Residency,
Driver's Licenses and Voting in Florida
To become an official Florida resident, file a declaration
of domicile. The document states that you reside at a certain address
and is notarized by the Clerk of the County Court. Contact the Sarasota
County Clerk of Circuit Courts, 2000 Main St., Sarasota, (941) 362-4066.
New residents must register their vehicles in Florida
within 10 days of gaining employment or enrolling children in school.
To register a vehicle, be prepared to provide the Sarasota County
Tax Collector's office with your current driver's license, proof
of Florida auto insurance, prior registration certificate and ownership
title. The vehicle identification number will be verified, and you
will need to apply for a Florida license plate. The fee depends
on the vehicle's weight. Newcomers also must apply for a Florida
Title Certificate if there is a lien on the vehicle; you should
bring your payment book to the Tax Collector's office. Contact the
Sarasota Tax Collector, 101 S. Washington, (941) 362-9898.
Drivers Licenses
Florida law requires that new state residents apply for a Florida
driver's license within 30 days. But first, register your car as
noted above.
The Department of Motor Vehicles will need to
see proof of your Florida vehicle registration, your out-of-state
driver's license and your social security card. If you own a Florida-registered
vehicle, bring the registration as well. If your out-of-state license
is valid, you need only take a vision test. A written exam and driver's
test is required if your license is invalid or if you are applying
for your first license. The written exam is based on the Florida
Driver's Handbook and the driver must supply the vehicle for the
test. A license is valid for six years and costs $20. Contact the
driver license office at 601 S. Pompano Ave., (941) 361-6217, or
call (941) 361-6222 for an appointment.
Registering to Vote
To vote, you must register in your county of residence. You are
eligible to vote if you are a U.S. citizen, county resident and
at least 18 years old by the next election. To register, fill out
a form and swear an oath that you live in the county. Your voter
registration card will be mailed to you before the next election.
For information on registration locations near you, call the Sarasota
County Supervisor of Elections Office at 101 S. Washington St. (941)
951-5307.
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