How do I get my Florida Driver's License in The Villages?
Getting your driver's license when you move to The Villages is one of the things you should do in your first month here! Information over why and how to do it is outlined in this video. Locations in The Villages and a list of things to bring are discussed. Even if you are just starting the planning of moving to The Villages, take note of the documents you will need to bring in order to get a Florida Driver's License and start collecting them BEFORE you move.
First, I should answer why. Why should I get a Florida driver's license? Well, it's the law. You are required to obtain a Florida driver's license within 30 days of your move-in date. But also, a Florida driver's license will allow you to register for a homestead exemption, saving on your property taxes. Last, a Florida driver's license opens up many Florida resident discounts such as the savings a Florida resident gets on Disney and Universal studios tickets. So, let's get into the details of obtaining a Florida license after moving to The Villages.
There are 3 offices in and near the villages to obtain your driver's license. Here in Florida, it is not called the DMV but instead is associated with tax collection offices. Please note you can register your car to get Florida plates and register to vote at the same time and place that you get your license. The office to the north is located off 441 in Summerfield. It is in a strip mall across from the Walmart. The office in the middle area is off of 466. Turn at the sheriff's annex sign. The southern location is in Wildwood, near the corner of 466A and Powell road.
The first step to getting your license is to get Florida car insurance. You will need to bring proof of Florida car insurance with you to the site when applying for your license. Don't assume that the car insurance you have currently will suffice. Florida car insurance laws are different. In addition to insurance, you must have your actual car with you if you are going to register for Florida plates at that same visit. There are many other items to bring, including your current driver's license from your previous state and either your passport or a certified birth certificate. And you will need to bring your social security card. If you are a woman and your name is different then your birth, you will need to bring legal copies of marriage licenses and or divorce decrees. Last you will need two of the following: your official deed, a utility bill in your name for the new address, homeowner's insurance policy, or a mailed bank statement mailed to your Village's address.
It may seem like a daunting process especially if you haven't moved to a new state in many years. If you don't bring all the right documents and a payment method, you will be asked to take all your items with you and return when you have all the correct documents. On a final note, car registration is very expensive here in Florida, be prepared to pay over $400 to get your license and register ONE car.
My mother ended up having to go back three times to finally get her driver's license. She not only had to have her birth certificate but her first marriage license, her first divorce decree, and her second marriage license; all to show how her birth name had changed to the name that was on her Missouri driver's license! And they had to be official copies!