Who doesn’t want to live in a state that’s literally called the Sunshine State? As the name suggests, this glorious state on the southern belt not only has the best climate, beaches, and amusement parks to run to, but also ample job opportunities and some above average schools and educational institutions.
The Sunshine State is bliss for those of us who move from the Northern part of the country, and why shouldn’t it be? But as we all know, moving that far is tedious, to say the least, and the things to do even once you’ve arrived in your new home start weighing on you heavily.
One of these is changing the address on your driver’s license and vehicle registration since you want to be able to drive around and enjoy the glorious weather right? Nothing to worry about though, since we’ve explained everything you need to do for the same.
Obtaining A Driver’s License When Moving to Florida from Another State
When you’re moving to Florida from another state, there are steps to follow in order to change the address on your driver’s license. It goes without saying that it’s important to keep a track of the documentation needed and the time period allotted, so that you don’t miss out on getting your address changed in time. So, we’ve simplified it for you with a step by step description of what you need to do.
1.Register Your Vehicle In Florida
The Sunshine State gives you a period of 10 days to inform the Florida HSMV about the registration of your vehicle, which doesn’t give you much time to get it done. So, we suggest you get to it right away!
In order to get your vehicle registered in Florida, you need to first visit the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) in-person. You can, however, save time by making an appointment online. We also recommend that you take your car along with the following documentation:
- Proof of identity. The FLHSV website provides a list of acceptable documents so go through it thoroughly.
- Your current out-of-state title.
- A completed HSMV 82040 form (Application for Certificate of Title with/without Registration).
When it comes to registration fees, the Florida HSMV charges $14.50 if your vehicle is under 2,499 pounds. Also, for heavier vehicles that weigh under 3,499 pounds, you have to pay $22.50 and for vehicles weighing over that it’s $32.50. Note that these fees might vary depending on various factors, so you can take a look at the state website to come to an accurate estimate.
Do you need proof of insurance to register a car in Florida?
Yes, you do. You will need to show proof of insurance while you register since you cannot drive in Florida without it. You can visit their website for more information.
Does proof of insurance count as registration?
Not in Florida, but like we mentioned, you will need to show it.
Did you know? Only 7 out of the 50 states in the country don’t require proof of insurance for registration and these include North Dakota, Arizona, Wisconsin, New Hampshire, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Washington.
2. Apply For A Change Of Address
You’re done with the registration process now, so it’s time to apply for a change of address on your driver’s license. Unlike the registration period, you have 10 days to notify the FLHSMV about the change of address, so you don’t have much time for this either.
You have to visit the FLHSMV office to get your address changed for which you need to carry the following documents:
- Your current out-of-state driver’s license.
- Proof of Identity which includes your US Passport, Birth Certificate, Certificate of Naturalization (form N-550 or form N-570), Certificate of Citizenship (form N-560 or form N-561), or Consular Report of Birth Abroad.
- Social Security Card.
- Florida residency proof that could include your utility bill, Florida voter registration card, deed or mortgage agreement among other documents that you can find here.
While you don’t need to give a driver’s test to obtain the license, you will have to pass a vision and hearing test. When it comes to costs, the fee for a new driver’s license is $48 but you might be charged additionally depending on the taxes. To get a clear idea of the fee, you can visit the state’s fees page.
Can you drive with a foreign driver’s license in Florida?
Yes you can, as long as it’s valid and you also have a valid international driving permit. But, once that expires, you must apply for a Florida driver’s license and pass all the tests required.
Must Read: Moving to Florida – Relocation Guide
Obtaining A Driver’s License When Moving Within Florida
You’ve moved within the Sunshine State and you now have to face a mammoth task – changing addresses. But, when it comes to updating your new address on your vehicle registration and driver’s license, you have the path cut out for yo
Don’t understand what we’re implying? We simply mean that apart from a time period of 30 days to inform the FLHSMV, it has also provided various avenues for you to get your address changed.
There are two ways in which you can update your address when you move within Florida so let’s get going!
1.Online
Updating your addresses online is the easiest way to go about this entire process. And, don’t worry, Florida’s DMV website is pretty easy to maneuver with clear cut instructions, so don’t shy away from taking the online route.
To get the address on your driver’s license updated:
Just visit the state website to register and fill the Change of Address form. Also, you will be asked to pay a fee of $25 for your updated license which will arrive at your doorstep within a week.
Keep the following documents by your side when you’re doing the process online:
- Your current driver’s license
- Your Social Security number
- A credit card to make the payment
To update your registration:
The same steps apply when you want to change the address on your registration, so visit the state DMV website for the process. But, the documents you need to have will be different:
- Your license plate number
- Current Texas driver’s license of non-driver ID card
- Your VIN which is the Vehicle Identification Pin
I changed my USPS address. Will it update my driver’s license records?
No it won’t. You have to change your address on both independently since changing it on one does not automatically change it on another.
2. In-Person
For many of us, doing admin things online is an uncomfortable process that makes us feel queasy. Even though it’s quick and reliable, getting important things like updating our addresses in-person gives us more satisfaction than if we were to do it online. The good news is that you can update your address in-person, just find your nearest FLHSMV and fill the form provided to get the process started.
How long does it take to get Florida driver’s license in the mail?
According to the estimate by the Florida HSMV, it will take around 8 to 10 days for your driver’s license to arrive.
Can I track my driver’s license in the mail Florida?
Yes, you can. You can check the same on their website once you log in to your account using your social security number.
See also: Top-Rated Local Moving Companies
When You’re Moving Out Of Florida
If you’ve decided to move out of Florida, there are numerous steps to follow in your new state of residence to change your address on your driver’s license. Once you do so, your old Florida license will be automatically canceled by the state, so you need not worry about informing the DMV about the same.
But, the story is quite the opposite for your vehicle registration. You must inform the state of Florida that you will move and your vehicle registration address will be changed. At the same time, your license plates will have to be surrendered, which you can mail to the following address:
Bureau of Records, P.O. Box 5775, Tallahassee, FL 32314-5775.’
See also: Best Out of State Movers in the U.S.
Is It Illegal To Not Change Your Address When You Move?
In the state of Florida, the FLHSMV gives you a stipulated time period to change your address on your driver’s license and vehicle registration. Failure to do so will result in you getting fined heavily according to Florida Statute 322.19. So, we recommend you change your address to avoid unnecessary run-ins with the police.
At the same time, your license can be used for various administrative purposes establishing your domicile, voter registration, and taxation. Changing your address is only a matter of time, but doing so can save you a large amount of inconvenience. Government and private bodies that still have your old address on their records might send important stuff across, but reach the wrong people instead of reaching you at your new address. Remember that your driver’s license is also used by the police for identification purposes in case of road accidents or traffic violations.
Conclusion
Getting your license changed in the state of Florida is an easy process that doesn’t require much back and forth. For those who are residents of the Sunshine State already, things get much easier since you can access everything online. Even though you have some time allotted to you, we recommend you start getting your documents in order well in advance and start the process right after you move. Once this is out of the way, you’ll have nothing to worry about and ample time on your hands to settle into your new home.
