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Honorably discharged veterans may have a Veteran’s Designation added to the front of their Florida Driver License or ID card; which is the word “Veteran” in blue in the lower right corner of the card. To qualify for the Veteran’s Designation you must submit documentation (DD-214, VA documentation indicating Honorable Discharge) proving that you are an honorably discharged military veteran. To add the designation only and not make any other changes, there is no fee. If there are changes to your license when you add the designation, the standard replacement/renewal fees will apply.

If you are a 100% Disabled Veteran, you may be exempt from certain driver license or ID card fees. Please see below for requirements to qualify.
 
 An Online Application is REQUIRED for all transactions! To complete your driver license or ID card transaction at one of our offices, you must complete the Online Driver License & ID Card Application (https://taxcollector.jotform.com/210103795736152  – or scan the QR code to access the application – prior to your appointment. Do not print the application; an associate will access your electronic submission during your appointment. Applications are valid for 90 days.
 
Out-of-State residents who are stationed in Florida due to military orders may be exempt from paying the initial registration fee ($225) on vehicles they own. (Proof of residency, military orders and additional documentation may be required.)
   
Florida has a large number of specialty plates, with many of them being Veteran or Military related. Some Military service license plates have specific requirements that must be met. For a complete list of all plates, details on how much each license plate costs, and any documentation requirements, visit: https://www.flhsmv.gov/pdf/specialtyplates/military_brochure.pdf. (See example images below.)
   
All military plates may be ordered by scheduling an appointment and visiting one of our offices except the following: Medal of Honor, Air Force Cross, Navy Cross, Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, and World War II Veteran plates. These plate requests MUST be submitted to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) for processing. The mailing address is:
     
Florida Statutes, Section 316.1955, authorizes vehicles displaying a Disabled Veteran, Disabled Veteran Wheelchair, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Wheelchair Symbol or a Motorcycle Wheelchair Symbol license plate, that are transporting the person eligible for the plate, to park in a space designated for handicapped parking. To obtain a parking permit, please complete this document and have your doctor sign: https://public.powerdms.com/MCTC/documents/1474115

One tax-free license plate can be issued to a Disabled Veteran with a 100% service-connected disability. See below for requirements to qualify.
   
The qualifying guard member and their first sergeant or commanding officer must complete the Application for U.S. Reserve or Florida National Guard License Plate (HSMV form 83030). The Florida National Guard member then schedules an appointment to visit one of our offices and provides us with the signed form. Note: Initial Registration, specialty, personalized, processing and Amateur Radio fees may still apply.

 
To be eligible for the 100% Disabled Veteran benefits, you must meet the following requirements:

• You must be a Florida resident or are in the process of becoming a Florida resident.
• You must provide a letter or card from the Veterans Administration or United States Department of Veterans Affairs indicating you were honorably discharged from the armed forces and have a 100% total and permanent service-connected disability rating for compensation or a service-connected total and permanent disability rating of 100%. Than language on the letter or card may include, but is not limited to the following:
  • 100% total and permanent service-connected disability rating for compensation.
  • Service-connected total and permanent disability rating of 100%.
  • 100% service-connected, permanently and totally disabled. 
  • Permanently and totally disabled due to service-connected disability or disabilities.
  • Payment at the 100% rate due to service-connected disability or disabilities. 

   
If ALL the following requirements are met, the US military member who owns the vehicle may be exempt from Florida sales tax when registering and titling it; (1) The vehicle was purchased and used in a foreign country for six months or longer before being imported into Florida (proof would be an out of country registration). (2) The vehicle is being titled or registered in Florida for personal use by the active member and/or his/her spouse. (3) The military member provides proof of active military status. Note: For additional details on required documentation and other necessary steps to obtain this exemption, please contact our office before visiting. 
   
Some veterans may qualify for Service-connected Permanent Disability property tax exemptions.  You must contact the Manatee County Property Appraiser’s Office at 941.748.8208 or visit the Manatee County Property Appraiser at www.manateepao.gov to learn details and documentation required for these exemptions. Our office is unable to assist with property tax exemptions.
   
If your license is scheduled to expire when you are deployed or stationed outside Florida, we encourage you to renew online before you deploy or move. Florida drivers may renew a driver license up to 18 months prior to the expiration date printed on the license. You may renew, change your address and obtain a replacement licenses online – or scan the QR code to access the site. Once you have completed an online renewal, you can find out when your license is printed and mailed by viewing the DL/ID Card Status Check System. Please allow 7 to 10 days to receive the license in the mail. Extensions: If you are not eligible to renew your Class E (Operator) driver license online, the DHSMV in Tallahassee may issue a military extension card (NOT A LICENSE) that extends your driving privilege continuously each year until: 90 days after you are discharged from military service, you return to Florida to reside, or you obtain a new driver license or ID card from Florida or another state. To receive the military extension, apply during your transaction online OR you must complete the Military Personnel and Dependents Affidavit (HSMV form 73641) certifying active duty status in the U.S. Armed Forces while stationed outside of Florida and provide a copy of the member’s current military orders. Please note: Local tax collector offices CANNOT issue extensions – they are only issued by the DHSMV in Tallahassee. Finally, because the military extension card is not an actual license, please understand it may not be accepted in some countries.  
Disabled Veterans may qualify for other government services including: Free Hunting/Fishing License; Toll Exemption Permit; Sales Tax Reduction for Vehicle Modifications; and more. To learn more, contact the government agency that administers these programs by visiting: taxcollector.com/cip/cip-view.cfm?cip=159.
   
The First Manatee South County Tag Agency processes registration and title transactions for vehicles, boats, and mobile homes, as well as parking permits. This office does not offer driver license, hunting and fishing, or property tax services.

It offers extended hours (9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Friday) and Saturday hours (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.). Appointments are available but are not required. To schedule an appointment, visit the auto tag agency website (autotagagency.net). It is located in Southwood Shoppes at 5756 14^th Street West, Bradenton, FL 34207. Their phone number is (941) 782-6050.

This office accepts cash, check, and debit. A 3.5% fee will be charged on all check transactions to guarantee funds and on all debit transactions as a processing fee. An additional $20 fast title fee applies to titles printed on-site. The First Manatee South County Tag Agency is a privately owned office operating under the authority granted by the Manatee County Tax Collector’s office.
   
Not a Manatee County resident? Out-of-county residents can only be served at First Manatee South County Tag Agency. See the section above for more details regarding the First Manatee South County Tag Agency. Otherwise, you will need to visit your home county tax collector’s office.