Laws and Regulations

Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles offers a FREE service that allows you to provide emergency contact information to law enforcement in the event of an emergency. This information may save crucial time if ever it becomes necessary to contact family members, or other loved ones. This service is available to individuals holding a current Florida driver license or identification card and can be completed online on this FLHSMV webpage.

Your personal information in Florida motor vehicle and driver license records is blocked in accordance with the Driver Privacy Protection Act.

Information on how to renew a Florida driver license or ID card can be found on the FLHSMV website . Florida residents 79 years of age or younger can be issued an eight (8) year license, which can be renewed by mail or in person. Drivers age 80 or older are issued a six (6) year license.

FLHSMV began issuing REAL ID-compliant credentials starting January 1, 2010. Driver licenses and identification (ID) cards are REAL ID compliant if they have a start in the upper right-hand corner of the card. To meet Real ID requirements, you must bring original documents that prove your identity, proof of legal residence, and date of birth.

You will need to visit your local Driver License or Tax Collector's office to renew either your license or identification card when:

• You are applying for your first driver license or ID identification card
• Your current license or identification card expires, your last renewal was completed through the mail or online, and/or your current driver license or ID card does not have a star in the upper corner; or
• You have legally changed your name (for example: by marriage or divorce)

Before making the trip to renew your driver license or ID card, visit FLHSMV's What To Bring webpage.

Many people continue to keep and/or renew their driver license as proof of identification, which is a vital necessity in today's world. However, there is an alternative. A Florida ID card functions exactly the same as a driver license for the purpose of providing proof of identification. It can be used in airports, medical offices, banks or anywhere else a photo ID is needed. In addition, the documentation needed for an ID card is the same as for a driver license. For more information on your driver license or ID card, visit the FLHSMV Frequently Asked Questions webpage or your local driver license service center.

Florida has a Medical Advisory Board that consists of doctors who advise the FLHSMV on medical criteria and vision standards relating to the licensing of drivers. Board members also provide the FLHSMV with recommendations after reviewing physician evaluations received as part of the medical review process.

After the FLHSMV receives a report regarding an unsafe driver, the driver is notified in writing that they are under medical review and they are required to provide medical information from their physician within 45 days. The medical report form is reviewed by the Medical Advisory Board, which takes into consideration all available facts, including the initial referral, medical report(s), driving record, and any crash-related incidents. Drivers are notified in writing of the outcome.

To learn more or to access any of the resources or required forms, visit the FLHSMV The Medical Review Process webpage.