Columbia county tax collector
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You may call us at 386-758-1077 or you can send us a message.
Columbia County Tax Collector’s Office
MOTORIST SERVICES
Driver Licenses &
Identification Cards
Your next step starts here.
Find the right service and arrive prepared.
Planning a road test? Driving skills tests are offered at Lake City only. Bring a test vehicle with valid registration and proof of insurance. Call (386) 758-1077 to confirm testing hours and weather conditions before traveling.
Renew or replace
Renew an expiring Florida license or ID, or replace a lost, stolen, or damaged credential.
Renewing at age 80 or older?
Florida requires you to pass a vision test when you renew your driver license at age 80 or older. An eligible renewal is generally valid for six years.
- Renewing in person: Take the vision screening at a driver license service center at no additional charge for the screening. Bring the glasses or contacts you normally wear to drive.
- Renewing online: If you otherwise qualify for online renewal, ask an eligible physician or optometrist to submit your vision results electronically to FLHSMV before you apply. A paper form by itself does not complete the online requirement.
If you are referred for a follow-up eye examination, follow the examiner’s instructions before completing the renewal. Florida mature driver vision test form (PDF) · State renewal requirements.
Start online
Review FLHSMV’s renewal and replacement options to see whether your transaction is eligible for online service. Some renewals and record changes require an office visit.
Preparing for an office visit
Bring your current credential if available. Check the document guide if you need a REAL ID upgrade or your name, address, or immigration information has changed. Have payment ready for applicable fees.
Documents & REAL ID
For a first Florida license or ID, or a REAL ID upgrade, gather your identity and residency documents before visiting.
- Identity: an accepted original or certified identity document.
- Social Security number: accepted proof of your full number, when required.
- Florida address: two different accepted residential-address documents.
- Name changes: legal records connecting the name on your identity document to your current name, when applicable.
Which documents are accepted?
Requirements vary for U.S. citizens, immigrants, and non-immigrants. Review the official guide for your status, accepted documents, and residency-certification options. An existing REAL ID credential may reduce the documents needed for a routine transaction.
New to Florida
New residents must obtain a Florida driver license within 30 days of establishing residency to drive on Florida roads.
- Review Florida’s new-resident guidance and document requirements.
- Gather your current out-of-state license, identity documents, Social Security proof when required, and two Florida address proofs.
- Contact Lake City about your transfer and any testing requirements before visiting.
Moving your driver license and transferring your vehicle title or registration are separate transactions. Prepare for both if you need both services.
Name or address change
Update your Florida driver license or ID within 30 days after changing your name or address. Review the state instructions for updating your title and registration, too.
Changing your residential address
Have your new Florida address and accepted proof ready. Review online replacement eligibility or visit an office for help with your record.
Changing your legal name
Update your Social Security record first. Bring the original or certified marriage, divorce, or court records needed to document your legal name change, along with the documents required for your transaction.
Learner & teen drivers
Getting ready for your first license? Start with the state’s teen-driver requirements, course guidance, and parent or guardian forms.
Current course requirement: As of August 1, 2025, first-time drivers under 18 who have never held a driver license in another jurisdiction must complete an approved six-hour Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course. Review FLHSMV’s FAQs for qualifying alternatives and transition exceptions.
Preparing for a learner’s license
Review the age, parent-consent, vision and hearing, and Class E knowledge-exam requirements before applying. Bring identity and residency documents and the required minor forms. Completing a course alone does not issue a learner’s license.
Moving from learner to driver
Florida’s graduated licensing rules cover how long you must hold a learner’s license, supervised driving experience, the skills test, and driving-hour restrictions. Review the state guide before planning your road test.
Written & road tests
Written / knowledge tests
Written testing is offered at Lake City and Fort White during their designated testing hours. Fort White is open Wednesdays only. Allow time before the testing cutoff and review the Florida driver handbook before your visit.
Driving skills tests
Lake City only. You must supply a vehicle with valid registration and proof of insurance. The vehicle must pass inspection before testing. Skills tests are not administered in rainy conditions.
Call Lake City at (386) 758-1077 before traveling to confirm the current testing window and availability. Testing ends earlier than regular office service hours.
Commercial licenses
Commercial driver licenses and learner permits have additional application, documentation, medical-certification, training, and testing requirements.
Plan your CDL transaction
Review the current Florida CDL guidance and federal Entry-Level Driver Training requirements before scheduling training or testing. Call Lake City to confirm which services are available locally and where required skills testing is offered.
Fees & other help
How much will my transaction cost?
Fees vary by credential and service. Review the official FLHSMV fee schedule; applicable tax-collector service charges or other fees may also apply. Call our office to confirm your total and accepted payment methods.
View the state fee schedule ↗Suspensions, reinstatements, or a hardship license
Requirements depend on the reason for the stop or suspension on your record. Contact Lake City before visiting so staff can help identify the right service or state referral.
FLHSMV driver-license resources ↗Military members, veterans, and special situations
Ask about the documents and options for your circumstances before traveling, including out-of-state service, non-U.S.-citizen credentials, medical review, or accessibility assistance.
Call (386) 758-1077 →Services
Kids Tag Art
Kids Tag Art is a fundraising project that inspires elementary grade art students and raises money for the school's art program. A special thanks goes out to our Platinum Sponsor- Nutrien and our Gold Sponsors- Edward Jones, Baya Pharmacy, Walmart Transportation, First Federal Bank, & LKQ!
