Driver's License for Canadians

[carolineden11 2]

Hi everyone!

I am planning on moving from Ontario to Florida in the fall and was wondering about how to obtain a driver's license. I've read some of the past discussions on this topic but I couldn't find anything specific for Canadians moving to Florida. My fiance is in the military so if I am not able to drive, it will be quite a challenge for me while he's deployed.

Does anyone know if I can drive with my Canadian license even though I am no longer a resident of Canada? Also, is a Canadian license transferable to a Florida license or do I need to retake a road test?

Thank you all very much!

[MamaD75 0]

Hi everyone!

I am planning on moving from Ontario to Florida in the fall and was wondering about how to obtain a driver's license. I've read some of the past discussions on this topic but I couldn't find anything specific for Canadians moving to Florida. My fiance is in the military so if I am not able to drive, it will be quite a challenge for me while he's deployed.

Does anyone know if I can drive with my Canadian license even though I am no longer a resident of Canada? Also, is a Canadian license transferable to a Florida license or do I need to retake a road test?

Thank you all very much!

I was in a similar situation....moved from Quebec to New York.....you can drive with your Canadian driver's license until you get you SSN. You need a US SSN in order to get a NYS driver's license....so until then, you can drive using your Canadian license

[YuAndDan 153]

Most states allow use of a foreign DL until you become a resident, at which point you need to apply for a state DL, most states allow for an even swap of DL, no tests for Canadians.

Also check with spouse's auto insurance, some have problems with foreign drivers on their policy.

[Wis-Can 0]

Hi everyone!

I am planning on moving from Ontario to Florida in the fall and was wondering about how to obtain a driver's license. I've read some of the past discussions on this topic but I couldn't find anything specific for Canadians moving to Florida. My fiance is in the military so if I am not able to drive, it will be quite a challenge for me while he's deployed.

Does anyone know if I can drive with my Canadian license even though I am no longer a resident of Canada? Also, is a Canadian license transferable to a Florida license or do I need to retake a road test?

Thank you all very much!

I know each state is different. I came from Nova Scotia to Wisconsin. I went on the the motor vehicle website for the state, and after much reading was able to find a link to tell me every thing I needed to know about driving in the US. Try going on to the state motor vehicle website. They probably have a number you can call to get the info if you didn't want to do some researching online. I had a year to get it changed in Wisconsin and they only thing I had to do was the vision test. My license is only good for two years based on my two year greencard. I will have to go back when I get my 10 year one. Good luck. Hopefully someone who moved to Florida from Canada will come along and give you more detailed info.

[Canadiandggal 49]

http://www.gathergoget.com/checklist/checklist.aspx

[Colleens 40]

There might be some info in this post

[carolineden11 2]

Thank you all very much for the information. If anyone has any additional information specific to Florida it would be greatly appreciated!

[Canadiandggal 49]

http://www.flhsmv.gov/

[Krikit 1,163]

I moved from Ontario to Florida in 2006. The rules may have changed since then but this was how things happened for me. Get your SSN as soon as possible. With that, you can get a Florida resident ID. You can drive on your Canadian license in the meantime. Once you have the I-797C (NOA) from your AOS package you are legally able to apply for a FL license. Mine was valid for a year. You only have to do the vision test. Once I had the Greencard I took that with my renewal to the DMV. They gave me a new license with an expiry date of 8 years or something (I've since moved to VA so I forget now) and congratulated me on my residency. Canadiandggal gave you the link you'll need to gather the documents you'll require. You'll need your SSN, Ontario drivers license, passport, I-797C from the AOS, and two pieces of official mail addressed to you at your new residence. (bills, credit card stuff, etc)

One thing you should be aware of..... Canadians are treated a little differently in Florida wrt licenses so they may get confused at first. (Canadians are allowed to hold Florida-only driver's licenses.) Also, make sure you bring your biometrics letter along with the I-797C Approval letter. The "expert" at my DMV was not so expert, and that helped to reduce their confusion. Also, I believe there is a new policy with regard to the name allowed on the license, so you'll need to review that information also. Good luck.

Florida DMV Site

Edited March 3, 2011 by Krikit

[jken 2]

I am in Maine; Can anyone tell me if they 'run' a check on Canadian drivers' licenses before they issue?