Florida Driver's Handbook 2010

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1. Your License

• 1.1. Classified Driver Licenses
• 1.2. Licensing Information
• 1.3. Identifying Yourself
• 1.4. Non US Citizens
• 1.5. Examination Information
• 1.6. Appointments
• 1.7. License Renewal
• 1.8. Identification Card
• 1.9. Fees
• 1.10. Organ Donor Program/Voluntary Contributions

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Renewing Your Driver License

Driver licenses are valid for six to eight years. Before you renew your license, the driving record is checked. Expiration dates may vary for license renewals issued to non-immigrants. Proof of social security number and proof of residential address is required.

Your license may not be renewed if:

1. You are not qualified to receive a license.
2. You did not answer a summons which involved a traffic violation.
3. Your driver license is suspended, revoked or cancelled.

Renewal Options

Mail
Drivers who are U.S. citizens or immigrants may use a convenience method for every other renewal. You may receive a mail-in renewal packet approximately 30 days prior to your license expiration. There are no additional fees for renewing by mail.

Internet
You can renew by internet at www.gorenew.com.

After your request is processed, you will receive a six or eight year license. Florida law requires that you destroy your old driver license after receiving the new license.

NOTE: Expiration dates may vary for driver licenses issued to Non U.S. citizens.

All drivers who are 80 years of age and who are in the process of renewing their driver license are required to pass a vision test. The test may be administered at the driver license office at no additional charge or your licensed health care practitioner, such as your medical doctor, osteopath or optometrist. A vision examination report must be completed and submitted to the department if your vision test is administered by your doctor. For your convenience, you can ask your health care practitioner to file the form electronically on the web (www.flhsmv.gov/ddl/vision/). Subsequent to it being filed electronically, you will then be able to renew via the internet, telephone, or mail.

Should you elect to have your vision tested at the local driver license office, please schedule an appointment so that we can serve you more efficiently. Upon passing the vision screening, you can complete the renewal process. However, if a problem is detected, you will be referred to your eye doctor for follow-up prior to being able to renew.

Contact Information

By Telephone: Customer Service Center (850) 617-2000 You will be connected with an automated system that will ask for your driver license or social security number. Please have this information available when you call. Automated services are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Customer service technicians are available 7 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., Monday through Friday.

By E-Mail: Vision@flhsmv.gov

Military Renewal by Mail

Members of the U.S. Armed Forces serving on active duty outside of Florida may renew their license by mail without examination. Their spouses and children living with them may do the same. At least three months prior to the expiration of your license, write to: Division of Driver Licenses, 2900 Apalachee Parkway, MS 92, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0575 or email your request at ddl@flhsmv.gov. Provide your name as it appears on your license, the driver license number, your date of birth and out-of-state address and zip code. The department will advise you further by return mail.

Veterans

Any veteran honorably discharged from the Armed Forces who was issued a valid identification card by the Division of Veteran's Affairs of the Department of Administration, or a letter of disability determination from the Veterans Administration and has been determined by the Veteran's Administration to have a 100% service-connected disability, is exempt from paying certain driver license fees such as initial license fees and renewal fees. All identification card fees are exempt.

Name Changes

To have your name changed on your Florida driver license or identification card, you must bring your original or certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order to a driver licenses Issuance office. You will be charged a $25 replacement fee for a new license or identification card.

• Immigrants and Non-Immigrants: you must have your name changed on your Department of Homeland Security Documents before you can change your name on your Florida driver license or identification card.
• Canadian Citizens: you must have your name changed on your Canadian passport before applying for a name change on your driver license or identification car.

Replacement License

If your driver license is lost, stolen or destroyed, apply for a replacement immediately. At your driver license office you will need to:

• Show your identification.
• Sign under oath that your license has been lost or stolen.
• Pay the replacement license fee ($25). You may also apply for a replacement license by internet at www.gorenew.com.
• You will be required to provide proof of your social security number and residential address. (Two documents will be required for proof of residential address.)

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