When you need to get something important done at the DHSMV, it can be a hassle, especially when you realize you may have to wait for hours before you can actually turn in your paperwork or talk to an employee. You can try to avoid this problem by visiting during slow periods at the DHSMV, but even then you may encounter long wait times. Fortunately, the Florida DHSMV allows patrons to book appointments for specific times, reserving them a
spot well in advance and saving them precious time during the day. OASIS is a convenient online service run by the Florida DHSMV that helps you schedule appointments for a wide variety of traffic services. Select the branch nearest you and what you are trying to accomplish with your trip to the DHSMV. OASIS will present you
with the next available times for your selected branch, and you can choose the one that suits your schedule best. OASIS connects to all branches throughout the state, so it is easy to find what you are looking for, no matter what county you are in. While not every service is available at every branch, appointments are available for a large variety of things at the DHSMV. Most written driving exams and renewals can be scheduled,
such as your permit exam, license exam, motorcycle license exam, license renewal, and converting an out-of-state license to a Florida license. You will also be required to schedule behind-the-wheel road tests, as the DHSMV must ensure that an employee is available to test and evaluate you. Most other miscellaneous tasks, like changing your name/address or reinstating a suspended license, can also be booked ahead of time. If your branch does not
offer appointments for the service you need, or the available times do not suit your schedule, you can still prevent long wait times by avoiding the DHSMV during peak hours. Stay away from the DHSMV: If you want to avoid the rush of people, be sure to go: If possible, avoid going to the DHSMV office altogether by getting your tasks processed online. Initial car registrations, titling, and driving exams will unfortunately need to be completed in person, but things like annual registration, paying
or contesting traffic tickets, and registering a change of name or address can be done on the Florida DHSMV website. As long as the DHSMV has your information on file, you can complete those basic services online. 1. Where can I get the latest information on the requirements to obtain a Florida driver license or identification card? Answer: The website What to Bring has all the information to assist you in making a checklist of the required documents. All documents must be the original government-issued item; no copies will be accepted. 2. What do I need to exchange my driver license or identification card from another state to Florida? Answer: Proof of Identity – Florida law requires applicants for a driver license or identification card to present the following identification documents:
Handwritten documents are not accepted. Contact the Social Security Administration at least 48-72 hours before making application for a driver license or identification card when changing names. NOTE: Applicants under age 18 must have signed parental consent. You must surrender all Florida and out-of-state driver licenses or ID cards. Acceptable Identity Documents: A complete list of acceptable identification and proof of Social Security documents are available online at www.flhsmv.gov or What to Bring 3. How will I prove my identity under the Real ID requirements? Answer: All customers must bring in the following documents to prove their identity and receive their licenses or IDs. Provide one of the following proofs of primary identification:
Note: 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. AND — Provide two proofs of residential address: For Class E Driver License or Identification Card
AND — Provide one of the following proofs of Social Security number:
4. I just turned 21. What do I need to do to get the "over 21" horizontal license? Answer: If you are REAL ID compliant, meaning your license/identification card has a gold star toward the top right corner, you are only required to bring the current license/identification card in the office. If there is a change to your REAL ID compliant license/identification card, such as address change, you will need to bring in proof of the requested change. If you are a non-immigrant, you are required to present proof of legal presence, and if you have an address change, proof of your new address is required. For a list of acceptable proofs of address see above Documents Required- Proof of Residential Address If you are not REAL ID compliant, you will need to bring the standard REAL ID required documents to prove legal residence. These documents are outlined HERE. The cost for updating your license is $31.25. 5. I changed my address online after receiving a Real ID compliant card. Will I have to present proof of address during my next office visit? 6. How do I get the VETERAN designation on my Florida License or Identification Card? Answer: Florida veterans who honorably served their Country can now add a veteran designation to their driver 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 replacements where we are only adding 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. Go to What to Bring to ensure you have all the other required documents. The Tax Collector service fee is waived for all transactions when proof of Veteran status is presented or is already on file. 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 HERE. 7. Which tax collector offices offer driver license and identification card services? All Tax Collector Offices provide driver license services by appointment only. Class E Road tests are only provided at the Northwest Branch Office and CDL Hazardous Materials Applications are only provided at the Southwest Branch Office. 8. Why have the license and ID card requirements changed? Answer: 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. 9. Where can I find additional information on the Real ID requirements? 10. I only have copies of my documents, not originals. What should I do? Answer: You will need to request certified documents. For example, a replacement Social Security card is free, while a certified Florida birth certificate processed in the Tax Collector’s office is $21.25. If you need help determining how to get replacement documents, visit What to Bring and click on “Document Help” or call our Customer Service Line at (352) 374-5236. 11. Can I still get both a driver license and an identification card? Answer: Unfortunately, no. Florida law requires the surrender of all licenses and identification cards in your possession to be issued a new driver license or identification card. 12. Does the Real ID Act require me to purchase a new driver license or identification card immediately? Answer: No, since Florida is a Real ID compliant State you have until May 3, 2023 to obtain a new credential unless your renewal is prior to this date. https://www.dhs.gov/real-id However, if you must visit an office to update or make any changes to your license, you will be required to comply with the Real ID requirements. For instance, if you have used the one-time convenience renewal option, your next renewal must be in an office. Name changes, name corrections, and date of birth corrections will require a visit to an office. 13. What is required to obtain a Florida learner’s license? Answer:
A parent accompanying the applicant and who is signing the parental consent form in the office may provide two (2) documents that show their residential address or provide one (1) address document and a Certification of Address form with Section A completed self-certifying their residential address. The Certificate of Address is available HERE. 14. My driver license is expired; will I need to take any tests to renew? Answer: All in-office renewals require a vision exam and are subject to all of the identification requirements of the Real ID Act. If your license has been expired for 1 year or more you will also be required to pass the Class E written examination. Click here for Practice Test 15. I am 18 years old and applying for my first driver license. What do I need to do? Answer:
First time applicants also must meet all the identification requirements of the Real ID Act. 16. Can I take the written exam online? Answer: Applicants under age 18 may take the written exam online. A parent must be present to proctor the exam and accompany the applicant to the office to sign an affidavit. Falsification of parental proctoring will result in license suspensions for the parent and applicant. 17. Is it better or cheaper to take the written exam online? Answer: While we gladly accept online testing results, parents should investigate the fees associated with online testing. The original Florida licensing fee includes one attempt at the required exam. 18. I lost my license/ID card. Will I have to get one of these new licenses/IDs? Answer: Yes, as of January 2021 you will no longer be allowed to replace or renew a driver license or ID card online if you are not Real ID compliant. Appointments are required to receive service at a branch office and can be scheduled here: Book Appointment. If you are already Real ID Compliant (Gold star in the upper right of license) you may obtain a replacement online through the State’s MyDMV Portal. 19. My last name is different than what is on my primary identification document. What should I do? Answer: We need to see proof of your name change. If your name has changed multiple times, you must present a document trail that links your current name to your primary identification document. 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). Church certificates are not acceptable. For example, let’s say the last name on your birth certificate is Brown. You got married and changed your name to Smith. You got divorced, remarried, and your name changed to Johnson. You must provide a marriage certificate showing your name change from Brown to Smith, and you must also show a marriage certificate of your name change from Smith to Johnson. If your marriage certificate showing your name change to Johnson has your maiden name Brown listed on it, you will not need to bring in any previous marriage licenses. If you bring in a valid US passport in your current name, we do not need a birth certificate or any marriage licenses. 20. I have lost my Social Security card. How can I get a new one? Answer: Complete an application for a new card and mail or show it and your identification documents to a Social Security Administration office. The application and list of acceptable forms of identification are available at the Social Security Administration Web Site: www.ssa.gov. The Social Security office is located at 4562 NW 13th Street, Gainesville FL, 32609 (1-877-219-8323). 21. How do I change my name on my Florida license or identification card? Answer: If you have legally changed your name by marriage or court order, you must submit the original or a certified copy of your marriage certificate or court order. If your name has changed several times, you will be required to provide a document trail that links your current name to the identification documents provided. If your marriage license with your current name has your maiden name listed on it, then we do not need to see any previous marriage licenses. No photocopies will be accepted unless certified by the issuing authority. Church certificates are not acceptable. A valid US passport with your new name may be used to update your license. Please allow 48-72 hours to pass after you changed your name with the Social Security Administration before you come into our office to change your name on your license or ID card. If you are not a US citizen, you must have your name changed on your USCIS documents (i.e. Permanent Resident card, Foreign Passport, etc) as well prior to coming in to change your license. 22. How long do I have to change my name or address on my driver license or identification card? Answer: Thirty (30) days. Name Changes must be made in an office, and you must comply with the Real ID Requirements. If you change your address in an office, you must comply with the Real ID requirements. You will be required to show two proofs of residential address to update your address on your license or identification card. If you have a Real ID compliant card and change your address online, you will be required to present two proofs of your new address during the next office visit. For a list of acceptable proofs of address see above Documents Required- Proof of Residential Address 23. Can my child be issued a Florida identification card? Answer: Children five years of age and older can obtain a Florida identification card. Children under five years of age applying for a disabled parking permit also may be issued a Florida identification card. Please be prepared to meet the Real ID requirements and present the handicap placard application signed by a doctor. Beginning November 1, 2009, no driver license or ID card will be required to obtain a handicap placard. 24. I received a traffic citation. How can I keep the points off of my Florida license? 25. My driver license may be suspended. How can I find out without visiting an office? Answer: You can check the status of your driver license online at www.flhsmv.gov. 26. I’m in the military stationed outside of Florida and my license/ID card was stolen/lost/destroyed. How do I get it replaced? Answer: You can apply for a replacement online if your citizenship has been established on your driving record. -or- 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. 27. I’m in the military stationed outside of Florida and my license/ID card is about to expire. How do I request an extension? Answer: If your driver’s license or ID card is scheduled to expire when you are deployed or stationed outside of Florida, you are encouraged to renew before you deploy or move. A Florida Class E driver license may be renewed up to 18 months prior to the expiration. A Florida commercial driver license (CDL) may be renewed up to 12 months prior to the expiration. A Florida identification card may be renewed up to 12 months prior to the expiration. If you are out-of-state or country with a Real ID compliant license/ID (gold star in upper right corner) you may be eligible to renew online at MyDMV Portal . In addition, you may order a replacement license at any time if you lose your license or if your address changes. Military personnel and members of their immediate family residing with them (spouse, son, daughter, and step-children) 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. Click here to download an application. A Commercial Driver License may not be extended. 28. How do I apply for a commercial driver license (CDL)? Answer: Customers applying for a CDL should consider this a professional license that will require additional testing far beyond that of a regular license. Customers wishing to apply for a CDL are strongly encouraged to obtain a CDL handbook prior to setting appointments for testing. Click the link HERE to
download a copy of the CDL handbook. Class A License
Class B License
Class C License
All CDL applicants must also pass the CDL pre-trip, basic skills, and driving exams in a commercial motor vehicle of the proper license class. Effective February 7, 2022, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) for entry level commercial drivers. The training requirements must be verified prior to taking a skills tests with the exception of drivers taking the hazardous materials knowledge exam for the first time. Verification of completion of the ELDT is required before the hazardous materials knowledge exam can be administered. FMCSA’s Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) regulations set the baseline for training requirements for entry-level drivers. This includes those applying to: · Obtain a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time; · Upgrade an existing Class B CDL to a Class A CDL; or · Obtain a school bus (S), passenger (P), or hazardous materials (H) endorsement for the first time. The ELDT regulations are not retroactive; individuals who were issued a CDL or an S, P, or H endorsement prior to February 7, 2022,are not required to complete training for the respective CDL or endorsement. If an applicant who obtains a CLP prior to February 7, 2022, obtains a CDL before the CLP or renewed CLP expires, the applicant is not subject to the ELDT requirements. Any individual who meets one of the exceptions for taking a skills test in 49 CFR Part 383 is also exempt from the ELDT requirements. For additional information please visit FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training For a list of ELDT providers please visit the following site: https://tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov/Search *These are examples of the testing requirements and may vary depending on the vehicle driven and loads carried. Refer to the CDL handbook for additional testing requirements. NOTE: Requirements for Real ID apply to all CDL applicants. 29. What are the residency requirements for a commercial driver license (CDL)? Answer: CFR 384.212 provides that CDLs or CLPs may only be issued to a person who resides within that state and has their true, fixed, and permanent home and principal residence to which they have the intention of returning whenever they are absent. 30. I am a member of the armed forces and a Florida resident. How can I obtain a commercial driver license (CDL)? Answer: 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. 31. Does Florida require a valid medical card for CDL licensed drivers? Answer: Yes, unless exempt. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations require all commercial driver license holders to certify with the State’s driver license agency in one of the four categories below prior to the issuance or renewal of a CDL. Those certifying in non-excepted interstate or intrastate commerce (Category 1 or 3) also must ensure their medical documentation is on file with the state issuing agency and that it remains current. Failure to present valid medical documentation when required will result in the denial of the issuance or renewal of the CDL. Failure to maintain current medical documentation on file may result in CDL disqualification. 1. Non-excepted Interstate: I operate or expect to operate in interstate commerce and am required to maintain federal medical certification (medical card required). CDL holders can no longer claim exemption from medical certification requirements because they are not currently operating in non-excepted interstate or intrastate commerce. If not specifically included in Category 2 or 4 above, they must maintain their medical certification or downgrade to a non-commercial license. Note: If you self-certify in a category exempt from medical certification requirements (Category 2 or 4) and later change to a non-exempt type of operation (Category 1 or 3), you must recertify in the appropriate category and provide proof of valid medical certification to avoid potential enforcement actions. For additional information and frequently asked questions concerning medical requirements, visit: www.flhsmv.gov/ddl/cdlmedicalcert.html https://ask.fmcsa.dot.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/140 32. I received a citation. How can I verify if I can attend a driver school to avoid points? Answer: You can verify your driver school eligibility online at www.flhsmv.gov by using the online driver license check. Only citations received in Florida are eligible. CDL licensed drivers are not eligible. 33. I have updated my Social Security information. How can I verify it now matches? Answer: You can verify your Social Security information online at www.flhsmv.gov by using the online driver license check. 34. I received a letter asking for insurance information for my driver license. How do I update my insurance information? When insurance information is requested by Tallahassee for your driver record, you can update the records online at www.flhsmv.gov by using the online driver license check. 35. How do I obtain a driver handbook for Florida? Answer: Handbooks are available HERE on the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website. 36. I have passed the written commercial driver license exams. How do I contact a third party tester for the driving exams? Answer: The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles’ authorized third party testers are listed online HERE. 37. I have been fingerprinted for my hazardous materials endorsement. How can I check the status of my background check?
Answer: You can verify the status of your background check online HERE. 38. How do I renew my Florida CDL with a hazardous materials endorsement? Answer: In addition to all other CDL requirements, you must pass the hazardous materials written exam, submit a background check application, and be fingerprinted. 39. I have a Florida CDL with a hazardous materials endorsement. Will I still be allowed to carry hazardous materials while my renewal application is being processed? Answer:Renewal application for hazmat endorsement should begin at least 30 days in advance of the expiration date to avoid possible ineligibility to transport hazardous materials while awaiting the results. Your renewal notice will advise you of that date. When you apply for the background check, you will be issued a new license with a time-limited Hazmat endorsement. If you apply for your Hazmat renewal less than 30 days of expiration it could cause a longer transaction processing time in the office. Once your background check is approved by TSA, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles will mail you a new license with the Hazmat endorsement that is valid until your license next expires. CDL’s with Hazmat endorsement must be renewed every four years or whenever your CDL license expires. The CDL license or Hazmat endorsement may be renewed up to one year before they expire. 40. I am applying for a hazardous materials endorsement on my Florida CDL. When will I be able to haul hazardous materials? Answer: 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. 41. For how long is a Florida CDL with hazardous materials endorsement valid? Answer: A Florida CDL with hazardous materials endorsement is valid for four years. 42. I have a Florida CDL that is valid for eight years. How will adding a hazardous materials endorsement affect my current license? Answer: Your replacement license with the hazardous materials endorsement will expire in four years. 43. 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? Answer: Yes. The hazardous materials written exam, background check, and fingerprint application are required during every renewal. 44. How far in advance can I renew my Florida CDL with hazardous materials endorsement? Answer: CDL drivers with a hazardous materials endorsement may renew 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. 45. What courses are approved for driver improvement or DUI? How do I get an appointment with the DMV in Florida?For online service, please visit GoRenew.com or MyDMVPortal . Welcome to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles' Online Appointment System especially developed for you, our customer.
Is the Florida DMV accepting appointments?Florida Drivers Ed
If you choose to make an appointment, you can either schedule it over the phone or use the online appointment service. To make an appointment online, visit the OASIS, the Online Appointment Service and Information System. Please browse the website prior to making an appointment.
How do I make an appointment at my local DMV?Please call 1-800-777-0133 to book a specific date that is past the 6 months requirement.
How do I talk to a live person at Florida DMV?Customer Service Center representatives are available Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., (EST) at 850-617-2000. Please be prepared to provide your driver license number, Social Security number, title or vehicle identification number.
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Florida department of highway safety and motor vehicles appointments
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