Getting our Florida license plates and licenses.

[graciegirl]

For those who have gone before that told me that this was quite a procedure, I am sorry that I didn't listen.

You go to the new Sumter County service center on 466A where the new library is.

The three of us went yesterday to get new plates for our one car and to get new drivers licenses for both of us and a Florida I.D for Helene.

We left about 12:30 and got home about four.

You will need proof of car insurance from Florida company, copy of ORIGINAL birth certificate from governmental agency, not hospital, two documents to prove your residency, marriage license, from ALL Marriages, not from church, from governmental agency,(We were fortunate to have to show proof for just one marriage, the guy said the most he'd seen was 13) car title, Social Security card, they will NOT accept Medicare card. (We had to leave and go to Social Security Office in Leesburg), No Zerox or faxed copies will be accepted.

The car you are driving must be present for inspection to insure correct serial number. At the same time you can register to vote.

You have to pass a vision test only for the new drivers license and the cost for all of this with buying two year license plate was $623. Your drivers license is good for eight years, the plates for two if you pay next years now.

They were very patient and so were we. My oldest friend told me she cried at one point.

Just be prepared.

I think we are now frogs. TIRED Frogs..........

[Irishmen]

Marion county opened a office across from Walmart in Lady Lake. We were there yesterday for a tag for our RV and there were 6 clerks with 0 customers. Nice flat screen TV's. Took us around 10 minutes in and out. I liked it but what a waste of payroll it seemed.

[zcaveman]

Marion county opened a office across from Walmart in Lady Lake. We were there yesterday for a tag for our RV and there were 6 clerks with 0 customers. Nice flat screen TV's. Took us around 10 minutes in and out. I liked it but what a waste of payroll it seemed.

Tags are easy. It is the Driver Licenses that are the pain.

[Happinow]

Oh my! What an ordeal. Thanks for the warning. I had not idea this would be an issue. My husband and I were coming down in April to do all of that and didn't leave much time to do it. We'd better think twice.

[memason]

For those who have gone before that told me that this was quite a procedure, I am sorry that I didn't listen.

You go to the new Sumter County service center on 466A where the new library is.

The three of us went yesterday to get new plates for our one car and to get new drivers licenses for both of us and a Florida I.D for Helene.

We left about 12:30 and got home about four.

You will need proof of car insurance from Florida company, copy of ORIGINAL birth certificate from governmental agency, not hospital, two documents to prove your residency, marriage license, from ALL Marriages, not from church, from governmental agency,(We were fortunate to have to show proof for just one marriage, the guy said the most he'd seen was 13) car title, Social Security card, they will NOT accept Medicare card. (We had to leave and go to Social Security Office in Leesburg), No Zerox or faxed copies will be accepted.

The car you are driving must be present for inspection to insure correct serial number. At the same time you can register to vote.

You have to pass a vision test only for the new drivers license and the cost for all of this with buying two year license plate was $623. Your drivers license is good for eight years, the plates for two if you pay next years now.

They were very patient and so were we. My oldest friend told me she cried at one point.

Just be prepared.

I think we are now frogs. TIRED Frogs..........

ha ha..... Welcome to FROGdom! Seems they asked you for more documents than we were required to provide. We didn't provide any birth certificates or marriage certificates. We did use our passports though. There's a listing of the required documents on the Sumter Co. website...

No doubt about it; it's expensive the first time!

[graciegirl]

ha ha..... Welcome to FROGdom! Seems they asked you for more documents than we were required to provide. We didn't provide any birth certificates or marriage certificates. We did use our passports though. There's a listing of the required documents on the Sumter Co. website...

No doubt about it; it's expensive the first time!

Please go to that listing of requirements on Sumter county site and don't take my word for it. I could have been wrong about the ALL marriages thingy. I would hate to cause anyone additional stress. It was more documents than we have had to present for a long time and our passports had expired...

[hansel]

For women you must confirm your current last name if there were prior marriages you need marriage licenses. Easiest way is your current social secuirty card and a passport.

[memason]

Sorry....it isn't Sumter County.

Here's the link for everything concerning drivers licenses and tags...

http://www.dmvflorida.org/

[villages07]

These are all new requirements from the Real ID act ... to prove you are who you say you are and not an illegal alien or potential terrorist.

I got my license in 2006 and didn't have to do this, but, when I have to go renew in a few years I will have to bring these various proofs of residency/citizenship. Also, if you have to replace or make a change to your license you will have to present proof, even if your prior license hasn't expired. I believe you only have to go through this level of proof one time.

Best bet is to review the requirements on the Sumter county website before you go.

[FoPAA]

One other bit of information that may be helpful: if it's raining your car can't be inspected for the VIN and you'll have to return later.
But we found the people there very nice.
And bringing a passport seems helpful.

[The Shadow]

I went to renew my FL driver’s license 2 weeks ago. I provided a birth certificate an original that I have guarded and preserved over the years, it is old and in very good condition. It is an original with my foot print on it, my mothers finger print, doctors name, fathers name and a bunch of other stuff all written with a fountain pen and was created in the hospital where I was born.

I handed my documents of proof to the proof checker lady with my well preserved birth certificate on the top of the pile and she said, “I need the original of your birth certificate do you have it.”

The colorful part of the conversation I will skip.

I was told I had to go on the computer an order a government birth certificate from my birth state. So I did. Part of the government process is I scan my FL driver’s license and include the scan with my application to prove who I am so I can get a government birth certificate so I can prove to FL who I am.

So after using my FL driver’s license to get real government birth certificate it becomes clear the hospital released the information on my birth certificate to the government.

Another words FL driver’s license was good enough to get a government birth certificate but not good enough FL driver’s license.

The good news, no one at the FL driver’s license comedy castle was harmed and the swat team was not deployed.

[Doodlegirl]

It is a nightmare if you have been divorced or widowed...especially if either of those were some time ago. My friend asked me to go with her and we would have lunch afterward...lunch turned into dinner and she had a long,
long list of original paperwork and documentation she needed from 40 years ago, it ultimately took her three months (this was in South Florida) to obtain all of the documentation necessary to obtain her license. And, she already had a Massachusetts license with several remaining years!

Whether it is South Florida being such a drawing card for illegal aliens, criminals, identity theft, or whatever the reason, she had to find the original divorce records from a Mexican divorce in 1966 (her hubs had the originals for he had sought the divorce and recieved the paperwork and she had copies! and he had passed away). And the marriage and death certificates of her first and second husbands...those marriages and deaths some 2,000 miles from South Florida! Oh, and she had been born in Norway coming to the US as a child with copies of her birth certificate. You can imagine the mess. Record keeping 40 years ago wasnt' what it is today! And the hours of time spent, sheeks!

The Motor Vehicle Department in Florida gives rise to the old saying, "When
God tipped the earth, all the nuts rolled into Florida". Oh, and she had to register her then new car in Palm Beach County and having just paid MA taxes when she bought it, had to pay Palm Beach County Taxes to the tune
of some $600. (double taxation I'd say). Poor gurl, she said her license is worth thousands. I think so.

[starflyte1]

I made a post about this a year ago, when my husband and I needed to change the address on our licenses. We had valid FL licenses, but had moved. Once you get all the necessary papers and they are accepted, you will have a gold star (really!) next to your name on your driver's license. This is proof that you have been cleared and do not have to be again.

The agent said that if I had had a valid passport, it would have been easier.

Also, if you are over 80 or some certain age, you may not need all that info., such as an original government birth certificate. My husband did not.

It took me two months to get the information I needed.

[The Shadow]

I made a post about this a year ago. Once you get all the necessary papers and they are accepted, you will have a gold star (really!) next to your name on your driver's license. This is proof that you have been cleared and do not have to be again.

The agent said that if I had had a valid passport, it would have been easier.

Also, if you are over 80 or some certain age, you may not need all that info., such as an original government birth certificate. My husband did not.

It took me two months to get the information I needed.

Let me guess, you use your FL driver’s license to prove your over 80.

[cappyjon431]

Getting my license here in TV was difficult, but not as frustrating as what others have gone through.

I have had a Florida driver's license since 1978. When my wife and I were living overseas, my license expired. Not a big deal, as we didn't need a car on the small, tropical island we lived on.

When we decided to sell our business and move to TV I thought it important to renew my license. In the past, it was possible to renew online, so I went online but found that since it had been expired for more than one year I had to renew in person.

Since we would be visiting TV prior to our finally moving there, I decided this would be a good time to renew. Having heard about all the required paperwork, I thought I would come prepared and avoid too much running around during my short visit. I brought my expired Florida license, my passport, two pieces of mail with my TV address, a merchant mariner's document ID (a federal ID accepted around the world for identification purposes) and a copy of my birth certificate. I was prepared!

When I arrived at the office (the one where the library is, off 466a), I couldn't even get in the door to renenw (they have a very efficient "gatekeeper."). It seems that I didn't have my social security card, which was a required document. Even though I had a federal ID card that had my social security number on it, it was not sufficient. Nope, had to be my social security card.

They sent me to Leesburg to the social security office. The clerk there was very friendly. I showed her my federal ID with my social security number on it, she printed out a form that listed my social security number (something that I could have produced on my own computer--very unofficial looking), and I returned to the drivers license bureau. Thirty minutes later, I had my renewed Florida license.

Frustrating, but not too bad.

[skyguy79]

I went to renew my FL driver’s license 2 weeks ago. I provided a birth certificate an original that I have guarded and preserved over the years, it is old and in very good condition. It is an original with my foot print on it, my mothers finger print, doctors name, fathers name and a bunch of other stuff all written with a fountain pen and was created in the hospital where I was born.

I handed my documents of proof to the proof checker lady with my well preserved birth certificate on the top of the pile and she said, “I need the original of your birth certificate do you have it.”

The colorful part of the conversation I will skip.

I was told I had to go on the computer an order a government birth certificate from my birth state. So I did. Part of the government process is I scan my FL driver’s license and include the scan with my application to prove who I am so I can get a government birth certificate so I can prove to FL who I am.

So after using my FL driver’s license to get real government birth certificate it becomes clear the hospital released the information on my birth certificate to the government.

Another words FL driver’s license was good enough to get a government birth certificate but not good enough FL driver’s license.

The good news, no one at the FL driver’s license comedy castle was harmed and the swat team was not deployed.I'm baffled by the information given above.

First, Florida doesn't require a birth certificate for the renewal of a Florida drivers license. That's pretty universal in all states for the renewal of their licenses.

Second, it is in the license instructions the DMV provides that "A birth certificate must be issued by a government agency. Hospital birth certificates cannot be accepted."

It should also be noted that you can renew a drivers license by mail in Florida providing you don't need to make any changes.

So as I said, I am baffled as to why you had a problem, or why you had to engage the office with colorful conversation, or why you resorted to refering to them as "the FL driver's license comedy castle!" when they were only doing their job as they're required to - with the possible exception of asking you for a birth certificate to renew your Florida drivers license.

Ref: http://www.gathergoget.com/checklist/checklist.aspx

[The Shadow]

i'm baffled by the information given above.

First, florida doesn't require a birth certificate for the renewal of a florida drivers license. Next time I will take you with me to get my drivers license. You remind me of Janet Tutt telling the IRS what they are doing wrong. You do have to have a birth certificate. that's pretty universal in all states for the renewal of their licenses.

Second, it is in the license instructions the dmv provides that "a birth certificate must be issued by a government agency. hospital birth certificates cannot be accepted."

it should also be noted that you can renew a drivers license by mail in florida providing you don't need to make any changes.

So as i said, i am baffled as to why you had a problem, or why you had to engage the office with colorful conversation, or why you resorted to refering to them as "the fl driver's license comedy castle!" when they were only doing their job as they're required to - with the possible exception of asking you for a birth certificate to renew your florida drivers license.

Ref: http://www.gathergoget.com/checklist/checklist.aspx
wrong

[skyguy79]

wrongWhat does Janet Tutt or the IRS have anything to do with this. I'm not tellng you anything. The DMV is the one who indicated that the birth certificate is not necessary for a renewal, not me. That's why I gave the Ref link to the source of the information.

I think with 22 years of experience with both licensing and vehicle registrations as a Supervising Motor Vehicle Representative dealing with some complex or difficult situations, that I can understand motor vehicle's requirements when I read them.

BTW, were you talking about a renewal of an existing FL drivers license? That's what you stated you were doing! Or were you talking about surrendering another states license requesting the written and road tests be waived under reciprical agreements between states? You stated previously you were "renewing." If it's just your wording in your post and you actually meant you were applying for an original FL license by surrendering the other state license, then you would be correct. A birth certificate would in that case be required. If not then it's you who is incorrect... according to the document I referenced... not me!

[getdul981]

Last year when we moved to FL and got our drivers license, we took everything we could think of to prove who we were. Birth certificates, copy of the recorded deed for our house, bills that had our new address, marriage certificate and passports. When we got to DMV, all we needed was our passports. This was in Lake County even though we were living in Sumter County. We had to go to the Tax office on 466 to get the title changed on our car and register it.

This year we moved and were planning to go to the office on 466A to get everything taken care of. I called to see when would be the best time to come in. The lady I talked to told me that since we already had our FL drivers license, we could do everything on line. I just went on line and requested a duplicate license and registration (with our new address) for the car. Didn't even have to get dressed for that and it was $5 cheaper too.

[starflyte1]

Due to the new law effective Jan 2010, I don't think that you can renew online until you have a license renewed under the new law, presenting all the paperwork in person. After that, all future licenses can be renewed online until an eye test is required.

A valid passport is ok instead of a birth certificate.

[JimPete]

We are moving down in July of next year. My Va. license expires in Sept. of 2013. Do you think I have enough time to get it done? :shrug:

[cappyjon431]

Due to the new law effective Jan 2010, I don't think that you can renew online until you have a license renewed under the new law, presenting all the paperwork in person. After that, all future licenses can be renewed online until an eye test is required.

A valid passport is ok instead of a birth certificate.

:agree:

This is what I was told when I went to the driver's license bureau a few months ago. While I have had a florida license for 33 years, the NEW law requires more paperwork to get the gold star on my license--once I have it, renewals will once again be a snap.

[skyguy79]

:agree:

This is what I was told when I went to the driver's license bureau a few months ago. While I have had a florida license for 33 years, the NEW law requires more paperwork to get the gold star on my license--once I have it, renewals will once again be a snap.I read on the FL website that you can only renew online once (providing you're not making any changes) then you need to go in person the next time. You might find this web page on the subject interesting or helpful:

https://ffdhsmv.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/15/session/L3RpbWUvMTMyMTY0MzI3OC9zaWQvTEJ5NEtySms%3D

[CaptJohn]

Under the thread of 'What new businesses are needed' it seems that one that sells gold stars would be desirable.

[Army Guy]

If you can be there when it opens at 0800, it doesn't take long at all at the new Sumter annex. We got there at 0745 and were home by 0900. Thought they were very professional and quick.
Army Guy

[starflyte1]

You can make appointments online.

[yarnspinner]

Has anyone out there in TOTV-land had experience in converting a "Florida-only" driver's license into a "real" driver's license?

I had assumed (hoped) that it would be a fairly quick process of taking another picture and issuing the "real" driver's license.

Has anyone had experience with this?

Yarnspinner

[skyguy79]

Has anyone out there in TOTV-land had experience in converting a "Florida-only" driver's license into a "real" driver's license?

I had assumed (hoped) that it would be a fairly quick process of taking another picture and issuing the "real" driver's license.

Has anyone had experience with this?

YarnspinnerBased on everything I've read so far on the DMV site, I would think that you would have to start all over with written, vision and road tests since the Valid-in-Florida Only license was discontinued a few years ago. However, it would be wise to get the answer directly from the DMV office and not from my educated guess. You can find the phone number of your closest office at http://www.flhsmv.gov/offices/.

[yarnspinner]

Based on everything I've read so far on the DMV site, I would think that you would have to start all over with written, vision and road tests since the Valid-in-Florida Only license was discontinued a few years ago. However, it would be wise to get the answer directly from the DMV office and not from my educated guess. You can find the phone number of your closest office at http://www.flhsmv.gov/offices/.

You are probably correct. I'll prepare myself for that. My hope was based on the understanding that the repeal of the Valid-in-Florida license was that no new ones would be issued from that point forward, but ones already issued would still be valid until they reach the expiration date on them.

But I will take your advice and prepare for having to get a new issuance.

Thanks again.

Yarnspinner

[skyguy79]

You are probably correct. I'll prepare myself for that. My hope was based on the understanding that the repeal of the Valid-in-Florida license was that no new ones would be issued from that point forward, but ones already issued would still be valid until they reach the expiration date on them.

But I will take your advice and prepare for having to get a new issuance.

Thanks again.

YarnspinnerPreparing won't hurt, but you do still have the option of calling first and making sure!

[bxmt54]

We went this week to get new licenses after having moved here in Sept. from IL. The website gathergoget.com pretty much tells you exactly what you need to bring with you. I took my passport, ss card, deed to the house and my voter's registration card (which I got there while I was waiting for them to call our names). I've been married and divorced twice but didn't have to bring any of those records since my passport and ss card are in the same name...nor did I bring a birth certificate. Passports really help a lot it seems. We went to the office on 466A and found the volunteer from AAA that took our names and confirmed we had all of our records, the fellow at the desk inside that processed everything along with the lady at the voters registration office very efficient and congenial. Make it easy on yourselves and go to the gathergoget website.

[CarGuys]

[QUOTE=graciegirl;419383]For those who have gone before that told me that this was quite a procedure, I am sorry that I didn't listen.

copy of ORIGINAL birth certificate from governmental agency, not hospital, two documents to prove your residency, marriage license, from ALL Marriages, not from church, from governmental agency,(We were fortunate to have to show proof for just one marriage,

The car you are driving must be present for inspection to insure correct serial number. At the same time you can register to vote.

You have to pass a vision test only for the new drivers license and the cost for all of this with buying two year license plate was $623. Your drivers license is good for eight years, the plates for two if you pay next years now.

They were very patient and so were we. My oldest friend told me she cried at one point.

Just be prepared.

OMG I know You are not kidding! So you need a county copy of your birth certificate not the OE hospital. Wow this sounds like being a US citizen is a punishment.

Herv

[getdul981]

Due to the new law effective Jan 2010, I don't think that you can renew online until you have a license renewed under the new law, presenting all the paperwork in person. After that, all future licenses can be renewed online until an eye test is required.

A valid passport is ok instead of a birth certificate.

We weren't renewing, we were getting replacement because we moved.

We are moving down in July of next year. My Va. license expires in Sept. of 2013. Do you think I have enough time to get it done? :shrug:

If you have a passport, it should not be a problem. Even if you have all the other paperwork and no passport, you should be able to get it. They take your picture and issue it right there on the spot.

You can make appointments online.

Not for Sumter County (unless they have changed). We made an appointment online to go to Lady Lake when we first got our license last year. That office was not crowded and we probably wouldn't have needed an appointment anyway.

[faithfulfrank]

When I first read this thread I got concerned because we'll be doing this is a couple of weeks.....(insert Yippee!!!).

After doing their website thing, (www.gathergoget.com) it looks pretty easy for us.....having current passports seems to help a lot.
I"ll bring our passports, our Florida house deed, SS cards, a few other things. That website walks you through what you will need.

The cost is high compared to NY, but in the end my utility costs, WAY LOWER taxes, no annual car inspection,etc will make up for it.

Bottom line...it costs money to live. Anywhere. I can deal with it....better then not living.

Eleven days until we leave NY for good to live in Florida....can't wait!!

Frank