TRANSPORTATION / MOTOR VEHICLE INFORMATION

FLORIDA MOTOR VEHICLE INFORMATION

Driver License
Newcomers must apply for a Florida driver license within 30 days of establishing a permanent residence. Those with a valid out-of-state license are usually required to take only the vision test. Others will also need to pass a written exam on road regulations and traffic signs and a practical driving test. Those under 18 years of age who are applying for a license must hold a learner’s license for at least 12 months or until their 18th birthday, avoid incurring any traffic convictions, and be certified by a parent or guardian to have at least 50 hours of behind-the-wheel training. A full operator’s license will not be issued unless these requirements are met. To avoid delays, make an appointment before visiting the licensing office.

Driver License Field Offices
https://www.flhsmv.gov/locations/

Vehicle Registration
Newcomers are required to register their vehicles and obtain Florida license plates within 10 days of establishing residence. Obtain vehicle insurance from a company licensed to do business in Florida. Then take the proof of insurance, along with the original title, to your local county tax collector. When the title is held by a lienholder, the local tax collector office will assist you in requesting that the original be sent to Florida. When the Florida title is issued recording the lien, it will be returned to the lienholder. Prior to issuance of a Florida title, the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the vehicle must be verified unless the vehicle is new and a manufacturer’s certificate of origin is submitted. Fees can range from $174 to $200 depending upon the vehicle weight. If you have owned the car for less than six months, you will need to pay sales tax or show proof that you paid sales tax in a reciprocal state. The local county tax collector oversees vehicle registration at the following offices:

Motor Vehicle Service Offices
https://www.flhsmv.gov/locations/

Mandatory Insurance
If you own a vehicle with at least four wheels and are registering it, you must have insurance. Florida’s minimum coverage is $10,000 personal injury protection and $10,000 property damage liability as long as you have a valid Florida tag, even if the vehicle is in another state or inoperative. If you have been involved in a crash or have been convicted of certain offenses, you may be required to purchase bodily injury liability coverage. For questions about insurance, contact:

Florida Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles
850-922-9000
www.flhsmv.gov

License/Registration Renewals
Although new residents must obtain a driver license and register their vehicles at an office site, driver license renewals and address changes can be complete over the Internet, by telephone, or by mail. The Web site offers a form that can be printed out and mailed along with the fee.

Online Motor Vehicle Services
https://services.flhsmv.gov/VirtualOffice

Watercraft Registration
Any motorized boat owned by a state resident must be registered in Florida before it can be launched in Florida waters. Out-of-state title, current registration, and any lien information are required for boat tags. Applications for vessel registration and title certificates are to be filed by the vessel owner with the county tax collector’s office in the county where the vessel is located or in the county where the vessel owner resides. Unless a vessel is exempt from titling, it must be titled at the same time it is registered. If the sales tax on the total purchase price of the vessel has not been previously paid, the vessel owner must pay the tax along with the fees. The local county tax collector oversees vehicle registration at the following offices:

Motor Vehicle Service Offices
https://www.flhsmv.gov/locations/

Vehicle Safety Regulations
Florida law requires that all occupants of the front seat use properly installed seat belts regardless of age. Any passenger under the age of 18 must use a properly installed seat belt regardless of position in the vehicle. Children five years of age or younger must be protected by properly using a crash-tested, federally approved child restraint device. For children through three years of age, the restraint device must be a separate carrier or a vehicle manufacturer’s integrated child seat. For children from four through five years of age, a separate carrier, an integrated child seat, or a seat belt may be used. The child restraint laws are primary, which means that a driver can be fined for non-compliance without being stopped for another violation.

Airbag Information
www.nhtsa.gov

Safety Information & Links
https://www.flhsmv.gov/florida-highway-patrol/about-fhp/history/photostorygallery/pg2005/cps-child-seat-safety-checks/

GEORGIA MOTOR VEHICLE INFORMATION

Driver License
New Georgia residents must apply for a Georgia driver’s license within 30 days, and all other licenses must be surrendered prior to issuance of a Georgia license. All applicants must pass a eye examination. If you surrender an expired out-of-state license, or if you are under the age of 18, you must also successfully pass a road rules test, road signs test, and a driving test. Applicants must furnish proof of residency in Georgia and must provide a valid Georgia residence address.

Vehicle Registration
It is recommended that you obtain a Georgia driver’s license or state-issued identification card prior to vehicle registration. New Georgia residents must register cars, trucks, trailers, motorcycles, and motor homes and apply for Georgia titles within 30 days of establishing residency. Visit the tax commissioner’s office in the county where you reside. Counties have varying rules for new residents, although most require you to appear in person with the appropriate documentation. For complete details on rules and regulations, contact:

Camden Tax Commissioner
Woodbine, GA 912-576-3248
http://www.co.camden.ga.us/79/Tax-Commissioner

Charlton Tax Commissioner
Folkston, GA 912-496-2058
https://charltoncountyga.us/

Georgia Department of Motor Vehicle Safety
Accident Reporting 678-413-8647
Drivers License Information 678-413-8400
Drivers License Reservations 678-413-8500
Motor Vehicle Tag/Title 404-362-6500
https://dds.georgia.gov/

Georgia Vehicle Emission Program
800-449-2471
www.cleanairforce.com

Watercraft Registration
Boat registration applications are available from any Wildlife Resources Division office or from most boat dealers, hardware stores, sporting goods stores, or marinas. A temporary certificate is on the registration form, allowing you to operate your boat until you receive your permanent certificate and decal. Mail the completed application with a check or money order for the required fee to:

Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Boat Registration Office
P. O. Box 105310
Atlanta, Georgia 30348-5310
770-414-3337
https://georgiawildlife.com/

Georgia Safety Regulations
Georgia enforces the use of seat belts as a primary law, which means that drivers can be pulled over and issued a ticket for non-compliance without any other violation. Children under 12 should not be placed in the front seat of a vehicle equipped with an air bag. Newborns and infants should always be placed in rear-facing seats in the back seat of a car until they are at least one-year-old and at least 20 pounds. Children between 20 and 40 pounds should be placed in forward-facing car seats. Children between 40 and 80 pounds and under 4 feet 9 inches should be placed in booster seats, and children who have outgrown booster seats should use seat belts. For more information about Georgia’s seat belt laws and the guidelines for child safety, contact:

Governor’s Office of Highway Safety
404-656-6996
https://www.gahighwaysafety.org/