Florida HSMV Form 71142C Consent Guide

Florida HSMV Form 71142C Consent Guide – The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) requires specific consent for minors under 18 applying for a learner’s license or driver license. When a parent or legal guardian is unavailable, Form HSMV 71142C serves as the official Non-Parent or Non-Legal Guardian Consent Form. This document allows a caregiver who is not the parent or legal guardian to provide the required authorization under Florida law.

Official form name: Caregiver of a Minor, not a Parent or Legal Guardian, for a Driver Application of a Minor. The current revision is HSMV 71142C (Rev 06/18). It is listed on the official FLHSMV forms page as “Non-Parent or Non-Legal Guardian Consent Form (Under 18 – Learner’s License).”

Download the official form here: https://www.flhsmv.gov/pdf/forms/71142c.pdf.

What Is Florida HSMV Form 71142C?

Form 71142C is used when a minor under age 18 needs consent to apply for a Florida driver license or learner’s license, but the signer is a caregiver who is neither a parent nor a legal guardian. The form states that the caregiver consents to the minor being granted a Florida driver license and notes that consent may be withdrawn in writing.

This form differs from the standard Parental Consent Form (HSMV 71142), which must be signed by a parent or legal guardian. Step-parents may sign the regular form only if they have legally adopted the minor. Form 71142C addresses situations involving other caregivers.

Florida Statute § 322.09 generally requires a parent, guardian, or (if none exists) another responsible adult to sign a minor’s application. A specific provision covers caregivers of minors in out-of-home care, authorized representatives of residential group homes, caseworkers, or guardian ad litems. In those cases, the signer does not assume the joint liability that typically applies under the statute.

Who Can Use Form 71142C?

Eligible signers include caregivers who are not parents or legal guardians. Official guidance notes that a foster parent, authorized representative of a residential group home, or a guardian ad litem may sign for a minor enrolled in licensed out-of-home care. The form itself is titled for a “Caregiver of a Minor, not a Parent or Legal Guardian.”

One caregiver must sign the form. The signature must be notarized or witnessed by a driver license examiner. The form is not required if the minor is married (a certified marriage certificate is needed instead) or legally emancipated (court order required).

How to Complete Florida HSMV Form 71142C?

The form is straightforward. Fill in the following:

  • Minor’s full name (First, Middle, Last)
  • Minor’s date of birth
  • Signature of the caregiver (not a parent or legal guardian)
  • Printed name of the caregiver
  • Notary or DL Examiner section: county, date, identification details (personally known or type and number of ID produced), notary/examiner signature, and commissioned name

Instructions printed on the form:

  1. One caregiver must sign this form.
  2. All signatures must be notarized or witnessed by an examiner.
  3. Present this form, a Social Security card (if issued), and proof of identity satisfactory to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. This form is not required if married.

Bring the completed, notarized (or examiner-witnessed) form to a Florida driver license office or tax collector office along with the minor’s other required documents for a learner’s license application.

Related Requirements for Florida Teen Drivers

Minors must also meet graduated driver license requirements. A responsible adult 21 years of age or older must accompany a driver holding a learner’s license. Before applying for a Class E license, drivers under 18 generally need to:

  • Hold a learner’s license for a minimum of 12 months
  • Have no traffic convictions in the 12 months prior to application (or one non-criminal conviction with adjudication withheld after a basic driver improvement course)
  • Have a parent, legal guardian, or other responsible adult 21 or older certify (in person or by notary) at least 50 hours of behind-the-wheel experience, including 10 hours at night (typically via Form HSMV 71143)

Additional standard requirements include completing an approved driver education course (such as the Driver Education Traffic Safety / DETS course for those under 18), passing vision and knowledge exams, and providing proof of identity, Social Security number (if applicable), and residency.

Official resources:

How to Withdraw Consent?

The caregiver may withdraw consent by notifying the Department in writing. Provide the minor’s complete name, date of birth, and driver license number. Mail or fax the request to:

Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Bureau of Motorist Compliance
Division of Motorist Services
2900 Apalachee Parkway
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0575
Fax: (850) 617-3939

Withdrawal typically results in cancellation of the minor’s license until age 18 or until new consent is filed.

Important Tips for Success

  • Download the form only from the official FLHSMV website to ensure you have the current version.
  • Have the form notarized in advance if the caregiver cannot appear in person at the licensing office, or plan for an examiner to witness the signature.
  • Bring original or certified identity documents and the Social Security card (if issued).
  • Confirm local tax collector or FLHSMV office procedures and appointment requirements, as practices can vary slightly by county.
  • Married or emancipated minors are exempt from the parental/caregiver consent requirement but must provide the appropriate certified documents.

Always verify the latest requirements directly with FLHSMV, as rules and form revisions can change. The official download link for Form 71142C remains: https://www.flhsmv.gov/pdf/forms/71142c.pdf.

This guide is based on official FLHSMV materials and Florida statutes current as of the latest available information. For personalized assistance, contact your local Florida driver license office or visit the FLHSMV website.

 

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