How do you register a car and get a Florida driver's license in Orlando?
Registering Your Car
In Florida, vehicle registration is handled by the county tax collector's office. In Orange County (Orlando), you can visit any office of the Orange County Tax Collector. You'll need to bring your Florida driver's license or ID, proof of Florida insurance (minimum $10,000 PIP and $10,000 PDL), and the vehicle's title or out-of-state registration. If you bought the car from a dealer, they often handle the paperwork.
You'll pay a registration fee based on weight, plus a $225 initial registration fee for new residents. Registration is renewed annually or biennially. You'll receive a license plate and decal. If you're moving from another state, you must register within 10 days of establishing residency or starting employment.
- Proof of Florida insurance (PIP and PDL)
- Florida driver's license or ID
- Vehicle title or out-of-state registration
- Payment for fees (varies by weight)
- Visit Orange County Tax Collector office
Getting a Florida Driver's License
New Florida residents must get a Florida driver's license within 30 days of moving. You'll need to visit a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) office. Bring proof of identity (like a passport or birth certificate), Social Security number, and two documents proving Florida residency (such as a lease, utility bill, or bank statement). If you have a valid out-of-state license, you may not need to take a road test, but you will need to pass a vision test and possibly a written test.
First-time drivers must complete a Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course, pass a written exam, get a learner's permit, and then pass a driving test. Fees for a license typically range from $48 to $75, depending on type. Appointments are recommended at busy offices.
Common mistakes
- Waiting too long to register your car or get a Florida license—fines can apply after 10 or 30 days of residency.
- Assuming you can register your car without a Florida driver's license or ID—you need one first.
- Forgetting that you need two proofs of Florida residency for a driver's license, such as a lease and a utility bill.
