What to do FIRST
- Obtain your Florida driver license.
- Then obtain automobile insurance from a company licensed to do business in Florida.
- Finally, title and register your vehicle
(obtain license plate).
Florida Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles.
Go To
- Florida Drivers License (www.hsmv.state.fl.us/offices)
- Okaloosa County (www.hsmv.state.fl.us/offices/okaloosa.html)
- Automobile Registration/Tag/Title
State Driver's License
A Florida Operator's License is required 30 days after you become a permanent resident. If you have a valid license from another state, you need only take a vision test. An original Social Security card and two ID's with full name and date of birth are required. With tickets or violations, a road signs test and vision test are required. Handbooks are available at the exam stations.
NEW CHANGE: Florida operator’s licenses may be renewed or transferred at the Airman and Family Readiness Centers located on Eglin AFB and Hurlburt Field. For more information on dates and times, call 850.882.9060 (Eglin AFB) and 850 884.5441 (Hurlburt Field). Please visit the Department of Motor Vehicles for written and physical driving examinations.
Driver License Offices
Make Appointment Online-All Services
Crestview
197-A East James Lee Blvd.
Crestview, FL 32536-3551
850.689.7861
Tuesday - Friday 7:30 am - 6 pmFort Walton Beach
115-D NW Racetrack Road
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
850.833.9122
Tuesday - Friday 7:30 am - 6 pm
Make Appointment Online-All ServicesNiceville
506 Highway 85 North 32578
Niceville, FL
850.651.7300
Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 5 pm
Registration, Tag and Title Services
Contact the County Tax Collector for cars, trucks, trailers, vessels & mobile homes Specialty tags and disability parking permits.
Auto Registration, Tag and Title (County Tax Collector)
www.okaloosatax.com
Tax Collector: The Honorable Chris Hughes
151-C North Eglin Pkwy
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
850.651.7300
State Vehicle Registration
For out-of-state service members bringing a vehicle to Florida, the cost is typically between $178.00 and $190.85, including a one-time $100 initial registration fee, and a $33.25 title fee, and an annual tag fee of between $27.60 and $45.60. If there is a lien on the vehicle, there is an additional $2 fee. There are five offices in Okaloosa County - to include a satellite office in the Eglin Personnel Center, Bldg 210, room 155. You are able to purchase license plates, pay tax and transfer registrations on vehicles, boats, and other things requiring registration. The phone number is 850.651.7300.
Members of the U.S. armed forces stationed in Florida, but who maintain their legal residence outside of Florida, are classified as nonresident military and are eligible for lower registration fees. The owner must submit a copy of their military orders or a current Leave and Earnings statement and sign a Military Nonresident Affidavit before a notary. Proof of Florida insurance is mandatory.
If a vehicle has been purchased overseas (tax-free), Florida requires that sales tax be collected (6% state tax and an additional 1% local tax) if it has not been previously collected (using either the blue book value or the bill of sale as the price of the vehicle).
Register Your Boat
All motorized vessels must be registered, titled and issued a decal before they can be used in Florida waters. This falls under the responsibility of the Tax Collector. Vessel registration fees are based on the length of the boat.
Crestview
101 James Lee Blvd.
Crestview, FL 32536
850.689.5700
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pmDestin
827 Highway 98 East
Destin, FL 32541
850.651.7300
Monday - Thursday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 pmEglin AFB
310 W. Van Matre, Bldg 210, Room 155
Eglin, AFB, FL 32542
850.651.7300
Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Closed for Lunch 1:00 pm - 2:00 pmFort Walton Beach
151-C North Eglin Parkway
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
850.651.7300
Monday, Wednesday, Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday and Thursday 9:00 am - 6:00 pmNiceville
506 Highway 85 N
Niceville, FL 32578
850.651.7300
Mon 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Tuesday - Friday 8:30 am- 5:00 pm
