Lawful Permanent Resident (Immigrant)

Step 1. Proof of Legal Presence (Identity)

 You must present one of the following original legal presence documents issued by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to apply for a license or ID card in the State of Florida.  If you have already submitted one of these documents after January 1, 2010, you do not need to submit it again unless you need to make changes to your personal information.

•  I-551 Permanent Resident Card 

•  I-551 stamp in valid passport or on I-94 

•  Immigration Judges Order (IJO) 

•  Order Granting Asylum 

•  Proof of Refugee Status

Step 2. Proof of Name Change (if applicable) – Bring ALL

If your current name is different than the name as listed on your proof of legal presence, bring all that apply for proof of your legal name change (if applicable): 

•  Original or Certified Marriage License/Certificate (must be government issued – cannot be issued by a church)

•  Divorce Decree

•  Court Order      

Anytime you legally change your name due to marriage or court order, your name must first be changed with USCIS before you can apply for a name change on your Florida license or ID card.  You will still be required to present your original name change document and your new name must verify in the State of Florida system.
 
Documents in a foreign language must be accompanied by a Written English Translation.
 
Note: You must also report any name change to Social Security (if applicable) at least 48 hours before visiting our office so that your name verifies in the State driver license system and the Social Security Administration’s database.

Step 3. Proof of Social Security Number – Bring One

Sections 322.051 and 322.08, Florida Statutes, require customers to present proof of social security number (SSN). Proof must list full name and full SSN. You must bring one of the following documents for proof: 

• Social Security Card or Stub

• W-2/1099 Form (pre-printed)

• Military ID card

If you have never been issued an SSN, you must present form L-676 that was issued by the Social Security Administration. The Form L-676 must specifically indicate “Other” to prove that an SSN was never issued to you. Note:  If you are later issued an SSN, you will need to (1) update your SSN online (or scan the QR code to access the site), or (2) provide proof to us during your next driver license/ID card transaction in order to update your record.

Step 4. Proof of Residential Address – Bring Two

Bring two documents for proof of your residential address – it cannot be a PO Box. The documents must show your name and your residential address.

• Current Florida Car, Boat or Mobile Home Registration/Title

• Manatee County Property Tax Bill - obtain here

• Manatee County Voter Registration Information - obtain here

• Deed, Mortgage Statement, or Rental/Lease Agreement

• Homeless – Letter from authorized Manatee County Non-Profit Agency serving the homeless indicating that you are a client receiving services is required (must be dated within the last 30 days)

• Visit flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/what-to-bring/ for additional items that may be provided

If you live with someone and you cannot provide a signed lease or other documents, both parties must visit our office to sign a Certification of Address, HSMV 71120 (English / Spanish) form. Two proofs of address in the other individual’s name as outlined on the HSMV 71120 will be required.

Step 5. Provide Your Out-of-Country Driver License

Option 1: With the presentation of your valid, unexpired Out-of-Country driver license, you will only be required to take and pass the following exams: 

•  General Knowledge written exam (except France, Taiwan & S Korea*)

•  Driving Skills Road Test (except Germany, France, Taiwan & S Korea*)

•  Vision and Hearing exam (Be prepared with your corrective lenses if needed for distance) 

Documents in a foreign language must be accompanied by a Written English Translation. 
 
Option 2: If you have never been licensed before, you will be required to take and pass the following exams: 

•  Traffic Law & Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE)

•  General Knowledge written exam

•  Driving Skills Road Test

•  Vision and Hearing exam (Be prepared with your corrective lenses if needed for distance) 

Private companies can administer the Driving Skills Road Test on weekends, after hours, or during regular business hours.  Upon successful completion of the test, the company uploads your results to the State of Florida, allowing us to use the test results on file.  This expedites the issuance of your license when you visit our office.  Contact Ault’s Driver Education Center at 941.355.4202 or by email at aults@verizon.net for details. You can also visit flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/driver-license-exams for a list of other private providers.
 
Note: If you already have a valid Florida or Out-of-State driver license, exams will be reciprocated.

Step 6. Visit Our Office to Obtain Your Florida Driver License or ID Card

•  Schedule an appointment online at taxcollector.com.  We only serve Manatee County residents. 

•  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) 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. Scan the QR code to access the application. 

• You will be required to take a photo per F.S. 322.142.

Note: If your lawful status is unable to be verified and secondary verification is required, your Florida license or ID card may be mailed from Tallahassee within 60 days. If you applied for a Florida license, you will be given a temporary driving permit to allow you to drive in the meantime. If you applied for a Florida ID, you will not be given a temporary ID. You can check on the status of your mailed license/ID online at mydmvportal.flhsmv.gov/home/en/publicweb/dlcheck.

If your license or ID card has not been mailed after 60 days, you have two options for contacting the State of Florida:

• By phone - (850) 617-2000
• By email - https://flhsmv.service-now.com/csp?id=flhsmv_csp_dl_index 

Length of Driver License/ID Card

• Class E Driver License (79 or younger) - 8 years

• Class E Driver License (80 or older) - 6 years

• CDL w/o Hazmat (79 or younger) - 8 years

• CDL w/o Hazmat (80 or older) - 6 years

• CDL w/ Hazmat (any age) - 4 years

• ID Card (15 or older) - 8 years

• ID Card (14 or younger) - 4 years   

Acceptable Methods of Payment and Estimated Fees

We 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.
 
Estimate of fees for your Florida Driver License or ID Card: 

• Service Fee - $6.25

• Class E Driver License - $48.00

• Commercial Driver License - $75.00

• Hazmat - $91.00

• Endorsements - $7.00 (each)

• Replacement - $25.00

• Renewal - $48.00

• Late Fee - $15.00

• ID Card - $25.00