Sandy Lambert Sets Sail
for New Adventures: Sandy Lambert is excited about
the adventures awaiting her as she retires from the Department of Highway
Safety and Motor Vehicles. Having spent the last 17 years as the Director of
the Division of Driver Licenses (recently merged to become the Division of
Motorist Services) in a fast-paced whirlwind of activity full of challenges and
change, she is looking forward to enjoying a new phase in her life.
Sandy’s
career at DHSMV began on a one-year grant to develop a supervisory training
program for the Department. Thirty-one years later, she is still here. She also
served as Chief of Staff for the Division of Motor Vehicles and oversaw the
design and issuance of the first specialty license plate... The Challenger.
University plates and the Medal of Honor were right behind, and Sandy brought
all nine Florida Medal of Honor recipients to Tallahassee for a ceremony.
Sandy
was appointed Director, Division of Driver Licenses, in January 1995, making
her the first female to hold the position. Immediately, she faced a budget
reduction; 24 driver license offices were closed and 167 positions were
eliminated. However, the division moved forward, installed new equipment and
began to issue the first digitized driver license. Under Lambert’s leadership, the Florida
accomplished many milestones: Florida passed the first Graduated Driver License
law in the country, the Department offered Saturday operations in large
metropolitan areas, mini-Florida Licensing On Wheels went into operation, field
issuance offices opened five days per week, the Department began to accept
credit cards, and Florida was one of the first states to issue Real ID
compliant credentials. In 2011, the Divisions of Driver Licenses and Motor
Vehicles merged, and Sandy became Director of Motorist Services.
Thank
you for your dedicated service to the residents of Florida.
Boyd Walden Leads
Motorist Services: DHSMV Executive Director Julie Jones named Boyd Walden as the new
Director of the Division of Motorist Services. Boyd has more than 25 years of
experience with the Department and has been the deputy director of the division
since the merger of the divisions of Driver Licenses and Motor Vehicles last
year. When asked about his new role,
Walden said, “I’m looking forward to meeting the challenges of our core mission
of providing driver license and motor vehicle services to our customers. Our
success depends on creating a work environment that provides the tools and
resources to our members to get the job done efficiently. We’re also looking at
opportunities to strengthen our relationships with stakeholders.”
Walden
is a graduate of Florida State University. He holds a bachelor’s degree in
computer science. He joined the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
as a computer programmer. While serving in the Information System
Administration, he managed several high-profile projects. In June 2001, he broadened his horizons by serving
as the data processing manager of driver licenses. In 2003, he became the chief
of the Bureau of Titles and Registrations and then became deputy director of
Motorist Services in 2011.
Please
join in DHSMV in congratulating and welcoming Boyd as he leads Motorist
Services into the future!
DHSMV Closes and
Consolidates Offices, Saves State Millions: The Department closed three
driver license offices between January and March as driver license services
transition to county tax collectors continue. Closures in Pensacola, Defuniak
Springs and Tampa will lead to an estimated annual savings of $282,992.
In
Broward County, one of three counties where DHSMV will continue to provide
driver license services, the Department closed the driver license office in
Fort Lauderdale Jan. 20. The office will merge with the Lauderdale Lakes driver
license office and reopen in May. By consolidating the two offices, the state
will save nearly $2.5 million during the next 10 years, in lieu of procuring
two individual offices.
Troopers Make an
Impression: Sgt. Thomas Pikul and Trooper Jose Sanchez of the Florida Highway
Patrol’s Troop E received a thank you letter from Kim Ferreira, the SADD
(Students Against Destructive Decisions) sponsor at Dr. Michael Krop Senior
High School. In her letter, Ferreira states, “Over 450 students were able to
learn a very simple life saving lesson today: ‘Buckle Up!’ Your rollover
simulator presentation was educational and something desperately needed for our
youth.” She even included comments from students following the presentation,
such as, “I’m going to wear my seatbelt all the time. I used to wear it only
sometimes,” and, “Now, my friends will always buckle up if they want to drive
in my car!”
Get an Inside Look at
the Florida Highway Patrol: The Florida Highway Patrol recently announced the
release of Troopers – Inside the Florida Highway Patrol, a documentary that
features recruits on the path to becoming a state trooper. The Center for Faith
and Freedom, Inc., doing business as Salt & Light Productions, produced the
92-minute video that follows the 118th recruit class through the training
academy, highlights the many duties performed by the Patrol on an everyday
basis and includes touching footage of a law enforcement funeral. The video
demonstrates the breadth and depth of the statewide law enforcement agency’s
role in achieving the vision of a Safer Florida.
Stuart
J. Roth, Founder and President of the Lakewood Ranch based Salt & Light
Productions noted, “I felt it was important for citizens all over our state to
understand the dedication and commitment to public service that is exemplified
by the FHP. Unfortunately, we often take for granted those individuals whose
primary responsibility is ensuring public safety. This documentary will serve
to remind us of the sacrifice being made on a daily basis by the men and women
of the FHP.” The DVD is available for
purchase at www.Amazon.com.
Florida Highway Patrol
Focuses on Aggressive Cars and Trucks: Drivers on Florida roadways may want to practice some
relaxation techniques before hitting the road. The Florida Highway Patrol
announced an education and enforcement campaign to ticket aggressive truck and
car drivers. In crashes involving cars and commercial trucks, actions by
drivers account for 88 percent of the crashes. Only 12 percent of the crashes
are the result of vehicle defects, road conditions or inclement weather.
The campaign aims to reduce commercial motor vehicle-related crashes, injuries
and fatalities by combining outreach and education with enforcement activities
to raise awareness among car and truck drivers about safe driving behaviors.
Troopers statewide are on the lookout for
violations attributed to aggressive driving such as: following too closely,
unsafe lane change and speeding; committed by truck and car drivers as they
interact on Florida highways.
An Appointment Makes
It a Breeze! All customers who must visit one of
our offices to renew, replace, or file a change of address to their driver
license or identification card, are urged to secure an appointment prior to
their visit. Connect via Internet at www.flhsmv.gov/oasis
for an appointment to reduce the length of the visit. Then link to the on-line pre-application and complete it
before coming to one of our offices. Driver
license offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please check our website at www.flhsmv.gov/offices/ for the most up-to-date information on office locations and schedules.
Documents Online
Assistance: DHSMV recommends our customers visit www.GatherGoGet.com, a website
dedicated to assist Floridians with new driver license and identification card
requirements. Floridians renewing or obtaining a new license or ID are required
to show proof of: 1) identification, 2) Social Security number and 3)
residential address (two items).
The website
and its tools are also available in Spanish at www.ReunaVengaObtenga.com
and in Creole at www.RasanbleAlePran.com.
The
Department is issuing driver licenses and identification cards that meet new
federal standards. This will enhance our efforts to minimize fraud and identity
theft.
Driver Licenses and Identification Card Fees
Class E (original and renewal) $48
Commercial Driver License (original and renewal) $75
ID Card (original and renewal) $25
Replacement License or ID $25
Endorsements $ 7
Driver License Services at Tax Collector Office Service Fees $ 6.25
The Department uses a combination of vehicle information to determine registration fees. This includes registration use, license plate type and class code. The class code is determined by the vehicle weight, body type, vehicle type and registration use. To see a sample, click here.
For a list of frequently asked questions and answers regarding Florida's fees, click here.
Buckle Up
Every Time, Everyone!
WELCOME 
