New Rules for Renewing Driver's Licenses in Florida

Thank God I did my research when the driver's license renewal notice came in the mail in January. I went to the state government's website to check out what I needed to do. Effective January 1, 2010 in Florida, you have to go to a Driver's License office to renew as they are requiring complete information on you, I think to cut down on fraud and identify theft. Once you have brought all this information into them, you don't have to do it again in the future, so they say. Here are some tips that are important to make the process go smoothly:

1. Make an appointment at least 30-days in advance

2. When you do this, you should be in and out within an hour if you bring all your paperwork with you. If you don't have an appointment and you simply show up, expect the process to take 2 1/2 to 3 hours.

3. Go to the official Florida government website to find out exactly what type of paperwork you need to bring with you. This will include a second identification like a passport or birth certificate; you will also need to take an original social security card; two copies of certain documents with your address listed such as voter's registration, mortgage payment statement, insurance documents or car registration.

4. You may have to take an eye exam but they will let you know that on your renewal notice.

5. There is a cost to this process which you pay when you are done and you can use credit cards.

Long lines outside the door for those unfortunate souls who just showed up. Glad I went prepared. I was in and out in 50 minutes.