DMV Florida Guide For New Residents

Every day, about 1,000 people relocate to Florida. The migrants are coming from all over the United States, including the northeast, midwest, and west coast. Many new Floridians are retirees, while others are young working families. The good news is that there is plenty of space available in Florida. Housing is plentiful in many locations, as are jobs, and the Florida government, including the DMV, is working hard to make it easier for new Florida citizens to settle in. The following are guides to the important actions that new Floridians must do.

Within 30 Days…

Florida law requires that you obtain a Florida driver's license within 30 days of moving to the state. If you do one of the following, you are a resident:
  • Enroll your children in a public school in Florida.
  • Accepting employment.
  • Sign up to Vote
  • Apply for a homestead exemption.
  • Reside in Florida for more than six months in a row

What You Should Do

Schedule An Appointment

The first step is to make an appointment with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. The Online Appointment Service and Information System (OASIS) allow you to schedule appointments online. Appointments fill up quickly, especially in high-traffic areas, so make your reservation approximately a week or two in advance. You can also go to your local DHSMV and try to finalize your Florida driver's license transfer the same day. As you may be aware, many of these offices have lengthy wait times. If you go this way, you'll want to know the best times to go to the DHSMV to prevent having to wait all day.

Prepare Your Documents and Fees

When you go to the DHSMV for a license transfer, having the necessary documentation and fees on hand will help you avoid headaches and delays. After arranging your appointment or deciding when you want to walk in, make sure you can readily access the following items:

Primary Identification

  • Valid US Passport
  • Birth Certificate
  • Certificate of Citizenship and Naturalization

Social Security Number

  • Social security card
  • W-2 form
  • Paycheck or paystub
  • SSA-1099

Proof of Residential Address

  • Utility bill
  • Residential lease agreement
  • House deed
  • Florida voter registration card
  • Homeowner insurance policy or bill
  • Vehicle insurance policy or bill

Valid Out of State Driver License

  • A valid, unexpired driver's license from one of the 50 states

Fees

  • $48 Driver License Fee

Pass The Vision Test

When transferring your driver's license to Florida, you will just be required to take the vision test. New residents are not required to take either the knowledge or driving tests, making the process extremely straightforward for anyone wishing to obtain a new driver's license. The vision exam can be completed at the DHSMV, a licensed Florida doctor's office, or a federally recognized veterans' hospital. The test must be performed by a medical doctor, osteopathic physician, or optometrist if taken outside of the DHSMV. You must pass with 20/40 eyesight or greater. The DHSMV will not accept exam findings from out-of-state doctors.

Get Your Florida Driver's License

If you've recently moved to Florida and are wondering what the Florida driver's license requirements are for out-of-state drivers or if you can transfer an out-of-state license to Florida, the answer is simple: you need a Florida driver's license to become a permanent resident, and you have 30 days to get one. The good news is that you will not be required to take a driver's test, though you will need to do a vision test. All you have to do is transfer your license from your previous state to your new state. This is a simple process that may be completed at your local DMV. Just remember to bring two forms of identification and evidence of residency. We also advise you to bring your birth certificate and a passport.

Temporary License

You will be able to obtain your new driver's license once the DHSMV has approved your paperwork, payments, and vision test results. However, the Department must take the time to develop your new physical card, which will include your name, new address, weight, height, and other information. Your permanent physical driver's license will be delivered to the address you supplied to the DHSMV within 7 to 10 business days. On the other hand, your temporary license is a fully legal credential to use when operating a motor vehicle or simply identifying yourself whenever appropriate.

Registering Your Car

You now understand the Florida driver's license requirements for out-of-state drivers, as well as how to obtain your Florida driver's license. The next step for new Florida citizens is to obtain Florida car registration. After you've received your driver's license, established residency, found work, and enrolled your child in public school, you'll have 10 days to register your vehicle (if applicable). The following are the steps in the procedure:
  • Request a registration transfer while you're at the DMV acquiring your new license.
  • Pay your Florida vehicle registration costs to get two license plates.
  • Put the license plates on your vehicle.
  • Place your registration certificate in the glove box.
  • Place the registration sticker that came with your certificate in the upper right-hand corner of your license plate.
  • Pay all Florida vehicle registration fees.
The Florida registration fee is $255, regardless of whether you're transferring an existing license or purchasing a new one. Remember to bring evidence of insurance and identification, as well as the Application for Certificate of Title With/Without Registration.