Driver License Information

Driver License services can be performed at all of our Tax Collector locations. Please note that tests are performed by appointment ONLY. For more information read the Road Test Procedure below. For information on taking the Class E road test after hours or on the weekends contact Ault's Driver Education Center by calling (941)474-5125 or (941)625-2449 or by emailing aults@verizon.net. You can also click HERE for a list of other private providers throughout the state.

Written tests are available in all locations until 3:30 pm. Driver licenses will stop being issued at 4:30 pm.

CDL written testing and endorsement testing is available in the Tax Collectors office. Appointments are encouraged. A list of CDL third party testing facilities can be found HERE.

Driver License Navigation

Commonly Asked Questions

Florida is leading the nation in an effort to provide our residents with a more secure identification document.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2010, Floridians renewing or obtaining a new driver license / identification card are required to show proof of 1) identification, 2) Social Security number and 3) two proofs of residential address.

Why have the license and ID Card Requirements changed?
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.

Will my current License/ID card be valid after January 1, 2010?
Yes, if you were born December 1, 1964 or before your license/ID card will be valid until December 1, 2017 or until expiration. If you were born after December 1, 1964 your license/ID will be valid until December 1, 2014 or until expiration.

Can I still get both a Driver's License and an Identification Card?
Sorry, no. You will have to choose which one you would like to have. Your license acts as an identification card, so it is not necessary to have both.

I lost my license/ID card. Will I have to get one of these new licenses/IDs?
Not necessarily. You can request a replacement license at FLHSMV's website. If you do need to come into the office to request a replacement, then you must bring the required documents as described on the What to Bring website. You will be issued the new license.

I only have copies of my documents, not originals. What should I do?
You will need to request original documentation. For example, a replacement social security card is free, while a copy of a Florida birth certificate is $9.00. If you need help determining how to get replacement documents, visit the What to Bring website. If you are unable to get a replacement, you can request an exception. We should know within 48 hours if your request was granted.

My last name is different than my primary identification. What should I do?
We need to see proof of your name change. 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). If your last name has changed multiple times, you must present a document trail that links your current name to your chosen proof of identity. If you are a non-U.S. citizen, your name change must already be reflected in your primary identification.


Driver License and ID Card Requirements

For office visits, you must bring specific forms of proof for identification, Social Security number and residential address. The checklists here list some valid documents. For more document options, visit the What to Bring website.

1. Identification: U.S. Citizens (Bring one)
  • Certified U.S. birth certificate
  • Valid U.S. Passport
  • Certificate of Naturalization
  • Consular proof of birth abroad
2. Social Security Number (Bring one)
  • Social Security card
  • W-2 form
  • SSA-1099
  • Non-SSA-1099
  • Pay stub showing number
3. Residential Address (Bring two)
      If CDL, please see additional residential requirements below
  • Deed, mortgage, payment booklet, or rental agreement
  • Florida vehicle registration or title
  • Utility bill or hookup/work order

4. Legal Name Change Documents(if applicable)
  • Original or certified copy of all marriage certificates or court orders that show your name change(s). Uncertified photocopies are not valid.
Non-U.S. Citizens

Document requirements are the same for Social Security number (if issued) and residential address. For identification documents please visit the What to Bring website.

Commercial Driver License Residential Address Requirements

To comply with the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles requires all Commercial Driver License (CDL) and Commercial License Permit (CLP) applicants to provide two proofs of Florida residential address in their name.* Applicants must present one proof from List A and one proof from List B.

    List A for CLP / CDL – item presented must be in the applicant’s name:
  • Recent lease or rental agreement for the residence with a term of six months or greater
  • Current Florida voter registration card
  • Florida vehicle registration or title
  • Florida vessel registration or title
  • Current homeowner’s insurance policy or bill
  • Current electricity or water bill
  • Recent cellular or landline telephone bill
  • Recent Internet service provider bill
  • Latest property tax bill
    List B for CLP / CDL – item presented must be in the applicant’s name:
  • Latest W-2 form or 1099 form
  • Recent bank statement
  • Recent credit card statement
  • Latest military orders
  • Recent pay stub
  • Recent official government documents

CLP or CDL applicants unable to provide a proof of residential address from List A must provide a Declaration of Domicile filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court pursuant to Florida Statutes, Section 222.17 AND one proof of residential address document from List B.
*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.

Road Test Procedure

Road Test services are available by appointment only. Charlotte County residents will be given priority.

    Road Testers will need to bring the following for their road test appointment:
  • A valid learner’s permit or license
  • A valid vehicle registration
  • Current Florida insurance
  • A licensed driver 21 years or older (not a driving school instructor)
    You must provide a vehicle that is safe to drive and insured. The vehicle must:
  • Have a valid license plate
  • Have a valid vehicle registration
  • Have proof of valid Personal Injury Protection and Property Damage Liability Insurance
  • Pass a vehicle safety inspection
  • Have operable seatbelts (exception: cars manufactured prior to 1968 and trucks manufactured prior to 1972)

The examiner/tax collector licensing agent will inspect your vehicle before the test is started. If your vehicle does not meet the minimum safety requirements, your driving test will be rescheduled. Learn more about Vehicle Safety Inspection Requirements below.

When you appear for your driving test, the driving test examiner will ask to see the driver’s learner permit or license, accompanying passenger’s license, vehicle registration, and vehicle insurance .

There is a fee of $6.25 for the initial road test. If you do not pass, you may schedule an appointment to attempt the road test on another day. Only one attempt is allowed per day. A $26.25 retake fee is charged for each subsequent attempt.

Vehicle Safety Inspection Requirements

Your vehicle must meet the minimum safety requirements.

Your driving test begins with a vehicle safety check. This pre–drive inspection demonstrates that you are familiar with your vehicle and that your vehicle meets the DMV’s minimum safety requirements. You will be asked to identify and/or demonstrate parts of the vehicle commonly used in driving. If your vehicle does not meet the minimum safety requirements, your driving test will be rescheduled.

    VEHICLE INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS:
  • Horn must be heard from 200 ft
  • Must have rearview mirror (inside or outside)
  • Directional signals or knowledge of hand signals (if directional signals are not working)
  • Two (2) Brake lights must work
  • Headlights
  • Doors must open from inside & outside
  • Driver & passenger windows must work
  • Car must be clean (We reserve the right not to administer a driving test)
  • Emergency brake must work
  • Tires must be in good condition (Cannot be worn)
  • Windshield wipers must work.
  • Glass must have clear view to front, sides and rear

The items listed above are not inclusive; please refer to the official Florida Drivers Handbook for additional information.

Commercial Driver License Entry-level Driver Training

Skills Testing Prerequisite

Applicants with a Commercial Learner Permit issued on or after February 7, 2022, must successfully complete a mandatory theory (knowledge) and behind-the-wheel (BTW) training program prior to taking the CDL skills testing.

    This includes
  • Obtaining a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time;
  • Upgrading an existing Class B CDL to a Class A CDL; or
  • Obtaining a school bus (S), passenger (P), or hazardous materials (H) endorsement for the first time.
Hazardous Materials Prerequisite

Applicants for a hazardous materials (H) endorsement must complete mandatory theory training provided by a training provider listed on FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry prior to taking the knowledge test for the H endorsement unless a hazardous materials (H) was obtained prior to February 7, 2022.

ELDT Exceptions:
  • Applicants with a CLP issued prior to February 7, 2022 who obtain a CDL before the CLP expires are not subject to the ELDT requirements.
  • Individuals who hold a valid CDL, including those with an S, P, or H endorsement, are not required to complete additional ELDT training unless upgrading or adding endorsements as indicated above.
  • Any individual who meets one of the exceptions for taking a skills test is also exempt from the ELDT requirements.
Helpful Links

Hazmat Information

We offer Commercial Driver License HAZMAT Endorsement services in our Punta Gorda office by appointment only. For more information please visit the following pages:


Military Driver License Information

Military Driver License Extension
  • This extension is available to military personnel and members of their immediate family residing with them that hold a Florida driver license. It may extend your driving privilege until 90 days after discharge or your return to Florida to live.
  • Download form HSMV 73032 with instructions or call 850-617-2000 for assistance.
Commercial Driver License
  • Military personnel who have separated from service no more than 90 days before application date may apply for a certification for waiver of a commercial driver skill test for military personnel. Form HSMV 71054 - Certification for Waiver of Skill Test for Military Personnel must be completed by you and your commanding officer. If you do not meet all of the requirements, you will be required to take the commercial driver license skills tests.
Driver License & State ID Fee Exemption
  • Any honorably discharged veteran who has a valid FDVA disabled veteran ID card or who has been determined to have a 100% total and permanent service-connected disability and is qualified to obtain a driver license is generally exempt from most fees.
Veteran's Designation
  • This designation is offered on a Florida driver license and Florida identification card as a convenient way to provide proof of veteran status. You must present your DD-214 Showing your honorable discharge from active duty.
Military Links

Driver License Forms and Files

 

Driver License Links