DRIVER LICENSE BRANCH – 904 301 BLVD W, BRADENTON
Customers will be charged a $6.25 Tax Collector service fee for information and processing, and additional transaction fees may apply. Visit taxcollector.com to schedule your appointment. Services are for Manatee County residents and businesses only.
1. OBSERVING AND SCREENING CUSTOMERS FOR A SAFER FLORIDA
Pursuant to Florida Statutes, the Florida Driver License Operation’s Manual and Tax Collector Procedures (Section CI08.2), one of the responsibilities of an examiner/agent is to observe customers and determine if there are any driver limitations that may affect their ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.
Examples of possible conditions requiring further evaluation include paralysis, amputation, orthopedic impairments due to injury, severe arthritis, full or partial loss of use of one or more limbs, general weakness, stiffness, shakiness; problems with balance and assistive devices required to ambulate (if really needed for mobility and balance); progressive neurological diseases; epilepsy, fainting or dizzy spells within the past two years; alcohol or drug addiction within the past two years; lack of comprehension or orientation; difficulty with mobility; significant problems with memory or judgment; sleep apnea; weakness or coordination problems; and many other medical conditions.
We are NOT stating that you are not eligible to be issued a driver license. However, our office has determined that further evaluation is warranted. Non-compliance will result in your driver license being cancelled.
Compliance with one of the following review processes is required:
- Five-Day Review
- Medical Review
2. FIVE-DAY REVIEW REQUIREMENTS
Five-Day Review - Florida Statute 322.221 gives the FLHSMV and tax collectors the authority to re-test drivers when their ability to drive safely is questioned. “Static” or non-progressive medical conditions are the most common reason.
You will be provided a letter by our office notifying you which of the following tests are required:
- Vision Test
- Knowledge Test
- Driving Skills Test
Your testing appointment will be scheduled within the next 5 business days.
If the required re-testing is not completed within the 5 days permitted, it will result in cancellation of your driver license until all required re-testing is successfully completed.
Upon successful completion of all required re-testing, you would be eligible for issuance as long as all other issuance requirements have been met.
3. MEDICAL REVIEW REQUIREMENTS
Medical Review: The Medical Review Board, authorized by Florida Statute 322.125, is a panel of physicians that advises the FLHSMV with medical criteria and vision standards relating to the licensing of drivers. Board members also provide FLHSMV with recommendations after reviewing physician evaluations received as part of the medical review process.
When the FLHSMV receives notification from a court, doctor, law enforcement, another state agency, or a concerned relative or citizen, a decision is made whether to initiate a review of the driver.
Within 30 days, the driver is notified by mail from the Board that they are under medical review and they are required to provide medical information from their physician within 45 days.
The medical report is required to be returned to the Medical Review Board in Tallahassee; your physician should fax or mail it directly to them as our office cannot remit this medical report on your behalf.
- Fax completed form to: 850.617.3944 OR
- Mail completed form to:
Bureau of Motorist Compliance
Medical Review Program
Neil Kirkman Building, MS 86
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0500
If you do not receive correspondence from the Medical Review Board by mail within 30 days, you must contact them by phone at 850.617.3814.
The Medical Review Board will review your completed medical report and mail you a letter with their decision. Bring this letter with you on your next visit to our office, an appointment is required.
Required re-testing as decided by the Medical Review board may include one or more of the following:
- Vision Test
- Knowledge Test
- Driving Skills Test
- Extended Driving Skills Test (a Driving Skills Test completed 3 times back to back).
Schedule your return appointment with our office on taxcollector.com. Note: Some testing options will not be available during the same appointment.
An Online Application is REQUIRED for all transactions! To complete your driver license or ID card transaction at one of our branches, you must complete the Online Driver License & ID Card Application (https://taxcollector.jotform.com/210103795736152) – or scan the QR code to access the application – prior to your appointment. Do not print the application; an associate will access your electronic submission during your appointment. Applications are valid for 90 days.
4. CHANGING YOUR APPOINTMENT AFTER WE MAKE IT FOR YOU
Not arriving for a required re-testing appointment may result in your driver license being cancelled.
Appointments are ALWAYS required and cannot be made over the phone or by email. Appointments must be made online, via computer or mobile device. Public computers are available at the public library or in the lobby of our office.
If for any reason you need to reschedule your appointment, you must do this online at taxcollector.com. Note: By rescheduling your appointment, some testing may not be available same day.
5. ACCEPTABLE METHODS OF PAYMENT AND ESTIMATED FEES
We will accept cash, check, debit cards, and credit cards. A $2.50 processing fee for debit cards and a 2.5% processing fee (minimum of $2.50) for credit cards will apply. Our office does not retain any portion of this fee.
The $6.25 Tax Collector service fee is waived when solely administering any testing pertaining to the medical review process. Issuance or reinstatement(s) in conjunction with medical related testing will incur the $6.25 Tax Collector service fee in addition to all applicable processing fees.
6. OPTION TO SURRENDER YOUR DRIVER LICENSE FOR AN IDENTIFICATION CARD
If you no longer wish to drive, you may apply for a Florida identification card in lieu of complying with the Five-Day or Medical Review process. You have two options to downgrade:
1. Save time and money! Request to downgrade your Florida driver license to an ID card online - or scan the QR code to access the site - for an estimated fee of $27.00. Your ID card will be mailed to you.
2. If you have a Florida REAL ID (Gold Star) compliant driver license and no information needs to be changed, our office can usually exchange it for a Florida Identification Card for an estimated fee of $31.25.
An Online Application is REQUIRED for all transactions! To complete your driver license or ID card transaction at one of our branches, you must complete the Online Driver License & ID Card Application (https://taxcollector.jotform.com/210103795736152) – or scan the QR code to access the application – prior to your appointment. Do not print the application; an associate will access your electronic submission during your appointment. Applications are valid for 90 days.