Many special needs assistance programs and services require the applicant and caregiver to have a current Florida drivers license or identification card. You can apply for your license or identification card at your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) location.
Lake County
Lake County DMV Location: 1720 Citrus Blvd, Leesburg, FL 34748
Phone: (352) 343-9602
Drivers License & ID Card Information: laketax.com/driver-license-id-cards
Appointments: Appointments are required for driving skills tests and hazardous materials tests and are exclusively available for Lake County residents. Make your appointment online on any link above.
Marion County
Marion County DMV Location: 503 SE 25th Avenue Ocala, FL 34471
Phone: (352) 368-8200
Drivers License & ID Card Information: www.mariontax.com/driver-licenses
Appointments: Appointments are not offered.
Sumter County
The Villages DMV Sumter Service Center: 7375 Powell Road, Wildwood, FL 34785
Phone: (352) 689-4540
The Villages Sumter County DMV Annex: 8033 East CR 466, The Villages, FL 32162
Phone: (352) 689-4645
Drivers License & ID Card Information: sumtertaxcollector.com/driv.html
Appointments: sumtertaxcollector.com/road-test.html
REAL ID
In 2005 Congress passed the REAL ID Act proposed by the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the Federal Government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses.” The Act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards and prohibits certain federal agencies from accepting for official purposes licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards. Florida began issuing REAL ID licenses and identification cards on January 4, 2010. A Florida REAL ID-compliant card has a gold star on the upper-right top portion of the card.
*You can only hold a REAL ID driver license or a REAL ID identification card, but not both simultaneously.
How to Get Your Florida Driver’s License
There are several requirements you must meet to obtain your Florida driver’s license, officially known as a Class E Driver license. You must be at least 16 years old, complete a drug and alcohol course, pass a vision and hearing test, pass the Class E Knowledge Exam and Driving Skills Test, and provide identification and all required documents. Click here for details on each requirement.
How to Get Your Florida ID
To obtain a Florida ID you must bring original documents that validate your identity, like your Social Security Number (SSN) and a piece of mail having your name and residential address. Click here for further details.
How to Get Your Florida Disabled Parking Permit
Florida law authorizes the issuance of disabled parking permits for both long-term and short-term mobility impairments and those certified as legally blind by an optometrist. Permits may be issued to driver license and ID card holders. There are two categories of disabled parking permits – permanent and temporary. If you qualify, you may also get your disabled parking permit or wheelchair license plate from your local DMV
Permanent – Persons with long-term mobility impairments, or who are certified as legally blind, qualify for a permanent disabled person parking permit or license plate. Permanent permits and license plates are valid for four years and must be renewed by the permit holder’s birthdate. There is no fee for this parking permit.
Temporary – Persons with short-term mobility impairments may receive a temporary disabled parking permit for up to six months as specified by a certifying medical authority. Temporary disabled person parking permits require a $15 fee. If the need for the temporary disabled person parking permit exceeds six months, an additional temporary permit may be issued. If the additional permit is applied for within 12 months from the issuance of the first permit, no additional fee is required.
To apply for a disabled parking permit you must complete a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Application for Disabled Person Parking Permit (Form HSMV 83039), To apply for a wheelchair license plate you must complete a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Application for Disabled, Disabled Veteran or Motorcycle International Wheelchair Symbol License Plate (Form HSMC 83007). You may hold both a disabled parking permit and a wheelchair license plate. Both applications must be completed and signed by a certifying medical authority. Click here to learn more about the laws for using and displaying disabled parking permits.
