Driver Licenses

Click here for the driver license fee schedule

Click here to complete a driver license check through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website

Click below for a handy checklist of required documents:

• English Version
• Spanish Version

For additional information and requirements, please visit the Department of Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

To determine if you are eligible to use the online system for driver license renewals or updates, you may check your eligibility through the enhanced driver license check from the FLHSMV by clicking the link below.

Click here to check your eligibility for online renewal or replacement

Click here to change your address on your Florida driver license or identification card through the FLHSMV's website.

Click here to download the current Florida driver license handbook through the FLHSMV's website

Click here to update your emergency contact information through the FLHSMV's website

Click here to access a list of driver license forms through the FLHSMV's website

Click here to access additional information on Florida driver licenses and ID cards, including the new security features, designations and other notable items through the FLHSMV's website

Click here for information on designation fees and required documentation through the FLHSMV's website

Click here for information on licensing requirements for teens, graduated driver license laws and driving curfews through the FLHSMV's website

Driver License Requirements

In Florida, non-commercial driver licenses are called “Class E Driver Licenses.” Below are the requirements for obtaining a Class E Driver’s License.

If you are under the age of 18, you must:

• Be at least 16 years old.
• Have held learner’s permit for at least one-year conviction free.
• Take and pass the Driving Skills Road Test at one of our offices. You must provide a vehicle for the driving test. The vehicle must have a valid tag, proof of insurance, and pass a vehicle inspection. During the driving test, the examiner will observe your ability to control the vehicle and how well you obey traffic laws. Road tests are by appointment only. Late arrival to an appointment may require rescheduling. Please note that appointment availability varies greatly by location, especially for road tests. Please check multiple offices for additional dates and times. Also, please be advised that road tests may be postponed or canceled at any time if weather conditions are unfavorable.
• Your parent or guardian or another responsible adult 21 years old or older must be present with their identification to certify that you have had 50 hours of driving experience; 10 of which must include nighttime driving. If such a person cannot be present, they must complete Certification of Driving Experience of a Minor.
• Bring in the required documents to confirm your identity. Click below for a checklist of required documents to obtain a REAL ID:
  
  • English Version
    
  • Spanish Version
• Pay applicable fees.

If you are 18 or older and have never held a learner’s permit or driver’s license before, you must:

• Complete Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education Course. This course is NOT offered in our offices. It must be completed through a third party provider.
• Pass the Traffic Laws and Road Signs test at one of our offices. Please note that this test is only available at our Key West Driver License Office, Marathon Branch Office, and Key Largo Branch Office. The Traffic Laws and Road Signs Test is a computer-based, multiple-choice exam. Studying the Florida Driver’s Handbook before taking the exam is highly recommended.
• Take and pass the Driving Skills Road Test at one of our offices that offer this service. You must provide a vehicle for the driving test. The vehicle must have a valid tag, proof of insurance, and pass a vehicle inspection. During the driving test, the examiner will observe your ability to control the vehicle and how well you obey traffic laws. Road tests are by appointment only. Late arrival to an appointment may require rescheduling. Please note that appointment availability varies greatly by location, especially for road tests. Please check multiple offices for additional dates and times. Also, please be advised that road tests may be postponed or canceled at any time if weather conditions are unfavorable.
• Pass a vision test, so please make sure to wear your glasses or contacts, if needed.
• Bring in the required documents to confirm your identity. Click below for a checklist of required documents to obtain a REAL ID:
  
  • English Version
    
  • Spanish Version
• Pay applicable fees.

If you are transferring your driver’s license from another state, you must:

• Pass a vision test, so please make sure to wear your glasses or contacts, if needed.
• Bring in the required documents to confirm your identity. Click below for a checklist of required documents to obtain a REAL ID:
  • English Version
    
  • Spanish Version
• Pay applicable fees.

Replacement License or ID Card

If your driver license or ID card is lost, stolen, or destroyed, you should apply for a replacement immediately. Depending on your situation, you may be able to replace your license or ID card online through the FLHSMV website. Fees vary from “no fee” to $31.25, depending on your circumstances. Stolen licenses or IDs can be replaced free with a police report that includes a case number on a law enforcement business card, or another official document that proves that your license was stolen.

An appointment is required for road testing services.  You can schedule an appointment at one of the following locations by clicking here:

• Key West Driver License Office
  • 3304 N Roosevelt Blvd
  • (305) 293-6338
• Marathon Branch Office
  • 3015 Overseas Hwy
  • (305) 289-6034
• Key Largo Branch Office
  • 101487 Overseas Hwy
  • (305) 853-3562

Please bring proof of valid vehicle insurance and a current registration for the vehicle you will be testing in.

In the event of inclement weather, road tests will be suspended for the safety of the tester and examiner.

There is a federal requirement that each state have minimum standards for the licensing of commercial drivers.

The State of Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles provides driver license testing information for drivers who wish to have a Commercial Drivers License (CDL). The information provided here is intended to be an introductory guide to the federal and state requirements for obtaining a commercial drivers license (CDL) and operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). Information on CMV operation requirements may be obtained from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

YOU MUST HAVE A CDL TO OPERATE:

• Any single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more.
  • Any combination vehicle with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, provided the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
• A vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver).
• Any size vehicle that requires hazardous material placards or is carrying material listed as a select agent or toxin in 42 CFR part 73. Federal regulations through the Department of Homeland Security require a background check and fingerprinting for the Hazardous Materials endorsement.

To obtain a Florida CDL, you must hold a Florida Class E license and pass knowledge and skills tests. Formal training is the most reliable way to learn the many special skills required for safely driving a large commercial vehicle and becoming a professional driver in the trucking industry. Be prepared to have your photo taken and your vision checked. If corrected lenses are required, please have them with you.

ENTRY-LEVEL DRIVING TRAINING (ELDT):

Skills Testing Prerequisite

Applicants for a Commercial Driver License (CDL) must successfully complete a mandatory theory (knowledge) and behind-the-wheel (BTW) training program prior to taking the CDL skills testing.  This includes:

• Obtaining a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time;
• Upgrading an existing Class B CDL to a Class A CDL; or
• Obtaining a school bus (S), passenger (P), or hazardous materials (H) endorsement for the first time.

ELDT Exceptions:

• Applicants with a CLP issued prior to February 7, 2022, who obtain a CDL before the CLP expires are not subject to the ELDT requirements.
• Individuals who hold a valid CDL, including those with an S, P, or H endorsement, are not required to complete additional ELDT training unless upgrading or adding endorsements as indicated above.
• Any individual who meets one of the exceptions for taking a skills test is also exempt from the ELDT requirements.

Locate a Training Provider

Hazardous Materials Prerequisite

Applicants for a hazardous materials (H) endorsement must complete mandatory theory training provided by a training provider listed on FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry prior to taking the knowledge test for the H endorsement.

Hazardous materials endorsement testing, as well as fingerprinting services, are provided at the Marathon location.

ENDORSEMENTS

“Endorsement” means a special authorization, which permits a driver to drive certain types of vehicles or to transport certain types of property or a certain number of passengers. The following endorsements can be placed on Class A, B, or C commercial driver licenses.

H. (Placarded Hazmat) – Issued to those who have passed the required written and skills tests and who will transport placarded hazardous materials.

N. (Tank Vehicles) – Issued to those who have passed the required written and skills tests and who will drive tank vehicles.

P. (Passengers) – Issued to those who have passed the required written and skills test and who will drive passenger vehicles.

S. (School Bus) Issued to those who have passed the required written and skills test and who will transport pre-primary, primary or secondary school students from home to school, from school to home, or to and from school-sponsored events. (Does not include a bus used as a common carrier.) The P endorsement is also required.

T. (Double/Triple Trailers) – Issued to those who have passed the required written and skills tests and who will drive double or triple tractor- trailer vehicles. Triple trailers are not allowed on Florida roads.

X. (Placarded Hazmat & Tank Vehicles) – Issued to those who qualify for the H and N endorsements.

*Written CDL testing is only offered at the Key West Driver License Office, Marathon Branch Office, and Key Largo Branch Office.

*The required fingerprinting and background check for the hazmat endorsement is only available at our Marathon Branch Office.

Check Your Record

CDL MEDICAL CARD INFORMATION:

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations require all Commercial Driver License (CDL) 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 non-excepted intrastate commerce (Category A or C) must also ensure their medical examiner certificate (Med Card) is on file with the state issuing agency and that it remains current. Failure to present a valid Med Card when required will result in the denial of the issuance or renewal of the CDL. Failure to maintain current a valid Med Card on file may result in CDL disqualification. Click here to learn more about medical requirements.

1. Non-excepted Interstate – I operate or expect to operate in interstate commerce and am required to maintain federal medical certification. (Med Card Required).
2. Excepted Interstate – I operate or expect to operate in interstate commerce but engage exclusively in operations that qualify me for exception from the requirement to maintain federal medical certification.
3. Non-excepted Intrastate – I operate or expect to operate only in intrastate commerce and am required to meet State of Florida medical certification requirements. (Med Card Required).
4. Excepted Intrastate – I operate or expect to operate only in intrastate commerce but engage exclusively in operations that qualify me for exception from State of Florida medical certification requirements.

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 B or D 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 B or D) and later change to a non-exempt type of operation (Category A or C), you must recertify in the appropriate category and provide proof of valid medical certification to avoid potential enforcement actions.

Additional CDL Medical Requirement Information

Effective October 7, 2024, all customers applying for an original CDL or Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) must present one of the documents listed below to establish Florida residency:

A. A current Florida Class E Driver License or Florida Identification card held for a period of more than six (6) consecutive months.

B. A lease agreement, in the customer’s name, that has been in place for a period of more than six (6) consecutive months.

C. A current residential mortgage, in the customer’s name, signed more than six (6) months ago.

D. A current residential deed, in the customer’s name, signed more than six (6) months ago.

E. A Florida Voter Registration Card. F. A statement of domicile pursuant to Section 222.17, Florida Statutes

G. A homestead tax exemption filing on property in this state.

CDL applicants must also present one proof from List A and one proof from List B OR present two proofs from List A. Document used for proof of residency may also be used for proof of residential address. 

 List A for CLP / CDL – item presented must be in the applicant’s name:

1. Recent lease or rental agreement for the residence with a term of six months or greater dated within last 6 months
2. Current Florida voter registration card
3. Florida vehicle registration or title
4. Florida vessel registration or title
5. Current homeowner’s insurance policy or bill
6. Current electricity or water bill
7. Recent cellular or landline telephone bill dated within last 60 days
8. Recent Internet service provider bill dated within last 60 days
9. Latest property tax bill
10. Declaration of Domicile in Florida

List B for CLP / CDL – item presented must be in the applicant’s name:

1. Latest W-2 form or 1099 form dated within last 6 months
2. Recent bank statement dated within last 60 days
3. Recent credit card statement dated within last 60 days
4. Latest military orders
5. Recent pay stub dated within last 60 days
6. Recent official government documents

*CFR 384.212 provides that CDLs or CLPs may only be issued to a person who resides within that state and has his/her true, fixed, and permanent home and principal residence to which he/she has the intention of returning whenever he/she is absent.

More information concerning obtaining your CDL license can be found on the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website.

License reinstatements, as well as suspension and revocation information, can be obtained at our Key West Driver License Office, Big Pine Key Satellite Office, Marathon Branch Office, and Key Largo Branch Office. Click here for office locations.

For information on Florida suspensions and revocations, visit the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

To pay Monroe County traffic tickets and fines online, visit the Monroe County Clerk of the Circuit Court.

Military Service Members

The Monroe County Tax Collector’s Office wants to make life as easy as possible for all of the men and women that serve or have served in the armed forces. Below you will find answers to commonly asked questions from military families. If you do not find answers to your questions here, please contact us. Thank you for your sacrifices and all you do to protect our great nation!

For more information, including REAL ID requirements, click here.

Are there any special discounts for veterans who visit the Tax Collector’s Office for driver license services?

Effective July 1, 2018, veterans are no longer charged the $6.25 tax collector fee for driver license transactions at any Florida Tax Collector’s Office. Also effective July 1, 2018, there is no fee for adding the “Veteran” designation to a driver license or identification card. Veterans must provide proof of honorable military service, such as their DD-214, Veteran Identification Card, or Veteran Health Identification Card.

I am a resident of another state but am stationed in Florida. Do I have to title and register my vehicle here?

While you have the option to purchase a Florida license plate when stationed here, the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Relief Act of 1940 authorizes non-resident service members to display a current license plate from their home state. If you choose to register your vehicle in Florida, please visit our motor vehicles page for more information.

I am a Florida resident with a Florida vehicle registration and plate, but I’m stationed out of state. What renewal options do I have?

You have several options. You can renew online, by mail, or have a family member or trusted friend renew for you in one of our many branch locations.

Are there military specialty license plates available in Florida?

Absolutely, Florida offers a variety of military specialty plates. Restrictions and/or criteria requirements apply to some plates. For more information, click here.

I bought a vehicle while stationed in another country. Will I owe additional taxes when I title it in Florida?

Yes, sales tax will be collected on the fair market value of the motor vehicle. To title a motor vehicle that was purchased while stationed out of the country you must bring the following into one of our offices:

1. Military title and registration or out-of-country title and registration that reflects the complete motor vehicle information (year, make, vehicle identification number, expiration date) and ownership information. If the vehicle was purchased while out of the country, Florida sales tax will be due on the declared value of the vehicle at the time of applying for title.

-OR-

If the vehicle has never been titled or registered and there is a loan on the vehicle, the lienholder may have the original Manufacturers Certificate of Origin. In order for our office to title the vehicle, we must have the original Manufacturers Certificate of Origin. Florida sales tax will be paid on the purchase price less any trade-in amount. A bill of sale must be furnished showing the price paid to the dealership.

2. Each person whose name appears on the ownership documents, or their appointed power of attorney, must be present to sign a new application for title. They must bring a valid driver’s license from any U.S. state or Canadian province. If a power of attorney has been appointed and the owner has an out of state driver’s license, a copy of the owner’s driver’s license is required at the time of transfer. If you are the appointed power of attorney, the original, or a certified copy of the original signed appointment must be presented at the time of application.

3. If purchasing a license plate for a motor vehicle, proof of Florida property damage and personal injury protection insurance must be submitted. Company name, insurance identification code, and policy number are required.

4. A copy of your military orders may be necessary when purchasing a license plate.

5. If the vehicle has never been titled in the U.S. the vehicle identification number verification and odometer reading must be verified by a Tax Collector employee (custom papers and the motor vehicle must be taken into one of our branch locations for a vehicle identification number inspection prior to applying for a title). EXCEPTION: Any Florida resident on active military duty out of state (applying for Florida title on a used vehicle with proof of ownership from a foreign country), may have their vehicle identification number verified by any out of state law enforcement officer or military law enforcement authority.

How do I renew my Florida Driver License while I’m deployed?

If your license is scheduled to expire while you are deployed or stationed outside of Florida, you are encouraged to renew before you deploy or move. Florida drivers may renew a license up to 18 months prior to the expiration date printed on the license. You may also renew online at any time.

If you are not eligible to renew your Class E Florida Driver’s License online, you may be able to receive a military extension card that extends the expiration date of your license until 90 days after you permanently return to Florida or are discharged from the military.

If you have a Commercial Driver License, your license must be renewed, they cannot be extended.

If you are interested in renewing your Class E or Commercial Driver’s License by mail, click here and select “Military Personnel – Need Florida License” from the menu to request a renewal packet.

How do I apply for a veteran’s designation on my driver license

Veterans who live in Florida can add a veteran designation to their driver license or ID card, which is the word “Veteran” in blue  on the bottom right portion of the card. Having this designation allows veterans to receive discounts at certain merchants and retailers that offer veteran discounts. To add “Veteran” to your license or ID card, please visit one of our driver license offices and plan to: