What You Need From Your Parent or Guardian

Florida's Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) requires a parent or legal guardian to sign a Parental Consent Form before you can get a learner's permit if you are under 18. This is not optional — the form must be notarized, meaning a notary public has to witness the signature and stamp it officially. You cannot proceed to the permit test without it.

The form is called the process for Learner's Permit or Motorcycle Endorsement (Form HSMV 82053). Your parent or guardian fills out their section, signs it in front of a notary, and you bring the notarized copy to your appointment at the DHSMV office. The notary confirms that the person signing is actually your parent or guardian and that they are signing willingly.

If you have two legal parents or guardians, both must sign and have their signatures notarized on the same form. If only one parent has custody, bring the custody paperwork to show the DHSMV office. If you are in foster care or have a court-appointed guardian, bring documentation of that guardianship instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Your parent or legal guardian must sign Form HSMV 82053 in front of a notary public before you can test for a learner's permit.
  • Both parents must sign if both have custody; if only one has custody, bring the custody order to your DHSMV appointment.
  • Notaries are available at banks, UPS stores, law offices, and some public libraries — call ahead to confirm hours and any fees.
  • Bring the notarized form, your proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Florida residency to your DHSMV appointment.
  • If your parent cannot attend in person, some notaries offer remote notarization by video, though you should confirm DHSMV accepts it first.

Where to Find a Notary Public

You do not have to go to a government office to get a signature notarized. Notaries work in private businesses and are available in most Florida towns. Banks often notarize documents free for customers; call your branch and ask if they offer the service and whether you need an appointment. UPS stores (The UPS Store locations) have notaries on staff and charge a small fee per signature, usually between $5 and $15.

Law offices, title companies, and real estate offices also employ notaries. Some public libraries in Florida offer notary services free or for a small fee — check your county library's website for locations and hours. If you search online for "notary public near me," you will see independent notaries who work from home offices or mobile services that come to you. Confirm the notary is currently commissioned in Florida before you make an appointment.

Bring your parent or guardian and a valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card). The notary will watch them sign the form, check their ID, and then stamp and sign the document themselves. The whole process takes about five minutes. Keep the notarized form in a safe place until your DHSMV appointment.

What Happens if Your Parent Cannot Sign in Person

If your parent lives out of state or cannot travel to a notary office, some notaries offer remote notarization by video. The notary watches your parent sign the form on camera, verifies their identity through their driver's license, and then emails the notarized document to you. This is legal in Florida, but DHSMV offices do not always accept remote notarizations — call your local DHSMV office before paying for this service to confirm they will take it.

If remote notarization is not an option, your parent can sign the form, mail it to a notary in Florida, and have the notary notarize it and mail it back to you. This takes longer but works if your parent is out of state. Some notaries charge a small fee for this service. Do not ask your parent to sign and mail it without notarization — DHSMV will reject it.

Documents to Bring to Your DHSMV Appointment

Bring the notarized parental consent form along with your other required documents. You will need proof of your identity (a valid passport, a school ID with your photo, or a birth certificate), proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card or tax return), and proof that you live in Florida (a utility bill, lease, or mail from a government agency addressed to you at a Florida address).

If you were born outside the United States, bring your birth certificate or passport. If you changed your name, bring a court order or marriage certificate showing the change. Bring the originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. The DHSMV office will make copies for their file.

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. Bring your parent or guardian with you if possible, though it is not required if you have the notarized form. You will take a written test on traffic laws and road signs, pass a vision screening, and have your photo taken. The permit is issued the same day if you pass.

What to Do if Your Parent Refuses to Sign

If your parent or guardian will not sign the consent form, you cannot get a learner's permit until you turn 18. At 18, you can explore for a permit or driver's license without parental consent. There is no legal way around this requirement for minors.

If you believe your parent is being unreasonably withholding consent or if there are safety concerns at home, talk to a school counselor, trusted teacher, or call the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) at 1-800-96-ABUSE. These conversations are confidential and can help you understand your options.

Timeline and Costs

Getting the form notarized usually takes one appointment and costs between $0 and $15, depending on where you go. The learner's permit itself costs $7.50 and is valid for two years. The entire process — from getting the form notarized to walking out of the DHSMV office with your permit — can happen in one day if you have all your documents ready.

DHSMV offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, and some locations have Saturday hours. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but wait times vary. Check the DHSMV website to find the office nearest you and see current wait times before you go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my parent sign the form without a notary?

No. DHSMV requires the signature to be notarized. A regular signature on the form will not be accepted. The notary's stamp and signature prove your parent signed it willingly and in front of a witness.

What if I only have one parent and they will not sign?

If one parent has sole custody, only that parent needs to sign. If both parents share custody but one refuses, you cannot get a permit until you turn 18 or until a court changes the custody arrangement. Talk to a school counselor or contact DCF if you need help.

Can my grandparent or older sibling sign instead of my parent?

Only a legal parent or court-appointed guardian can sign the consent form. If your grandparent or another relative is your legal guardian, they can sign. Bring the guardianship paperwork to prove it. A sibling cannot sign no matter their age.

Do I need an appointment at the DHSMV office?

Most DHSMV offices do not require appointments for learner's permits, but some locations do. Check the DHSMV website for your local office to see if appointments are needed and to check current wait times.

What if the notary made a mistake on the form?

If the notary made an error, go back to the same notary and ask them to correct it. They can issue a corrected notarized form. If the error is on your parent's signature or information, your parent will need to sign again in front of the notary.