Driver's License

A Florida driver license must be obtained within 30 days of gaining employment, establishing residency, claiming a homestead exemption, registering to vote or registering a child at a public school. A replacement license is required at a cost of $10 within 10 days of changing a name or address.

New residents who have a valid out-of-state license will be required to take the vision examination. Prior to receiving a license on any vehicles they own in the state, the vehicles must be registered in Florida and the registration certificate must be presented to the driver license agency.

Vehicles are registered at the Brevard County Tax Collector's Office. For people without a vehicle, their driver license, plus an additional form of identification (Social Security card, military ID card or passport) must be presented. The license costs $20 for six years. Renewals are $15.

To obtain a driver license, all first-time drivers must attend a four-hour substance-abuse course.

Learner's permits are available for 15-year-olds and may be converted at age 16 to regular licenses. Minors must hold the learner's permit for at least one year before converting to a regular license. Holders of learner's permits must log at least 50 hours of driving and be accompanied by an adult at least 21 years old. At least 10 of those hours must be at night. Other restrictions apply to drivers younger than 18. A parent or legal guardian of any minor applicant must sign a parental consent form.

Two forms of legal ID also are required. Applicants must take a written examination and have a vision screening. The only exception to the course and written examination is if the course is taught as part of driver education in high school.

A nondriver identification card can be obtained for those who do not drive and require legal identification. Two legal forms of identification are required to obtain an ID card. Cost is $3 for six years; $2.50 for renewal.

Appointments for driver licenses, driving tests and identification cards may be made by calling 383-2763 in Titusville, 984-4933 in Melbourne, 752-3162 in north Melbourne or 449-5003 on Merritt Island. Office hours are 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, with the exception of Melbourne, which is open Monday through Thursday.