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Thank you for your service! Our offices want to make life as easy as possible for all military members and veterans. We understand that your duties may take you outside of Florida or even the country and that you may not always be able to come into an office for an appointment, so we try to offer different resources for assistance.

TITLE & REGISTRATION

  • Non- Resident military members stationed in Florida have the option to title and register their vehicle in Florida, or they may display a current license plate from their home state.
  • Relocation outside of the state of Florida will require the military member to register in their home state or new duty station.
    • A vehicle maintained in Florida must have Florida insurance.  
  • Florida resident military members stationed in another state are permitted to submit out-of-state insurance when registering motor vehicles. You must fill out the Military Insurance Affidavit and comply with the requirements listed. 

ACTIVE MILITARY REPLACEMENT FLORIDA DRIVER LICENSE

  • You can apply online for a replacement online if your citizenship has been established on your driving record through MyDMV Portal.
  • 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

Veteran Designation for Driver License or ID Card

  • Any U.S veteran discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable may have a Veteran Designation placed on his or her driver license
  • The veteran will need to provide a copy of their DD214 or other approved discharge document at the time of issuance
  • Proof of Veteran Status (one of the following):
    • DD Form 2 Armed Forces Retired ID Card
    • DD Form 214 from any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces (copy 4 - members copy)
    • 100% Disabled Veteran Letter indicating the customer was honorably discharged 
    • Veteran Health Identification Card, issued by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
    • Veteran Identification Card, issued by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
  • There is NO COST for the special "Veteran" designation if you are not making any changes to your license or ID card
  • If you would like the "Veteran" designation added to your Florida Driver License or Identification Card but are not yet Real ID compliant, you will need to bring your Real-ID documents as well
  • Veterans who need to obtain a copy of their Form DD 214, may request it through the National Archives, which provides information on how to make the request through the National Archives' website.

Concealed Weapons License

  • Expedited Service for Active Military Members and Veterans
    • Our office is proud to assist with the expediting of Florida concealed weapon license applications for active military members and veterans.
    • Please make an appointment with our North County or South County office.
    • Bring a copy of your Common Access Card or another form of official military identification to our office for your appointment.
      • We also accept a copy of service members’ current orders as proof of active-duty status.
      • Honorably discharged veterans should bring a copy of their DD 214 long form.
    • Find more CWL info

Hunting & Fishing License

  • The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) offers a Military Gold Sportsman’s License to active duty and retired military members who are Florida residents.
    • This is a reduced-fee, annual license.
    • Skip the trip to an office – get your license online!
    • Or visit one of our offices (Please note: appointments are encouraged and prioritized - schedule one online)
    • Find more info on the FWC’s website.

Military Extension Card, FL Residents Deployed Out-of-State, & More...

Forms

FAQ

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? 

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.
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