Motor Vehicles

Just moved to Florida and need to get a driver license and your car registered?

In the state of Florida, a motor vehicle is required by law to be registered within 30 days of the owner either becoming employed, placing children in public school, or establishing residency. Registering your motor vehicle goes hand in hand with the titling process.

Military service members and their families who live and drive in Florida, may do so with a valid out-of-state driver license. There is no requirement to obtain a Florida driver license when military and their family members move to Florida, take a job, or enroll their children in public schools.

If you have an out-of-state license, you may be able to convert it to a Florida driver's license without having to take a written or road test. Review the requirements for citizens and non-citizens. Obtain vehicle insurance from a company licensed to do business in Florida. In other words, visit a Florida insurance agent. Take proof of identity (required for all owners), proof of Florida insurance, original out-of-state title, and verification of physical inspection of the motor vehicle's *vehicle identification number, completed on a form HSMV 82040, Application for Certificate of Title With/Without Registration, to your local Florida county tax collector's office.

When applying for title, ALL owners are required to sign a completed application for title (HSMV 82040). If an owner is unable to sign the form in the presence of a tax collector employee, he/she may sign his/her appropriate portion of the form and give to the co-owner for submission to the agency. Remember: proof of identity is required for all owners.

*Vehicle identification number verification is required for all USED motor vehicles not currently titled in Florida, including trailers with a weight of 2,000 pounds or more.

The VIN must be physically inspected by one of the following:

• A law enforcement officer from any state.
• A licensed Florida or out of state motor vehicle dealer.
  NOTE: If the VIN is verified by an out of state motor vehicle dealer, the verification must be submitted on their letterhead stationery.
• A Florida DMV Compliance Examiner/Inspector, DMV or tax collector employee.
• A notary public commissioned by the state of Florida.
• Provost Marshal (an officer who supervises the military police of a command) or a commissioned officer in active military service, with a rank of 2nd Lieutenant or higher or an LNC, "Legalman, Chief Petty Officer, E-7".

If the out-of-state title is currently in the possession of an out-of-state lienholder, the tax collector's office will assist you in contacting the lienholder to obtain the title. The lien will be recorded on the Florida title when issued and will be mailed to the lienholder.

All applicable traffic regulations must be obeyed within the headquarters compound. The Directorate of Emergency Services (DES) enforce rules.

Contact DES at 305-437-2347/2125 for additional information.

State and local laws regulate the operation of motor vehicles, and these laws can vary by location. Many states regulate the following:

• Seatbelt use
• Child safety seats
• Motorcycle operation
• The use of cellphones and other digital devices while driving

You and your passengers must always wear seatbelts while driving, you will be ticketed and issued heavy fines if seatbelts are not secured. State law requires that all children under 3 years of age be properly restrained in child seats. Some states also require younger, smaller children to sit in the back seat.

Motorcycles and their operators are subject to special laws.  If you own and operate a motorcycle, you must comply with those laws. Visit the State Department of Motor Vehicles website for more information.Many States and local jurisdictions have strict laws about the use of cell phones and other digital devices while driving. Research these laws on the State Department of Motor Vehicles website. Tickets will be issued and fines assessed for violating these laws. Play it safe and always use a “hands free” device if you must use a cell phone or other PDA while driving. Hands-free devices must be used while operating a motor vehicle on ALL military installations worldwide.