Two Part Question

[k2at]

I bought a house in TV back in April, but have a house in New Jesey, where I want to retain my residency. However, I just bought a motorcycle in Florida and I want to register it here. I presently do not have a Florida license, only New Jersey. Can I register my motorcyle in Florida without a Florida license or do I also need to get a Florida license to register the vehicle? I also thought I read somewhere about a Florida only license?? If that exists, would it suffice for registering my motorcycle. Also, is their an advantage or disadvantage to getting a Florida license. I do want to retain my Jersey license at this time. I again thought I read to get a Florida license only requires a vision test. Last question is can I even have a Florida license if it is not my state of residency? From the above I think one can see I am totally confused re: this issue.

[Bogie Shooter]

Florida DMV.
http://www.flhsmv.gov/

[chuckinca]

From "Nuts and Bolts of the Villages" sticky message at the bottom of "Home" page.

LICENSES AND REGISTRATION

Florida Drivers License
As mentioned above, be sure to bring your birth certificates and other ID with you. You will need them to get a Florida driver's licenses* As of October 1, 2008, you must present proof of Social Security number (for example, a Social Security card or any of the following documents showing your Social Security number: tax return, W-2 form, property tax statement, pay check, DD-214, school record).

You will get a vision test when you transfer your driver's license to Florida. You will not be able to keep your old driver's license except as noted in the next paragraph. This site has all you need to know about getting a Florida Driver's license and registering your automobiles in Florida. http://www.hsmv.state.fl.us/ Look under Tags and Titles and New to Florida.

Apparently, you can keep your out of state driver's license if you request a "Florida Only" driver's license. If you are a snowbird and leave a car in Florida, that car needs Florida registration which needs Florida auto insurance which needs a Florida driver's License (the insurance carrier will issue a policy with the proviso that you send them a copy of your Florida driver's license within 90 days or they cancel the policy - you need proof of insurance to get registration but you don't need a Florida driver's license to get registration). Get the "Florida Only" driver's licenses to meet these requirements.

If you have the correct documents the process is quick at the DMV office and you walk out with the driver's license. The "Florida Only" driver's license has "For Florida Use Only" is in small print on the back of the license.

Florida Automobile Registration.* You will need your automobile titles. If you are still buying your car, bring the name and address of the car loan place and the account number. You will have to have proof of Florida car insurance before you can change titles and get tags. I stayed with my original company but they had to write me a new policy and cancel the New Jersey one. This site has all you need to know about getting a Florida Driver's license and registering your automobiles in Florida. http://www.hsmv.state.fl.us/* Look under Tags and Titles and New to Florida.


You don't have to be a Fla resident to get a "Florida Only" DL. You need Fla insurance on the Cycle to get Fla plates; you need Fla (or Fla only) DL to get insurance (but they will issue insurance w/o the DL but you have to send them a copy of the DL within 90 days of issue of the insurance or they drop the insurance).

1. Get Fla Insurance (we used AAA on 441 next to Perkins)(sold us a Travelers policy instead of AAA ? ?)
then
2. Get Fla Plates (at DMV on Avenida Central - within walking distance from AAA)
then
3. Get Fla DL (back to DMV or can be in same trip if you have all the papers needed - see above)


.

[SteveFromNY]

I registered my motorhome there with a NY liscense. Not a problem. I did need Florida insurance, and an address.
License and registration are really not connected. You really don't need a liscense at all to register a vehicle. After all, companies have cars registered to them. It's more about making sure it is insured.

This is from the DMV website.
Why must out-of-state residents have Florida proof of insurance before obtaining a license plate or registration renewal?

Florida insurance is required to meet the requirements of Florida Statutes. Only insurance issued or countersigned by a Florida agent is electronically reported to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles for verification purposes.

[k2at]

Tnx guys. First I will try Steve's approach ( no Florida license) and if that doesn't work I will go Chuckinca's route. Nice to know an agency is right next to Perkins. I took my Birth certificate, Social Security card and other info out of my files to take to Florida in three weeks when I go down. Without ur emails, I would have forgotten them.

[GatorFan]

Behind CVS off 466. Allstate does not require you obtain Florida DL. Also Florida does not require you purchase insurance on a motorcycle to register. You are required to have proof of a motorcycle safety course to obtain insurance.
352-259-3825