What an authorized third party provider does

An authorized third party provider is a private business in Florida that the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) has approved to handle certain driver license transactions on your behalf. These providers can take your process, collect your documents, take your photo, and submit everything to DHSMV — you do not have to visit a DMV office yourself.

The provider acts as an intermediary between you and the state. They follow the same rules DHSMV follows, use the same forms, and send your paperwork directly to the state for processing. Your license still comes from Florida, not from the provider.

Not every transaction can go through a third party provider. You can renew a license, replace a lost one, or change your address through a provider. You cannot take your first written test, your road test, or a vision test at a provider — those must happen at a DHSMV office.

Key Takeaways

  • Authorized third party providers are private businesses approved by DHSMV to process renewals, replacements, and address changes without a visit to a state office.
  • You will pay a service fee to the provider on top of the standard DHSMV fee, which varies by provider and transaction type.
  • You can find authorized providers by searching the DHSMV website or calling your local DHSMV office for a list of nearby locations.
  • Processing time is the same whether you use a provider or go to DHSMV directly — the state still handles the final approval and mailing of your license.
  • Bring the same documents you would bring to DHSMV: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your current license if you have one.

How to find an authorized provider near you

DHSMV maintains a searchable list of authorized third party providers on its official website. You can search by county or city to find locations near your home or workplace. The list includes the provider's address, phone number, and hours of operation.

If you do not have internet access, call your local DHSMV office and ask for a list of authorized providers in your area. Staff can tell you which ones are closest and whether they handle the specific transaction you need.

Before you visit, call the provider directly to confirm they are open, ask about wait times, and check whether they need you to make an appointment. Some providers accept walk-ins; others require you to book ahead.

What documents to bring

Bring the same documents DHSMV requires for your transaction type. For a renewal, you need your current Florida driver license. For a replacement of a lost or stolen license, bring a government-issued photo ID and proof of your Social Security number.

For an address change, bring your current license and proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days usually works. The provider will tell you exactly what counts as proof of residency when you call to schedule.

Bring the original documents or certified copies. The provider cannot accept photocopies for proof of identity or residency.

Service fees and processing time

You will pay DHSMV's standard fee for your transaction — the cost of a renewal, replacement, or address change — plus a separate service fee charged by the provider. The provider's fee varies; some charge $10 to $20, others charge more. Call ahead to ask what the total cost will be.

Processing time does not change because you use a provider. DHSMV still processes your process in the same order and timeframe as if you had gone to an office yourself. Your new license will be mailed to your address once DHSMV approves it, typically within 7 to 10 business days.

The provider cannot speed up DHSMV's processing or may provide approval. They handle the paperwork submission only.

What you cannot do at a third party provider

Third party providers cannot administer written tests, road tests, or vision tests. If you are a new driver or need to retake a test, you must go to a DHSMV office. Providers also cannot issue commercial driver licenses (CDLs) or handle endorsements like motorcycle or hazmat.

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it through a provider. You must contact DHSMV directly to resolve the suspension or revocation before you can renew.

Providers cannot issue a temporary license or a paper license while you wait for your permanent one to arrive in the mail. You will need to wait for the mailed license.

When a provider is worth the extra fee

A third party provider makes sense if the nearest DHSMV office is far from your home or work, or if office wait times are long in your area. The extra fee is often worth it to avoid a long drive or a multi-hour wait.

Providers are also useful if you have limited hours available — some are open evenings or weekends when DHSMV offices are closed. Check the provider's hours before you decide.

If you live in a rural area or a county with only one DHSMV office, a nearby provider can save you significant time and travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment at an authorized provider?

It depends on the provider. Some accept walk-ins during business hours; others require you to book ahead. Call the provider before you go to confirm their policy and ask about current wait times.

Can a provider help if my license is expired by more than a certain amount?

Florida allows renewals through providers even if your license has been expired for several years, as long as you have not had a suspension or revocation. If you are unsure about your status, call DHSMV or the provider to check before you visit.

What if the provider makes a mistake on my process?

Contact the provider when ready to report the error. They should correct it and resubmit to DHSMV at no extra charge. If DHSMV rejects the process because of the error, the provider is responsible for fixing it.

Can I use a provider if I do not have a current Florida address?

No. You must have a Florida address to renew or change your address through a provider. If you are moving to Florida, you must visit a DHSMV office in person for your first transaction in the state.

Is my information safe with a third party provider?

Authorized providers are required to follow the same data security rules as DHSMV. They handle your personal information only to submit your process to the state. If you have concerns about a specific provider, contact DHSMV to report it.