applying for a hazardous materials endorsement on my Florida CDL. When will I be able to haul hazardous materials?

  • 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.

 

How long is a Florida CDL with hazardous materials endorsement valid?

  • Four years

 

I have to renew my Florida CDL in 15 months. If I add the hazardous materials endorsement now, will I have to pass the written exam, background check, and fingerprint application again when I renew?

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

 

How far in advance can I renew my Florida CDL with hazardous materials endorsement?

  • 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
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