Active Military & Veterans

TITLE & REGISTRATION

Are Military Personnel exempt from registering their vessels in Florida? 

• Out-of-state registration certificates and numbers for vessels owned by military personnel on active duty in Florida are valid in Florida until their expiration date. Then they must be registered and titled in Florida to be operated on state waters. 

Are non-resident service members who are stationed in Florida exempt from the initial registration fee? 

• The person claiming the exemption must complete and sign an Initial Registration Fee Exemption Affidavit (form HSMV 82002). A list of qualifying exemptions is on the back of the form. 

How can I sell my vehicle or make any changes to my motor vehicle records if I’m out of the state/country?

• You can give a general or a limited power of attorney to a family member or a trusted friend to handle your motor vehicle needs and registration. You must complete & sign a limited Power of Attorney form (HSMV 82053). 

How do I purchase a military license plate? 

• All military license plates, except Medal of Honor, are available in our offices (Please note: appointments are encouraged and prioritized - schedule one online)

I’m going to be deployed when my registration expires, how soon can I renew it? 

• You can renew up to three months prior to your birth month. You can also choose the biennial (2-year) option when you renew. 

I’m stationed in Florida, but I’m a resident of another state. Do I have to register my vehicle here? 

• Non-resident service members are not required to register their vehicles in Florida. Check with your state of residence for other requirements. 

Is there a package of forms for active-duty military members to assist them with titling and registering their vehicles? 

• The package can be found on the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle's website.

DRIVER LICENSE & ID CARDS

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, which provides information on how to make the request online.

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.
• 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.

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

• If your driver 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 driver 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).
• 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. You can find the application online.
• 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.

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.