Florida HSMV Form 71142 – Parent Consent Form Explained – If your teen is ready to apply for a Florida learner’s license, one essential document stands between them and the road: the Florida HSMV Form 71142 Parental Consent Form. Officially titled “Parental Consent for a Driver Application of a Minor,” this form is required by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) for most applicants under age 18.
This guide covers everything U.S. parents and guardians need to know about Form 71142 in plain language, based on current FLHSMV requirements and Florida Statutes.
What Is Florida HSMV Form 71142?
Form HSMV 71142 is the official parental consent document used when a minor applies for a Florida driver license or learner’s license. By signing it, a parent or legal guardian gives permission for the minor to be licensed and accepts the legal obligations outlined in Section 322.09, Florida Statutes.
The form states that the signer assumes responsibility for the minor’s driving until they notify the Department in writing that they are withdrawing consent. This is a significant legal commitment.
You can download the current official version directly from the FLHSMV website: Download Florida HSMV Form 71142 (PDF).
Who Must Complete Form 71142?
Form 71142 is required for virtually every applicant under 18 who is not married or legally emancipated. Key rules include:
- One parent or legal guardian must sign.
- Step-parents may sign only if they have legally adopted the minor.
- Married minors must present a certified marriage certificate instead of the form.
- Emancipated minors must present a certified court order.
- In limited cases involving foster care or residential group homes, an authorized representative, caregiver, or guardian ad litem may sign under specific statutory exceptions.
According to the official FLHSMV page on Required Forms for Teens, the parent or legal guardian who signs agrees to take responsibility for the minor’s driving. If that person later decides to withdraw consent, the minor’s license can be canceled.
How to Fill Out Florida HSMV Form 71142?
The form is short but must be completed accurately. Follow these steps:
- Enter the minor’s full legal name (First, Middle, Last) exactly as it appears on their identity documents.
- Enter the minor’s date of birth.
- The parent or legal guardian signs and prints their name.
- Complete the notary or driver license examiner section (see notarization options below).
Accuracy matters. Mismatched names or incomplete information is a common reason applications are rejected at the tax collector or driver license office.
Notarization and Signature Requirements
Florida requires that all signatures on Form 71142 be either:
- Notarized by a notary public, or
- Witnessed in person by a driver license examiner or authorized agent at a FLHSMV or tax collector office.
If the parent or guardian will accompany the minor to the appointment, they can simply sign in front of the examiner—no prior notarization is needed. If the parent cannot attend, the form must be notarized in advance.
Bring a valid photo ID for the parent or guardian so the notary or examiner can verify identity.
What Else Do You Need With Form 71142?
Form 71142 is only one piece of the learner’s license application. Minors typically must also provide:
- Proof of identity (usually a certified U.S. birth certificate or valid U.S. passport)
- Social Security card (if one has been issued)
- Two proofs of Florida residential address
- Proof of completion of the required driver education course (as of August 1, 2025, the 6-hour Driver Education Traffic Safety / DETS course for first-time applicants under 18)
- Passing scores on vision, hearing, and the Class E knowledge exam
Always check the latest checklist on the official FLHSMV Teen Licensing page before your appointment, as requirements can be updated.
Related Florida Forms for Teen Drivers
Parents should also be familiar with these companion forms:
- HSMV 71143 – Certification of Minor Driving Experience (used when applying for a full Class E license after holding the learner’s license). This form certifies the required 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours at night.
- HSMV 71142C – Non-Parent or Non-Legal Guardian Consent Form (used in limited situations when a non-parent/non-guardian is authorized to consent).
- HSMV 71144 – Parent/Guardian Online Test Proctoring Form (required if the knowledge exam was taken online through a third-party provider).
All official forms are available on the FLHSMV Forms page.
How to Withdraw Parental Consent?
If a parent or guardian later decides to withdraw consent, they must send a written request to FLHSMV that includes the minor’s full name, date of birth, and driver license number. The request should be mailed or faxed 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
Once processed, the minor’s license will be canceled.
Download Florida HSMV Form 71142
Always download the form from the official FLHSMV source to ensure you have the current version:
Download Official HSMV Form 71142 Parental Consent Form (PDF)
A Spanish version (HSMV 71142SP) is also available on the FLHSMV forms page for Spanish-speaking families.
Helpful Tips for a Smooth Application
- Complete and notarize (if needed) Form 71142 before your appointment to save time.
- Double-check that the minor’s name and date of birth match all other identity documents exactly.
- Bring original documents; photocopies are usually not accepted for primary identification.
- Schedule an appointment in advance when possible—many tax collector offices handle driver license services by appointment only.
- Review the full list of accepted documents on the official FLHSMV “What to Bring” page before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Form 71142 required for a full Class E license?
Form 71142 is primarily used for the learner’s license application. When moving from a learner’s license to a full Class E license, Form 71143 (Certification of Minor Driving Experience) is the key parental form.
Can a step-parent sign Form 71142?
Only if the step-parent has legally adopted the minor. Otherwise, a biological parent or court-appointed legal guardian must sign.
Does the form expire?
The form itself does not carry a printed expiration date, but it should be reasonably current when presented. Best practice is to complete it close to the application date.
What if the parent lives out of state?
The form can be notarized in another state and mailed or brought to Florida. The signature must still meet Florida’s notarization or examiner-witness requirements.
Final Thoughts
Florida HSMV Form 71142 is a straightforward but important legal document. Completing it correctly, having it properly notarized or witnessed, and bringing it with the rest of the required paperwork will help your teen’s learner’s license appointment go smoothly.
For the most up-to-date information, always refer to the official Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website at flhsmv.gov. Requirements can change, and the official site is the definitive source.