🚀 go-pugleaf

muabac@iname.com writes:

> I want to ask about getting a Drivers Licence in the State of Florida. I'm a
> Canadian national, resident but visa-less in FL, which is AOK as Canadians are
> allowed to stay 6 months undocumented.
> 
> Under this status, can I get a Florida drivers licence? does the state DMV
> approve applicants in my status? How long will the licence be valid for? Does
> the state DMV require other documentation such as SSN? given that I already have
> an Ontario licence will I have to pass an exam or do I just apply for a Florida
> licence based on having passed the Ontario tests?

As I understand it, you can get a driver's license, and perhaps are
required to do so if you "reside" there for more than 6 months,
depending on whether "reside" means "stay there" or "be domiciled
there."  

Florida allows you to retain your out-of-state license by applying for
a part-time resident "valid in Florida only" license ($10).  If, in
your status, you get a full-resident license ($20) and surrender your
Ontario license, you may lose the right to drive in Ontario, because
residents of a particular state or province are ordinarily required to
be licensed by that jurisdiction.  That state or province thus usually
refuses to recognize out-of-jurisdiction licenses held be residents.

You will need a social security number.  You will also need specified
proof of identity and birth date.  You will apparently only need to
take a vision and hearing test.  The license is valid for either 4 or
6 years.

You could be required to register some or all of your vehicles in
Florida.  That may mean importing them to the US officially---duty,
conversions, etc., as well as insuring them in Florida.

> 
> Presumably a definitive answer could be gotten from phoning the DMV and asking
> but I thought I'd ask here first!

Have a look at http://www.hsmv.state.fl.us/

--
David R. Tucker                                              drt@mediaone.net