Written Release Information

THIS TRANSACTION MUST BE PROCESSED BY APPOINTMENT AT THE
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.

If you choose not to pay a security deposit to reinstate your Financial Responsibility suspension, your only other alternative is to obtain written releases from the person(s) who sustained injuries and/or property damage in the motor vehicle crash. (This is in addition to any other requirements and fees needed to clear your Financial Responsibility suspension). A written release is required from each person/business involved. If a written release is needed from a minor child, the parent or guardian would be required to sign for them. 

1. What is a Written Release?

A written release consists of one of two forms:

•  Agreement for Release and Monthly Repayment Note (74036) - This form is used when you have agreed to make payments on the balance due to another party involved in the crash.  If you default on the agreement, the other party may pursue a judgment in court to attempt to recoup the remainder of what is due.  If they elect that option, another suspension may be placed on your driver license record, which would result in additional fees due to reinstate at that time.

•  Release in Full of All Claims (74014) - This form is used when you have paid the balance due in full to another party involved in the crash.

Note: If a written release is contested, it must be done through the court system.  

2. How can a Written Release be Waived?

In some cases, you may be exempt from the requirement to obtain written releases.  The following circumstances would warrant such an exception: 

•  At least one year has passed since you received your Financial Responsibility suspension. 

•  You filed bankruptcy and you have a petition for bankruptcy or Discharge of Debtor from the court that lists the other parties involved in the crash as debts and debtors.  (If the court document does not specifically list the appropriate persons/businesses and amounts, it cannot be used to waive the written release requirement.) 

•  You have an original letter from your insurance company on their letterhead that states property damage liability insurance was effective on the date of the crash.  It must include the vehicles that were covered, policy effective dates, policy number and insurance company name.  This will only waive written releases for property damage.  You would still be required to obtain written releases for bodily injury from the other parties involved in the crash. 

•  You have an original letter from the insurance agent/company on their letterhead, stating that bodily injury liability insurance was effective on the date of the crash, vehicles covered, policy effective dates, policy number and insurance company name. 

•  You were driving someone else’s vehicle with their permission.  Therefore, you would not need to obtain a written release from the owner of the vehicle.  However, you would still need written releases from any other parties involved in the crash.  (If you did not have the owner’s permission, you would be required to obtain a written release from them as well.) 

•  You have evidence of the actual amount of damage to the other parties’ property and evidence of payment of that amount (i.e. a quote and a receipt of payment). 

•  You received a verdict of “not liable” by a court of competent jurisdiction. You must provide official court documentation with the “not liable” language specifically referencing the crash that caused the sanction. 

Not a Manatee County Resident? Our offices are open by appointment only for Manatee County residents/businesses only.  All out-of-county residents must visit their home county for information and processing.  To find a location, visit flhsmv.gov/locations.