The Alachua County Tax Collector is an agent for the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Florida residents from any County may receive driver license and motor vehicle services at any of our branches. We provide all driver license services at all three of our public branches, except the following services: Road Skills tests are provided only at our Northwest Branch, and CDL Hazardous Materials Applications are provided only at our Southwest Branch.
In August 2017, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles began issuing a new, more secure Florida driver license and ID card. Previous driver license and ID cards will still be in use alongside the new credential until replaced or phased out.
Effective February 7, 2022, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) for entry level commercial drivers. This includes current CDL holders adding Passenger, School Bus, or Hazardous Material endorsements for the first time. The training requirements must be verified prior to taking a skills tests with the exception of drivers taking the hazardous materials knowledge exam for the first time. Verification of completion of the ELDT is required before the hazardous materials knowledge exam can be administered.
Effective June 1, 2022, the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles requires all Commercial Driver License (CDL) and Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) applicants to provide two proofs of Florida residential address in their name. Self-Certification of address is no longer allowed. CDL applicants that are obtaining a CDL for the first time or updating an address will be required to present one proof of residential address from List A and List B. See below Documents Required-Proof of Residential Address for specific requirements.
The following services are provided at all Public Branch Offices. Click here to schedule an appointment.
The following are tests conducted at the Alachua County Tax Collector’s office. All tests may or may not be required for the type of driver license you seek.
All Florida Safety Institute and Gainesville Driving School are authorized by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) to administer driving/road tests as a third-party administrator. This option may be suitable for applicants who need practice, or need a more convenient appointment, such as weekends. Please note, licensees will return to the Tax Collector’s office to process their license upon satisfactory completion of their exam.
All Florida Safety Institute and Gainesville Driving School are an additional option and provide the following:
*Fees charged by All Florida Safety Institute and Gainesville Driving School are separate from the cost of the driver license.
* Tests administered by third party providers are subject to random re-testing as required by Section 322.56(3)(b) Florida Statutes.
To schedule an appointment or for additional information visit their website at: All Florida Safety Institute or Gainesville Driving School .
Attention First Time LicenseesProof of Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course completion is required for anyone that has never held a driver license.
Attention Written TestersWRITTEN TESTS ARE CONDUCTED AT ALL OFFICE LOCATIONS. Please click HERE to make an appointment.
Attention Interpreted TestersInterpreted tests are administered on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday between the hours of 9:00am -11:00am by appointment only. To make an appointment please Call our Call Center at (352) 374-5236.
Attention CDL Road Skills TestersPlease note that the Alachua County Tax Collector does not provide CDL Road Skills Testing. A list of certified CDL skills testing sites is available HERE.
Attention Road TestersROAD TESTS ARE CONDUCTED BY APPOINTMENT ONLY AT OUR NORTHWEST BRANCH LOCATION AT 5830 NW 34 TH BLVD. GAINESVILLE FL, 32653. VEHICLES USED FOR TESTING MUST PASS A VEHICLE INSPECTION AND HAVE VALID INSURANCE AND REGISTRATION OR THE TEST CANNOT BE ADMINISTERED. * FOR A MEDICAL ROAD TEST YOU MUST CALL TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT AT (352) 374-5236. FOR A NON-MEDICAL ROAD TEST PLEASE CLICK HERE TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT.
Attention New DriversIf you are upgrading from a learner’s license to an operator’s license, you must bring your learner’s license to our office to upgrade. If you do not have your learner’s license, you will be required to pay $31.25 for the upgrade.
Florida law requires proof of identity, Social Security number, and 2 proofs of Florida residential address for a driver license or ID card. To create a personalized checklist of the documents you need to bring, visit What to Bring.
If the name on your identification document doesn’t match your current legal name, you will need to show an original or certified copy of your marriage certificate(s) (or other legal documents) to prove your current name. Uncertified photocopies of the marriage certificate(s) (or other legal documents) are not acceptable. Church marriage certificates are not acceptable.
If you are presenting a US birth certificate using a name other than your current name (if you are divorced or married), you are required to present an original or certified copy of your marriage license showing how you obtained your current name.
Example: If your birth certificate reads “Mary Alice Doe DOB: 03/06/1970” and your Florida Driver License reads “Mary Alice Smith”, we will need an original or certified copy of your marriage license to show how your last name changed from Doe to Smith.
Florida marriage licenses generally have the maiden name on the marriage license. If you have been married more than once and the maiden name appears on the document which connects you to your current name, that is acceptable. If the document you are using for your current last name does not have your maiden name listed, you must present a document trail that links your current name to your primary document. This only applies to US birth certificates. An original or certified copy of your marriage license is not required if you are presenting a US passport in your current name.
Non-US CitizensIf your I-94 is electronic, please print it out at the following website: www.cbp.gov/i94 and bring it with you.
In order for your Florida license to reflect your new name, you must have your name changed on your USCIS documents (i.e. Passport or I-551 Permanent Resident Card). You must also provide a certified proof of name change document (i.e. marriage certificate).
Canadian CitizensIn order for your Florida license to reflect your new name, your valid Canadian passport must have your current legal name (new name). A certified proof of name change document (i.e. marriage certificate) must also be provided.
A person who cannot provide two (2) documents that show their name and current residential address may provide a minimum of one (1) address document in the name of the person they reside with along with document(s) demonstrating family relationship, or a completed Certification of Address form from the person whose name is on the residential address document. The Certificate of Address is available HERE. The individual whose name is on the document and Certification of Address form may appear in person and sign the form in the presence of the issuance personnel, or they may sign the document in the presence of a notary.
Acceptable documents (copies accepted) demonstrating family relationship may include, but are not limited to:
• Marriage certificate
• Military dependent identification card
• Birth certificate
• Adoption records
CDL applicants must present one proof from List A and one proof from List B OR present two proofs from List A.
List A for CLP / CDL – item presented must be in the applicant’s name:
List B for CLP / CDL – item presented must be in the applicant’s name:
*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.
* CDL drivers who are applying for or work for a public or non-public school must present a letter from their employer or their school employment identification card to receive the CDL at the fee listed above.
1. Where can I get the latest information on the requirements to obtain a Florida driver license or identification card?
Answer: The website What to Bring has all the information to assist you in making a checklist of the required documents. All documents must be the original government-issued item; no copies will be accepted.
2. What do I need to exchange my driver license or identification card from another state to Florida?
Answer: Proof of Identity – Florida law requires applicants for a driver license or identification card to present the following identification documents:
Handwritten documents are not accepted. Contact the Social Security Administration at least 48-72 hours before making application for a driver license or identification card when changing names.
NOTE: Applicants under age 18 must have signed parental consent. You must surrender all Florida and out-of-state driver licenses or ID cards.
Acceptable Identity Documents: A complete list of acceptable identification and proof of Social Security documents are available online at www.flhsmv.gov or What to Bring
3. How will I prove my identity under the Real ID requirements?
Answer: All customers must bring in the following documents to prove their identity and receive their licenses or IDs.
Provide one of the following proofs of primary identification:
Note: original or certified name change documents for all name changes (marriage, divorce, adoption, legal name change, etc.) must be presented at the time of application (may require more than one and must show a continuous link from birth name to current legal name); church marriage documents are not acceptable.
AND — Provide two proofs of residential address:
For Class E Driver License or Identification Card
AND — Provide one of the following proofs of Social Security number:
4. I just turned 21. What do I need to do to get the "over 21" horizontal license?
Answer: If you are REAL ID compliant, meaning your license/identification card has a gold star toward the top right corner, you are only required to bring the current license/identification card in the office. If there is a change to your REAL ID compliant license/identification card, such as address change, you will need to bring in proof of the requested change. If you are a non-immigrant, you are required to present proof of legal presence, and if you have an address change, proof of your new address is required. For a list of acceptable proofs of address see above Documents Required- Proof of Residential Address If you are not REAL ID compliant, you will need to bring the standard REAL ID required documents to prove legal residence. These documents are outlined HERE. The cost for updating your license is $31.25.
5. I changed my address online after receiving a Real ID compliant card. Will I have to present proof of address during my next office visit?
Answer: Yes. You will be required to present two proofs of your new address. For a list of acceptable proofs of address see above Documents Required- Proof of Residential Address
6. How do I get the VETERAN designation on my Florida License or Identification Card?
Answer: Florida veterans who honorably served their Country can now add a veteran designation to their driver license or identification card. You will need to present your DD-214, which shows the honorable discharge from active duty. A Retired Military ID Card or a Veteran’s Affairs ID Card can be used in place of the DD-214. For original issuance and renewals, the designation is added at no additional cost (license fees apply). For replacements where we are only adding the designation and there are no other changes, all fees are waived. For a replacement where the previous license is lost or other changes are made, replacement license fees apply. Go to What to Bring to ensure you have all the other required documents. The Tax Collector service fee is waived for all transactions when proof of Veteran status is presented or is already on file.
Veterans who need to obtain a copy of their DD-214 may request it through the National Archives, which provides information on how to make the request online HERE.
7. Which tax collector offices offer driver license and identification card services?
All Alachua Tax Collector Offices provide driver license services. Appointments are recommended to ensure an expedited wait time. Class E Driving Tests are provided at the Northwest Branch Office by appointment only. CDL Hazardous Material applications are only provided at the Southwest Branch Office.
8. Why have the license and ID card requirements changed?
Answer: Florida has passed laws that will help better protect our citizens and visitors by strengthening our ability to verify an applicant’s identity and legal presence in the United States. The changes will help increase our overall security.
9. Where can I find additional information on the Real ID requirements?
10. I only have copies of my documents, not originals. What should I do?
Answer: You will need to request certified documents. For example, a replacement Social Security card is free, while a certified Florida birth certificate processed in the Tax Collector’s office is $21.25. If you need help determining how to get replacement documents, visit What to Bring and click on “Document Help” or call our Customer Service Line at (352) 374-5236.
11. Can I still get both a driver license and an identification card?
Answer: Unfortunately, no. Florida law requires the surrender of all licenses and identification cards in your possession to be issued a new driver license or identification card.
12. Does the Real ID Act require me to purchase a new driver license or identification card immediately?
Answer: No, since Florida is a Real ID compliant State you have until May 7, 2025 to obtain a new credential unless your renewal is prior to this date. https://www.dhs.gov/real-id
However, if you must visit an office to update or make any changes to your license, you will be required to comply with the Real ID requirements. For instance, if you have used the one-time convenience renewal option, your next renewal must be in an office.
Name changes, name corrections, and date of birth corrections will require a visit to an office.
13. What is required to obtain a Florida learner’s license?
Answer:
A parent accompanying the applicant and who is signing the parental consent form in the office may provide two (2) documents that show their residential address or provide one (1) address document and a Certification of Address form with Section A completed self-certifying their residential address. The Certificate of Address is available HERE.
14. My driver license is expired; will I need to take any tests to renew?
Answer: All in-office renewals require a vision exam and are subject to all of the identification requirements of the Real ID Act.
15. I am 18 years old and applying for my first driver license. What do I need to do?
First time applicants also must meet all the identification requirements of the Real ID Act.
16. Can I take the written exam online?
Answer: Applicants under age 18 may take the written exam online. A parent must be present to proctor the exam and accompany the applicant to the office to sign an affidavit. Falsification of parental proctoring will result in license suspensions for the parent and applicant.
17. Is it better or cheaper to take the written exam online?
Answer: While we gladly accept online testing results, parents should investigate the fees associated with online testing. The original Florida licensing fee includes one attempt at the required exam.
18. I lost my license/ID card. Will I have to get one of these new licenses/IDs?
Answer: Yes, as of January 2021, you will no longer be allowed to replace or renew a driver license or ID card online if you are not Real ID compliant. For timelier service you may reserve an appointment for service at any of our branch offices. Click here to Book Appointment.
19. My last name is different than what is on my primary identification document. What should I do?
Answer: We need to see proof of your name change.
If your name has changed multiple times, you must present a document trail that links your current name to your primary identification document. If your name has changed due to marriage or a court order, you must submit the original or a certified copy of your marriage certificate(s) or court order(s). Church certificates are not acceptable. For example, let’s say the last name on your birth certificate is Brown. You got married and changed your name to Smith. You got divorced, remarried, and your name changed to Johnson. You must provide a marriage certificate showing your name change from Brown to Smith, and you must also show a marriage certificate of your name change from Smith to Johnson. If your marriage certificate showing your name change to Johnson has your maiden name Brown listed on it, you will not need to bring in any previous marriage licenses. If you bring in a valid US passport in your current name, we do not need a birth certificate or any marriage licenses.
20. I have lost my Social Security card. How can I get a new one?
Answer: Complete an application for a new card and mail or show it and your identification documents to a Social Security Administration office. The application and list of acceptable forms of identification are available at the Social Security Administration Web Site: www.ssa.gov.
The Social Security office is located at 4562 NW 13th Street, Gainesville FL, 32609 (1-877-219-8323).
21. How do I change my name on my Florida license or identification card?
Answer: If you have legally changed your name by marriage or court order, you must submit the original or a certified copy of your marriage certificate or court order. If your name has changed several times, you will be required to provide a document trail that links your current name to the identification documents provided. If your marriage license with your current name has your maiden name listed on it, then we do not need to see any previous marriage licenses. No photocopies will be accepted unless certified by the issuing authority. Church certificates are not acceptable. A valid US passport with your new name may be used to update your license. Please allow 48-72 hours to pass after you changed your name with the Social Security Administration before you come into our office to change your name on your license or ID card. If you are not a US citizen, you must have your name changed on your USCIS documents (i.e. Permanent Resident card, Foreign Passport, etc) as well prior to coming in to change your license.
22. How long do I have to change my name or address on my driver license or identification card?
Answer: Thirty (30) days. Name Changes must be made in an office, and you must comply with the Real ID Requirements. If you change your address in an office, you must comply with the Real ID requirements. You will be required to show two proofs of residential address to update your address on your license or identification card. If you have a Real ID compliant card and change your address online, you will be required to present two proofs of your new address during the next office visit. For a list of acceptable proofs of address see above Documents Required- Proof of Residential Address
23. Can my child be issued a Florida identification card?
Answer: Children five years of age and older can obtain a Florida identification card. Children under five years of age applying for a disabled parking permit also may be issued a Florida identification card. Please be prepared to meet the Real ID requirements and present the handicap placard application signed by a doctor. Beginning November 1, 2009, no driver license or ID card will be required to obtain a handicap placard.
24. I received a traffic citation. How can I keep the points off of my Florida license?
Answer: Contact the Clerk of Court in the county the citation was received in and arrange to attend the driving school prior to paying the citation. CDL drivers cannot attend driving school to avoid points on their license. Only citations received in the state of Florida are eligible: https://www.flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/driver-license-suspensions-revocations/points-point-suspensions/
25. My driver license may be suspended. How can I find out without visiting an office?
Answer: You can check the status of your driver license online at https://mydmvportal.flhsmv.gov/home/en/publicweb/dlcheck/.
26. I’m in the military stationed outside of Florida and my license/ID card was stolen/lost/destroyed. How do I get it replaced?
Answer: You can apply for a replacement online if your citizenship has been established on your driving record.
Military personnel whose driver license or ID card have been lost or stolen may receive a replacement license through the mail, or a 90-day temporary permit will be mailed to you along with duplicate license instructions. Please contact DHSMV’s Customer Service Center at (850) 617-2000.
27. I’m in the military stationed outside of Florida and my license/ID card is about to expire. How do I request an extension?
If your driver’s license or ID card is scheduled to expire when you are deployed or stationed outside of Florida, you are encouraged to renew before you deploy or move. A Florida Class E driver license may be renewed up to 18 months prior to the expiration. A Florida commercial driver license (CDL) may be renewed up to 12 months prior to the expiration. A Florida identification card may be renewed up to 12 months prior to the expiration.
If you are out-of-state or country with a Real ID compliant license/ID (gold star in upper right corner) you may be eligible to renew online at MyDMV Portal. In addition, you may order a replacement license at any time if you lose your license or if your address changes.
Military personnel and members of their immediate family residing with them (spouse, son, daughter, and step-children) may be granted an extension of their Class E license. The military extension card is free of charge, and will be a photo ID that you carry with your Florida license and Military ID. Click here to download an application. A Commercial Driver License may not be extended.
28. How do I apply for a commercial driver license (CLP) or add a Passenger, School Bus, or Hazmat endorsement?
Answer: Customers applying for a CDL should consider this a professional license that will require additional testing far beyond that of a regular license. Customers wishing to apply for a CDL are strongly encouraged to obtain a CDL handbook prior to setting appointments for testing. Click the link HERE to download a copy of the CDL handbook.
Class A License
Class B License
Class C License
All CDL applicants must also pass the CDL pre-trip, basic skills, and driving exams in a commercial motor vehicle of the proper license class.
Effective February 7, 2022, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) for entry level commercial drivers. The training requirements must be verified prior to taking a skills tests with the exception of drivers taking the hazardous materials knowledge exam for the first time. Verification of completion of the ELDT is required before the hazardous materials knowledge exam can be administered.
FMCSA’s Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) regulations set the baseline for training requirements for entry-level drivers. This includes those applying to:
· Obtain a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time;
· Upgrade an existing Class B CDL to a Class A CDL; or
· Obtain a school bus (S), passenger (P), or hazardous materials (H) endorsement for the first time.
The ELDT regulations are not retroactive; individuals who were issued a CDL or an S, P, or H endorsement prior to February 7, 2022, are not required to complete training for the respective CDL or endorsement.
If an applicant who obtains a CLP prior to February 7, 2022, obtains a CDL before the CLP or renewed CLP expires, the applicant is not subject to the ELDT requirements.
Any individual who meets one of the exceptions for taking a skills test in 49 CFR Part 383 is also exempt from the ELDT requirements.
For additional information please visit FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training For a list of ELDT providers please visit the following site: https://tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov/Search
*These are examples of the testing requirements and may vary depending on the vehicle driven and loads carried. Refer to the CDL handbook for additional testing requirements.
NOTE: Requirements for Real ID apply to all CDL applicants.
29. What are the residency requirements for a commercial driver license (CDL)?
Answer: CFR 384.212 provides that CDLs or CLPs may only be issued to a person who resides within that state and has their true, fixed, and permanent home and principal residence to which they have the intention of returning whenever they are absent.
30. I am a member of the armed forces and a Florida resident. How can I obtain a commercial driver license (CDL)?
Answer: Military members with a military equivalent CDL must pass all required written exams for the license class for which they are applying.
Once the written exams are passed, the applicant can use a driving skills waiver signed by his/her military command to waive the driving exams.
31. Does Florida require a valid medical card for CDL licensed drivers?
Answer: Yes, unless exempt.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations require all commercial driver license 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 intrastate commerce (Category 1 or 3) also must ensure their medical documentation is on file with the state issuing agency and that it remains current. Failure to present valid medical documentation when required will result in the denial of the issuance or renewal of the CDL. Failure to maintain current medical documentation on file may result in CDL disqualification.
1. Non-excepted Interstate: I operate or expect to operate in interstate commerce and am required to maintain federal medical certification (medical 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 (medical 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 2 or 4 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 2 or 4) and later change to a non-exempt type of operation (Category 1 or 3), you must recertify in the appropriate category and provide proof of valid medical certification to avoid potential enforcement actions.
For additional information and frequently asked questions concerning medical requirements, visit:
32. I received a citation. How can I verify if I can attend a driver school to avoid points?
Answer: You can verify your driver school eligibility online at www.flhsmv.gov by using the online driver license check. Only citations received in Florida are eligible. CDL licensed drivers are not eligible.
33. I have updated my Social Security information. How can I verify it now matches?
Answer: You can verify your Social Security information online at www.flhsmv.gov by using the online driver license check.
34. I received a letter asking for insurance information for my driver license. How do I update my insurance information?
When insurance information is requested by FLHSMV for your driver record, you can provide updated insurance information online at www.flhsmv.gov by using the MyDMV Portal
35. How do I obtain a driver handbook for Florida?
Answer: Handbooks are available HERE on the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website.
36. I have passed the written commercial driver license exams. How do I contact a third party tester for the driving exams?
Answer: The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles’ authorized third party testers are listed online HERE.
37. I have been fingerprinted for my hazardous materials endorsement. How can I check the status of my background check?
Answer: You can verify the status of your background check online HERE.
38. How do I renew my Florida CDL with a hazardous materials endorsement?
Answer: In addition to all other CDL requirements, you must pass the hazardous materials written exam, submit a background check application, and be fingerprinted.
39. I have a Florida CDL with a hazardous materials endorsement. Will I still be allowed to carry hazardous materials while my renewal application is being processed?
Answer:Renewal application for hazmat endorsement should begin at least 30 days in advance of the expiration date to avoid possible ineligibility to transport hazardous materials while awaiting the results. Your renewal notice will advise you of that date. When you apply for the background check, you will be issued a new license with a time-limited Hazmat endorsement. If you apply for your Hazmat renewal less than 30 days of expiration it could cause a longer transaction processing time in the office. Once your background check is approved by TSA, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles will mail you a new license with the Hazmat endorsement that is valid until your license next expires. CDL’s with Hazmat endorsement must be renewed every four years or whenever your CDL license expires. The CDL license or Hazmat endorsement may be renewed up to one year before they expire.
40. I am applying for a hazardous materials endorsement on my Florida CDL. When will I be able to haul hazardous materials?
Answer: The background check and fingerprint application can take up to 90 days to complete. You will not be authorized to haul hazardous materials until your background check and fingerprint application have been approved by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the new license with the “H” endorsement is in your possession.
41. For how long is a Florida CDL with hazardous materials endorsement valid?
Answer: A Florida CDL with hazardous materials endorsement is valid for four years.
42. I have a Florida CDL that is valid for eight years. How will adding a hazardous materials endorsement affect my current license?
Answer: Your replacement license with the hazardous materials endorsement will expire in four years.43. I have to renew my Florida CDL in 15 months. If I add the hazardous materials endorsement now, will I have to pass the written exam, background check, and fingerprint application again when I renew?
Answer: Yes. The hazardous materials written exam, background check, and fingerprint application are required during every renewal.
44. How far in advance can I renew my Florida CDL with hazardous materials endorsement?
Answer: CDL drivers with a hazardous materials endorsement may renew up to 12 months in advance. To avoid possible loss of eligibility to haul hazardous materials while waiting for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to approve your background check, you are encouraged to make your application at least 30 days prior to the expiration of your license.
45. What courses are approved for driver improvement or DUI?
