What the parental consent form does and who needs it

Florida requires a parent or guardian to sign a consent form before anyone under 18 can get a learner's permit. This form — officially called the Parental Consent for Licensure — tells the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) that a parent or legal guardian has approved the permit. You cannot complete the permit process without it, and the form must be signed in front of a notary public or DHSMV official.

If you are 18 or older, you do not need this form. If you are under 18 and do not have a parent available, a legal guardian, grandparent with legal custody, or other court-appointed guardian can sign instead. The person signing must be able to prove their relationship to you with documents like a birth certificate, custody order, or guardianship papers.

Key Takeaways

  • The parental consent form must be notarized or signed in front of a DHSMV official — a parent's signature alone at home is not enough.
  • You will need the form, your birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Florida residency to complete your permit process.
  • The parent or guardian signing the form must be present in person; they cannot sign it remotely or mail it back unsigned.
  • You can get the form notarized at a bank, title company, or notary service, or you can have it signed at a DHSMV office during your permit appointment.

Where to get the parental consent form

The form is available on the DHSMV website under "Forms" — search for "Parental Consent for Licensure" or look for form HSMV 83039. You can read and print it at home, or you can pick up a copy at any DHSMV office. Some high schools also keep copies on hand for students explore for permits.

Print the form clearly and make sure both sides are included if it is more than one page. Do not fill in any blanks yourself before the parent or guardian sees it — they need to review the entire form and sign it in the presence of a notary or DHSMV official.

How to get the form notarized

A notary public verifies that the person signing the form is who they say they are and that they are signing it willingly. You and the parent or guardian must both be present when the notary signs and stamps the form. Bring a photo ID for the parent or guardian — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card works.

You can find a notary at a bank (often free if you have an account), a title company, a UPS Store, a FedEx Office, or through an online notary service. Call ahead to confirm they are available and ask whether there is a fee — costs range from $5 to $25 depending on the location. Once the notary has signed and stamped the form, it is ready to bring to your permit appointment.

Having the form signed at a DHSMV office instead

If you do not want to pay for a notary, you can have the parent or guardian sign the form in front of a DHSMV official during your permit appointment. Both of you must be present at the office. The DHSMV staff member will witness the signature and verify it, which serves the same purpose as a notary.

This option works well if the parent or guardian is already planning to come with you to the appointment. However, if they cannot be there in person, you will need to have the form notarized beforehand. Check your local DHSMV office's hours and whether they require you to schedule an appointment — many do, and wait times vary by location.

What documents to bring with the form

On the day of your permit appointment, bring the signed and notarized (or witnessed) parental consent form along with these documents:

  • Your birth certificate, passport, or consular report of birth abroad (original or certified copy)
  • Proof of your Social Security number — a Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return
  • Proof of Florida residency — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or school enrollment letter in your name, dated within the last 60 days
  • Your parent or guardian's photo ID if they are signing the form at the DHSMV office

Make copies of everything before you go, in case the office needs to keep them on file. Bring the originals as well — staff will tell you which documents they need to see in person.

What happens after you submit the form

Once you hand in the signed parental consent form and all your other documents, DHSMV staff will review them and take your photo and fingerprints. You will then take a written test on road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices. If you pass, you will receive your learner's permit on the spot or within a few days, depending on how the office processes applications.

Your permit is valid for two years. During that time, you must follow Florida's supervised driving rules — you cannot drive alone, and you must have a licensed adult 21 or older in the front passenger seat at all times. Keep your permit with you whenever you drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my parent sign the form and mail it to me to bring to the appointment?

No. The signature must happen in front of a notary public or DHSMV official, and both the parent and the person getting the permit must be present. A mailed signature will not be accepted.

What if my parents are divorced and only one has custody?

The parent with legal custody must sign the form. If custody is shared, either parent can sign. If you are unsure, bring your custody order to the DHSMV office — staff can review it and tell you who needs to sign.

Can a grandparent or aunt sign instead of a parent?

Yes, if they are your legal guardian. Bring proof of guardianship — a court order or custody document — along with their photo ID. If they are not your legal guardian, only a parent or court-appointed guardian can sign.

How much does it cost to get the form notarized?

Notary fees vary. Banks often notarize for free if you have an account. Other services charge $5 to $25 per signature. Call ahead to ask. Alternatively, you can skip the notary fee by having the form signed at a DHSMV office during your appointment.

What if I lose the notarized form before my appointment?

Get it notarized again. You will need to pay the notary fee a second time, but the process is the same. Bring the parent or guardian and a photo ID, and have the form signed and stamped again.