New Florida Resident
New Florida Resident Checklist
Welcome to Florida! We've put together the following guide to help you obtain a driver's license, register, and title your vehicle(s) in Florida, all of which can be completed at your local Orange County Tax Collector's Office.
Homeowners: For information on property tax rates and exemptions, please visit the Orange County Property Appraiser's website.
Establishing Florida Residency
Some transactions must be completed within a specific time frame after establishing Florida residency.
- New Florida residents must obtain auto insurance from a valid Florida insurance agent within 10 days of establishing residency in order to register and title their vehicle, vessel, and mobile home.
- New Florida residents must also obtain a valid Florida driver’s license within 30 days of establishing residency in order to legally drive in Florida.
Am I Officially a Florida Resident?
You are considered a Florida resident if you have:
- Started employment or engaged in a trade, profession, or occupation in the state;
- Enrolled your children in public schools in Florida;
- Registered to vote in Florida;
- Filed for homestead tax exemption on property in Florida; or
- Lived in Florida for a period of more than six consecutive months.
Getting a Florida Driver's License
New Orange County, Florida residents must visit the Orange County Tax Collector's office to obtain a valid Florida driver's license. Click here for locations.
Document Requirements
Please bring the following with you to the Tax Collector's office:
- One proof of identification, such as a birth certificate or passport;
- Your Social Security card; and
- Two proofs of Orange County residential address.
Document requirements may vary. For specific document requirements, please see our Driver's License Document Requirements page.
Exchanging Your Out-of-State License, Vision, Written & Road Tests
New residents with a valid out-of-state license are not required to take a written or road test. However, new residents are required to take and pass a vision test in our office.
Note: you must surrender your out-of-state driver’s license when obtaining your Florida driver’s license unless it is lost or stolen.
Note: If your out-of-state driver's license is expired for a period greater than one year, you will need to take the written exam.
Cost
The cost of a Florida Class E driver's license is $54.25 plus fees.
Registering Vehicles
New Florida residents must register and title their vehicle in their name in person. To do so:
- Proof of Florida insurance is required.
- All registered owners and co-owners must appear in person with valid identification, or bring an original Power of Attorney on their behalf.
- Bring the vehicle to our office to verify the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and odometer reading.
- Bring the original title. If your vehicle is leased, bring a copy of the lease agreement.
- If the vehicle was purchased less than six months ago, bring the Bill of Sale.
Cost
Costs vary; however, the initial vehicle tag and registration cost is approximately $300 based on vehicle weight and classification. The cost for a new Florida title is $88.25 plus fees.
For information on annual registration fees, please see our Registration & Tag Renewals page.
Voter Registration
New residents may register to vote and update their voting information in Orange County at the Orange County Tax Collector's office or by visiting the Orange County Supervisor of Elections.