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 licensed to handle certain driver's license transactions on your behalf. These providers can process your process, take your photo, collect your documents, and submit everything to the state — you do not have to go to a DHSMV office yourself.

Not every transaction can happen at a third party provider. They handle new driver's license applications, renewals, replacements, and address changes. They cannot administer the written test or the road test; you will still take those at an official DHSMV office. What they do is remove the step of sitting in a DHSMV waiting room to hand over paperwork.

Third party providers charge a fee on top of the state's license fee. The state fee is set; the provider's fee varies. You pay both when you complete your transaction.

Key Takeaways

  • Authorized Third Party Providers handle document collection and photo processing for new licenses, renewals, and replacements, but you still take your written and road tests at a DHSMV office.
  • You will pay the state's standard license fee plus the provider's own service fee, which differs by location and provider.
  • The DHSMV website lists all authorized providers by county so you can find one near you and check their hours and fees before visiting.
  • Bring the same documents you would bring to a DHSMV office: proof of identity, proof of residency, Social Security number documentation, and any other paperwork your license type requires.
  • After the provider submits your process, the DHSMV processes it and mails your license to the address on file, typically within two to three weeks.

Finding an Authorized Provider in Your County

The DHSMV maintains a searchable list of all authorized third party providers on its official website. You can search by county to see which providers operate near you, their addresses, phone numbers, and hours of operation. Some counties have many providers; others have only one or two.

Before you visit, call ahead or check the provider's website. Ask about their current wait times, whether they require an appointment, and what their service fee is. Some providers are busier than others, and a few may have temporarily closed or changed their hours. Confirming details saves you a wasted trip.

Documents You Need to Bring

Bring the same documents you would bring to a DHSMV office. You will need proof of identity (a valid passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license), proof of Florida residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return).

If you are explore for your first Florida license and have a learner's permit, bring that too. If you are renewing or replacing a license, bring your current or expired license if you have it. If your name has changed due to marriage or court order, bring the document that proves the change — a marriage certificate or court order.

The provider will verify these documents, take your photo, and check that everything is complete before submitting your process to the state. If something is missing or incorrect, they will tell you what you need to fix before they can proceed.

What Happens After You Submit Your process

Once the provider submits your process to the DHSMV, you do not interact with the provider again. The state processes your process and mails your license to the address you provided. This typically takes two to three weeks, though it can take longer during busy periods.

You will not receive a temporary license from the provider. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you may be able to print a temporary document from the DHSMV website, depending on your transaction type. Check the DHSMV website or call their customer service line to confirm what is available for your situation.

If your process is rejected or needs more information, the DHSMV will contact you directly. Keep your phone number and mailing address current so you receive any notices.

When to Use a Third Party Provider Versus a DHSMV Office

A third party provider makes sense if you want to avoid waiting at a DHSMV office and do not mind paying an extra fee. The trade-off is straightforward: you pay more money to save time on the document-collection step.

You must still go to a DHSMV office for your written test (if you are a new driver) and your road test. Some DHSMV offices are less crowded than others, so if you live near a busy office, you might prefer to do your document work at a third party provider and take your tests at a quieter DHSMV location. Call ahead to ask about wait times at different offices.

If you are renewing a license by mail or online, you do not need a third party provider at all. Mail and online renewal are free and require no visit to an office or provider. Third party providers are most useful for new applicants, people replacing a lost or damaged license, or those who need to change their address.

Fees and Payment

The state's driver's license fee is set by Florida law and is the same everywhere. The provider's fee is not regulated and varies by business. Some providers charge $10 to $20 above the state fee; others charge more. A few providers may charge different amounts for different transaction types.

Ask about the total cost before you commit. The provider should tell you the state fee and their fee separately so you know exactly what you are paying. Most providers accept cash, debit, and credit cards, but confirm their payment methods when you call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take my written test at a third party provider?

No. Third party providers handle document collection and photo processing only. You must take your written test and road test at an official DHSMV office. The provider will tell you where to go for testing after they submit your process.

What if the provider makes a mistake on my process?

Contact the provider when ready and ask them to correct it before they submit to the state. If they have already submitted and you notice an error, contact the DHSMV directly. Depending on the error, you may need to reapply or visit a DHSMV office to fix it.

Do I need an appointment at a third party provider?

Some providers require appointments; others take walk-ins. Call ahead to ask. Appointment availability varies by location and how busy they are, so booking in advance can save you time.

Can I use a third party provider if I am renewing my license online?

No. If you are renewing online, you do not need a provider or a visit to any office. Online renewal is available for many license types and costs less than in-person renewal. Check the DHSMV website to see if your renewal qualifies for online processing.

How long does it take to get my license after the provider submits my process?

The DHSMV typically processes applications and mails licenses within two to three weeks. During peak times, it may take longer. You can check your process status on the DHSMV website using your driver's license number or process reference number.