Florida Residents: DMV question

[SyracuseWolvrine]

I've decided that it's probably time for me to get a FL driver license (lived here since July, have decided to stay here for at least a while). Just had a few questions that I hope someone could help me with.

1. I live in Orange County ... is there somewhere nearby that I can go to get a license, and not have to spend hours waiting in line? (I realize that some DMV offices make appointments, and I'm considering this, but I was wondering if there's a better option) I've heard some tax collection offices can also issue driver licenses ... any truth to this?

2. My current license is a State of Michigan Chauffer's License. (From the research I've done, this is basically equivalent to a FL Class D license). Does anyone know if there is reciprocity ... will I be granted a FL Class D license, based on the fact that I have the equivalent license from Michigan, or is there going to be a separate test to get the Class D license?

3. I have no utility bills in my name. However, I do have a lease showing my current address to be in FL. Is this, along with proof of identity/age/citizenship, enough to be issued a license?

 

[sorcerormickey]

Check out www.myflorida.com and it will give you a list of DL places in your county. I did not have to show anything with my new address on it, which I thought was kind of strange. And, unlike Michigan, you get your DL right then and there, you do not have to wait for it to come in the mail!

 

[BuckNaked]

Remember, you don't have to get your license in your home county. DH got his in Kissimmee when were there last August, and our county of residence is Pinellas.

 

[floridafam]

We moved down from Michigan a few months ago.

I made appts. as soon as we arrived in Florida and the first they had was a month later. Then the hurricanes hit We did not know that our local office had closed due to damage and went on appt. day to an empty office. They are still working out of a bus here and the lines are awful!

There were articles in the local paper about how awful the lines were even before the storms.

I took my MI license and we took our apartment lease. DH didn't need anything as he had a FL license before and was still in the system.

I realized about a month laterr they spelled my name wrong on my license so I get to go wait in line again.

I don't know the answer to your question about special endorsements.

 

[Feralpeg]

I made an appointment to get mine when I moved to Orange county from Missouri. It took about a month to get in, but it only took about 10 minutes at the appointment. I took my Missouri driver's license and my social security card and a utility bill. I did see them turning people away because they didn't have the right documents with them.

Here is the information I used:

Link to Office Locations: http://www.hsmv.state.fl.us/offices/orange.html

United States Citizens

Florida law requires identification, proof of date of birth and social security number (if issued) from all customers before a driver license or identification card can be issued. Each U.S. citizen who applies for an original driver license or identification card must submit:



One of the following (3) documents:



Original or certified United States birth certificate, including territories and District of Columbia; or
Valid United States passport; or
Certificate of Naturalization
Effective April 10, 2002, United States Military ID cards with an officer rank will be accepted as proof of citizenship only; however, not as proof of primary identification.
NOTE: Proof of citizenship or legal presence may be required for renewal, duplicate or replacement licenses. Please come prepared to present one of the above identification documents as proof of citizenship or legal presence.

And a secondary document, which substantiates the primary document, is required. Document may include, but is not limited to, the original or certified copy of one of the following:



School record stating date of birth, which must contain the registrar’s signature.
Transcript of the birth record filed with a public officer charged with the duty of recording certificates.
Baptism certificate, which shows date of birth and the place of baptism.
An insurance policy on the customer’s life which has been in force for at least two years and has the month, day and year of birth.
United States military or military dependent identification card.
Effective April 10, 2002, United States Military ID cards with an officer rank will be accepted as proof of citizenship only; however, not as proof of primary identification.
Florida or out-of-state driver license, valid or expired.
Florida license record or identification card record.
Selective Service Registration (Draft Card).
Florida Vehicle Registration certificate (HSMV 83399, owner’s copy) obtained from the tax collector’s office where the customer’s vehicle was registered, Florida, or out-of-state registration certificate, if name and date of birth are shown.
Florida and out-of-state non-driver identification cards (state issued).
Receipt copy of your last Florida driver license issuance.
Immigration form I-571.
Federal form DD-214 (military record).
Marriage certificate.
Court order, which includes legal name.
A Florida voter registration card, which was issued at least 3 months previously.
Personal identification by an examiner or by a person well known to the examiner.
Social Security Card.
Family bible record or birth announcement in baby book.
Parent consent form of minor.
Out-of-country driver license or identification card, government issued
United States Citizens With Out-of-State Licenses


Any person who holds a license or identification card from the District of Columbia, United States Territories or one of our 50 states (with the exception of those listed below) may present his/her license or ID card as primary identification document. An approved secondary identification document is also required. A social security number, if issued, MUST be included on the application.

Important Note: Driver licenses from the following states


Alaska
Connecticut
Hawaii
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Michigan
Minnesota
Nebraska
New Jersey
North Carolina
Oregon
Rhode Island
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
Wisconsin


are acceptable as secondary identification and to reciprocate driving privileges, and must be accompanied by one of the following:

Original or certified United States birth certificate (including territories and District of Columbia)
Valid United States passport
Certificate of Naturalization.
Effective April 10, 2002, United States Military ID cards with an officer rank will be accepted as proof of citizenship only; however, not as proof of primary identification.

 

[SyracuseWolvrine]

Went to the Tag Agency/Tax Collector's office on W. 50 near John Young Pkwy. Very painless DMV experience. I just had to show my old license, birth certificate, and social security card, and walked out with a new FL license to show for my efforts.

And for those who are wondering, on the basis of the fact that I had a Chauffer's License in Michigan, I was granted a FL Class D (Chauffer's) License, without having to take any additional tests.

 

[Feralpeg]

I'm glad it went so smooth for you. Renewal should be even easier. I renewed my tag the other day. They sent me a card in the mail. I could either send in a check or renew via their website. I went to the website and I got my new sticker two days later. Very easy. It sure wasn't that easy in Missouri.