published: Sunday, February 24, 2013

DMV office closes Thursday

Tax Collector continues to provide driver licenses services

Special to the News-Sun

SEBRING - The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles will close its driver license office at 1205 U.S. 27 North in Sebring on Thursday.

Highlands County Tax Collector Eric Zwayer currently provides full driver license services at the Avon Park and Lake Placid locations and will begin full services at the Sebring office beginning Monday, March 4. Addresses for each location are: 116 E. Main St., Avon Park; 11 N. Pine Ave., Lake Placid; and 540 S. Commerce Ave., Sebring. The phone number for all three locations is 402-6685.

"We are pleased to partner with the Highlands County Tax Collector's Office," said Division of Motorist Services Director Boyd Walden. "The Department is transitioning driver license services to most county tax collectors across the state, and the closure of the state-run Sebring office will complete the transition for Highlands County."

"We are excited to strengthen our partnership with the department and continue providing excellent customer service in offering driver license services in our downtown Sebring office. This will add to the services we currently provide in both of our Avon Park and Lake Placid branch locations," said Tax Collector Eric Zwayer.

To reach the tax collector's website, go to www.hctaxcollector.com.

Many customers can skip the trip to an office and renew driver licenses, identification cards and vehicle tags, as well as conduct other driving-related business online at www.GoRenew.com. Customers who previously renewed their driver license online will be required to visit an office for the next renewal.

Florida now requires additional documents to obtain a new or renewed driver license or ID card. If you visit an office to make any type of driver license transaction, you should prepare by bringing original documents to show proof of identification, Social Security number and residential address (two items). Customers who have ever changed their names legally must bring additional documentation. To find out exactly what you need to bring with you, visit www.GatherGoGet.com. The Department also has a Facebook page where customers can inquire or keep up with news that affects Florida motorists at www.facebook.com/gathergoget.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles provides highway safety and security through excellence in service, education and enforcement. The department is leading the way to a safer Florida through the efficient and professional execution of its core mission: the issuance of driver licenses, vehicle tags and titles and operation of the Florida Highway Patrol. To learn more about DHSMV and the services offered, visit www.flhsmv.gov, follow on Twitter at @FDHSMV or find it on Facebook.