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Barbara Ford-Coates - Florida Tax Collector serving Sarasota County
Exceptional Staff - Exceptional Service
Offices will be closed Dec. 23, 24 and 25 in observance of the holiday.

Driver's License Overview

Florida Licenses
Most Floridians have a Class E - Operator’s License. Read detailed information on each kind of license issued in Florida by clicking here

Download The Latest Official Florida Drivers License Handbooks


Para información en español sobre licencias de conducir y vehículos, oprima aqui.

 

Real ID Documents Required
In compliance with the federal Real ID law, in 2010 Florida was one of the first states to begin issuing Real ID compliant driver's licenses and identification cards. This means you must have specific documentation when renewing, replacing or obtaining a driver's license or identification card. You are required to bring original documents that confirm you are in this country legally, prove your identity, confirm your social security number and your residential address. A list of the most common documents can be found at document requirements.

Renewal Options
You may renew online or by mail IF you renewed in person last time and you are under 80 years old. If 80 or older, you must take a vision test prior to renewing.

The following requires a visit to one of our Service Centers with your required documents:

  • If you are applying for your first driver's license or identification card
  • If your current card is expired and you have already used the one-time online renewal option
  • If you have changed your name since your last renewal (eg: marriage or divorce) - see below

How do I change my name on my driver’s license or ID Card?
All the information you need can be found at the following government websites. (Please note there are several websites that advertise changing your name for a fee; these are NOT affiliated with any government agency.)

  1. Change your name at Social Security.
  2. After your updated social security card arrives, visit one of our Service Centers. You will need to bring a certified court documents or a certified marriage certificate.
  3. If you are not yet Real ID compliant as explained above, you must meet additional document requirements before obtaining a new driver’s license or ID Card.

Reporting an Unsafe Driver
If you are worried about the driving ability of someone, you can report them. A medical reporting form may be used to report these concerns by the general public, medical professional or law enforcement officer. These reports are confidential and used only to determine the qualifications of the individual to operate a motor vehicle on Florida's highways. No civil or criminal action may be brought against any physician, person or agency for providing this information.

Department Re-Examinations
The Department may, in its discretion, require any licensed driver to submit to an examination or re-examination prior to his or her normal renewal date upon receipt of a recommendation from a court having jurisdiction of traffic offenses, a law enforcement agency, or physician stating that the driver's ability to operate a motor vehicle safely is questionable.

Insurance Requirements
If you fail to maintain Florida insurance, your driver's license and license plate(s) could be suspended for up to three years. If you do not have insurance coverage, you must surrender your license plate to a driver's license office. Read more details about Florida's Insurance requirements.

International Driving Permit
Accepted in over 150 countries outside the United States, is a legal identification document that translates United States driver's license information into 10 foreign languages. The permit is valid for up to one year from the date of issue and must be accompanied by a valid United States driver's license at all times. Florida Residents interested in obtaining an International Driving Permit can visit AAA’s website for more information.