Moving anywhere is a hassle, especially if you are moving from one part of the US to another. Cross-country or state-to-state moves are not only more expensive, but they also involve more paperwork and administrative processes.
One of the steps that you must take when you move to Jacksonville from out of state is obtaining a Florida state driver’s license. Whether you have a license from another state, or you only have a state ID and want to get your learner’s permit, you must go through the Jacksonville DMV.
Even though the DMV offices in nearly every American city can develop a mixed reputation, the Jacksonville Department of Motor Vehicles is very efficient and straightforward in how they operate.
Below is a guide that offers steps in how to navigate the DMV in Jacksonville, Florida, so that you can get your Florida driver’s license, learner’s permit, or state ID.
Jacksonville DMV Locations
One of the advantages of moving to a large city such as Jacksonville is that you can find DMV offices in most parts of the metropolitan area. Depending on where you live or work, you may want to find the DMV office that is most suitable for your trips to get a driver’s license, learner’s permit, state ID or car registration.
There are a total of eight DMV offices in Jacksonville, along with one in nearby Neptune Beach. Each of these facilities is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm year-round. DMV offices are closed during public and state holidays.
How to Get a State ID in Florida
If you do not have a driver’s license and are not planning to drive in Jacksonville, then you may be looking to get a state ID. Having a state ID is useful for any employment or education, and you can also use the new Real IDs to fly domestically.
Anyone who is a Florida and United States resident and does not have a driver’s license from Florida can apply for a state ID. If you choose to get a state ID, you cannot also hold a driver’s license from another state.
When you visit the DMV in Jacksonville, you must present proof of identities such as your birth certificate, American passport, and social security number. You must also provide two documents that show you are a Florida resident. You will have to pay a $25 fee to get your ID card.
Most people can be in and out of the offices at the DMV within an hour, especially if they go during a less busy time. If you are not a US citizen, you can still get a state ID, but you have to prove that you are legally permitted to study and/or work in the US.
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Obtaining a Learner’s Permit or Driver’s License in Jacksonville
Before you can get your learner’s permit in Florida, you must complete a DATA Course, which is available to anyone who is at least 14 years old. Then you must take your DMV Permit Exam, and both of these exams are available to take online. Anyone who is 18 or older must take the Permit Exam at the DMV.
When you have completed these courses and the relevant paperwork to provide your identity and residency at the DMV, you can get your learner’s permit. That allows you to drive in the supervision of someone who has a driver’s license, enabling you to learn before you take your driver’s test.
Keep in mind that you have to clock 50 hours of driving experience, which includes 10 hours at night, before you can apply for your driver’s license. Applicants who are less than 18 must have their learner’s permit for one year before they can get their license.
If you do not have friends or family who can help you prepare for your driving test and clock your 50 practice hours, then you should enroll at a driving school in Jacksonville.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my first driver’s license without first getting a learner’s permit?
If you have never had a driver’s license in one of the 50 US states, then no – you must first get a learner’s permit at the Jacksonville DMV before you can apply for a state driver’s license. The process involves providing relevant documentation about your residence, getting your learner’s permit, passing written and physical driving courses, and then getting your driver’s license. If you do not have anyone to help you prepare for the tests, there are driving schools in Jacksonville whose services you can request.
Is there a better time of the week to go to DMV Jacksonville locations to avoid long lines?
If you want to avoid standing in line for anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours, then you should get to the DMV as early in the morning as possible. Those who want a quick and seamless DMV experience should aim to be there early in the morning on Monday or Tuesday, as the early part of the week is usually the least busy.
Can I swiftly get a Florida driver’s license to replace my out-of-state license?
Yes, if you have a valid driver’s license from another state in the United States, then you can easily get a Florida license. The state’s regulations mandate that you get your Florida license within 30 days of establishing your residency in the area. Take your current license with you, along with other proof of nationality, ID, and residency documents, to the DMV Jacksonville location closes to you to complete your application.
Get Your License Quickly at the DMV
People often dread dealing with administrative errands such as getting a state ID, learner’s permit, or driver’s license. But obtaining a learner’s permit or state ID in Florida is relatively straightforward, and you can also quickly convert out-of-state driver’s licenses to Florida licenses within 30 days of moving.
The quicker you begin this process, the sooner you can have your Florida license, and the anxiety will be over. The Jacksonville DMV is fairly efficient, and if you can take a day off work, going earlier in the morning on weekdays should help you avoid long lines.
