What the Parental Form Is and Why You Need It

If you are under 18 in Florida, you must have a parent or legal guardian sign a Parental Consent Form before you can get a learner's permit. This form gives the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) written permission from the adult responsible for you. Without it, the DMV will not issue your permit, even if you pass the written test.

The form is not optional and not something you can skip or submit later. You bring it with you to your DMV appointment, completed and signed. If you show up without it, you will have to reschedule.

Key Takeaways

  • Florida requires a signed parental consent form for anyone under 18 explore for a learner's permit; the form must be completed before your DMV visit.
  • The form is DHSMV Form 71, available free on the Florida DMV website or in person at any DMV office.
  • A parent or legal guardian must sign the form in front of a notary public; the signature cannot be notarized by mail or electronically in most cases.
  • You can read and print the form ahead of time, or pick one up at the DMV, but notarization must happen before your permit appointment.
  • If you do not have a parent available, a legal guardian, court-appointed guardian, or foster parent can sign instead.

How to Get and Fill Out DHSMV Form 71

The official parental consent form is DHSMV Form 71, titled "Parental Consent for Learner's Permit." You can read it from the Florida DMV website (flhsmv.gov) or pick up a printed copy at any DMV office. There is no cost for the form.

Fill in your name, date of birth, and driver's license number (if you have one). Your parent or guardian fills in their name, address, and relationship to you. The form is straightforward and takes a few minutes to complete. Do not sign it yet — the signature must happen in front of a notary.

If you are picking up the form at the DMV, ask the clerk if they can point you to the notary information posted in the office. Many DMV locations have notary services available on-site or can direct you to a nearby notary.

Getting the Form Notarized

After you and your parent fill out the form, a notary public must witness both signatures. This is a legal requirement in Florida. The notary will verify that you and your parent are who you say you are (usually by checking a photo ID), watch you both sign, and then stamp and sign the form themselves.

You can find a notary at a bank, credit union, law office, UPS Store, or FedEx Office. Many offer notary services for a small fee, usually between $5 and $15. Some DMV offices have notaries on staff. Call ahead to confirm hours and whether an appointment is needed.

Bring a photo ID (your passport, school ID, or state ID) and your completed but unsigned form. Your parent should bring their photo ID as well. Both of you must be present when the notary witnesses the signatures.

Who Can Sign as Your Parent or Guardian

A biological or adoptive parent can sign the form. If neither parent is available, a legal guardian appointed by a court can sign instead. Foster parents, stepparents, and grandparents can sign only if they have legal guardianship documented in court records.

If you are in state custody or have a court-appointed guardian, bring a copy of the guardianship order or custody paperwork to the DMV along with the notarized consent form. The DMV may ask to see it to confirm the guardian's authority.

What to Bring to Your DMV Appointment

Bring the notarized parental consent form (DHSMV Form 71) along with your other required documents for the learner's permit. These include proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Florida residency. The notarized form must be original — a photocopy will not be accepted.

If the notary stamp is faint or hard to read, bring the form anyway. The DMV staff can verify notarization through the notary's records if needed. Do not assume a slightly unclear stamp means you need a new one; ask the DMV clerk first.

If Your Parent Cannot Be Present for Notarization

In most cases, Florida law requires both you and your parent to be physically present when the notary witnesses the signatures. Remote or electronic notarization is not standard for this form. If your parent lives out of state or cannot travel, you have a few options.

Your parent can sign the form, mail it to you, and you can both appear together at a notary's office when they visit Florida. Alternatively, some notaries offer travel services and will come to your home or your parent's workplace for a higher fee. Call notary services in your area to ask about this option.

If your parent is deployed military or in another situation that makes in-person notarization impossible, contact your local DMV office directly. Explain your situation and ask whether they can make an exception or suggest an alternative process.

Timeline: When to Get This Done

Start the notarization process at least one week before your scheduled DMV appointment. Finding a notary, coordinating schedules, and getting the form signed takes time. If you wait until the day before your appointment, you may not find an available notary.

Once the form is notarized, keep it in a safe place until your DMV visit. Do not fold it or damage the notary stamp. If the form is damaged or the stamp becomes illegible, you will need to have it notarized again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my parent sign the form without a notary?

No. Florida law requires a notary public to witness and stamp the parental consent form. A signature without notarization will not be accepted at the DMV, and you will have to reschedule your appointment.

Can I get the form notarized online or by mail?

Standard notarization for this form requires both you and your parent to be present in person. Some states allow remote notarization, but Florida's rules for learner's permit forms typically require a physical notary visit. Contact your DMV office if you have questions about your specific situation.

What if I lose the notarized form before my DMV appointment?

You will need to have it notarized again. Contact a notary and bring your parent back to sign a new copy. Keep the original in a folder or envelope so it does not get damaged or lost between notarization and your DMV visit.

Do I need the form if I am 18 or older?

No. The parental consent form is required only for applicants under 18. If you turn 18 before your DMV appointment, you may not need it, but confirm with your local DMV office because rules can vary by location.

Can a stepparent or grandparent sign instead of my biological parent?

Only if they have legal guardianship documented by a court. A stepparent or grandparent without legal guardianship cannot sign the form. If you have a court-appointed guardian, bring a copy of the guardianship order to the DMV.