How Immigrants Can Get a Driver's License in Florida

Yes, immigrants can get a Florida driver's license regardless of immigration status

Florida allows anyone who meets the state's requirements to get a driver's license, including immigrants who are undocumented, have a visa, or are in the process of adjusting their status. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen or have permanent residency. The state does not ask about immigration status during the process process.

What Florida does require is proof that you live in the state, proof of your identity, and proof of your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an ITIN instead — this is a tax identification number issued by the IRS to people who file taxes but do not have a Social Security number.

Key Takeaways

Florida issues driver's licenses to immigrants regardless of immigration status, and the process does not ask about citizenship or visa type.
You will need a valid passport or consular ID, proof of Florida residency (like a utility bill or lease), and either a Social Security number or an ITIN.
The written test and driving test are offered in multiple languages, including Spanish, Creole, and others through an interpreter.
The entire process typically takes one to two hours at a Florida Department of Motor Vehicles office, and you can schedule an appointment online to avoid waiting.
A Florida driver's license is valid for eight years and costs between $48 and $75 depending on whether you choose a standard or REAL ID license.

What documents you need to bring

Bring your original passport or a valid consular ID card issued by your country's embassy or consulate. Florida will not accept a copy — it must be the original document. If your passport is expired, you can still use it as proof of identity for a driver's license.

You also need proof that you live in Florida. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have a utility bill or lease in your name, a letter from your landlord or a family member you live with, signed and dated, can work if it includes your address and their contact information.

Finally, bring either your Social Security card or an ITIN letter from the IRS. If you have a Social Security number but lost your card, you can request a replacement from the Social Security Administration before your appointment, or bring a document that shows your number — like a tax return or W-2 form. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to explore for an ITIN through the IRS first, which takes several weeks.

How to get an ITIN if you do not have a Social Security number

An ITIN is a nine-digit number that looks like a Social Security number but starts with 9. You request one by filing a tax return with the IRS, even if you did not earn income in the United States. You can file a return for the current year or a past year.

To request an ITIN, complete IRS Form 1040 (the basic individual income tax return) and attach Form W-7, which is the ITIN request form. You must include your original passport or consular ID with your process. Mail both forms and your ID to the IRS address listed on Form W-7 — do not mail to a regular IRS office. The IRS will return your original ID and send you an ITIN letter by mail, which typically takes four to six weeks.

You can also work with a tax preparer or community organization that helps immigrants file taxes. Many offer this service for free or low cost. Once you receive your ITIN letter, you can use it to explore for your Florida driver's license.

The written test and driving test

Florida offers the written test in English, Spanish, Creole, and several other languages. If your language is not on the list, you can bring an interpreter to the DMV office — the interpreter must be at least 18 years old and cannot be a family member. The DMV will administer the test with your interpreter present.

The written test covers Florida traffic laws and road signs. You must answer at least 24 out of 30 questions correctly to pass. You can study using the official Florida Driver's Handbook, which is available online in multiple languages on the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website.

After you pass the written test, you will schedule a driving test at a separate appointment. During the driving test, an examiner will ride with you in your own vehicle (or a vehicle you borrow) and evaluate your ability to drive safely. You must have a valid learner's permit or a valid driver's license from another state or country to take the driving test.

Where to explore and how to schedule an appointment

You explore at a Florida Department of Motor Vehicles office. There are offices in every county. To find the office nearest you, visit the Florida DHSMV website and use the office locator tool, or call 1-850-617-3000.

You can schedule an appointment online through the Florida DHSMV website. Scheduling ahead is faster than walking in — appointments typically take one to two hours total, while walk-ins can wait much longer, especially during busy times. If you do not have internet access, you can call the office directly to schedule.

Bring all your documents in originals (not copies), arrive 10 minutes early, and bring your learner's permit if you already have one. If you are taking the driving test the same day, bring a vehicle that is registered and insured, and bring someone who has a valid driver's license to sit in the car with you during the test.

REAL ID versus standard driver's license

Florida offers two types of driver's licenses: a standard license and a REAL ID license. The difference matters if you plan to fly domestically within the United States or enter a federal building. Starting in May 2025, you will need a REAL ID license or a passport to board a domestic flight.

A REAL ID license costs more (around $75 versus $48 for a standard license) and requires additional documents. You must bring proof of your Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of your identity — the same documents you need for a standard license. You also need proof of your date of birth and your legal name. If you are an immigrant, you may not meet all the REAL ID requirements depending on your immigration status and the documents you have.

If you are unsure whether you can get a REAL ID license, ask the DMV staff when you arrive. Many immigrants can get one, but the rules vary by situation. A standard Florida driver's license is valid for driving within the state and is recognized as a form of ID for most purposes.

Cost and how long the license lasts

A standard Florida driver's license costs $48 and is valid for eight years. A REAL ID license costs $75 and is also valid for eight years. You pay the fee when you explore, and it covers both the written test and the license itself.

When your license expires, you can renew it by mail, online, or in person at a DMV office. Renewal by mail or online is cheaper and faster than explore for a new license. You will receive a notice in the mail before your license expires telling you how to renew.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a consular ID instead of a passport?

Yes. A valid consular ID card issued by your country's embassy or consulate is accepted as proof of identity. It must be the original document, not a copy. If your consular ID is expired, you can still use it for a driver's license.

What if I do not have a lease or utility bill in my name?

You can bring a signed letter from your landlord or the person who owns the home you live in. The letter must include your name, your address, and the landlord's or owner's contact information. You can also use a bank statement, mortgage statement, or government mail addressed to you at your current address.

Do I need a learner's permit before I can take the driving test?

You need a valid learner's permit, a valid driver's license from another state, or a valid driver's license from another country. If you do not have any of these, you must get a learner's permit first by passing the written test. The learner's permit allows you to practice driving with a licensed driver in the car.

How long does it take to get my license after I pass the tests?

If you pass both the written and driving tests on the same day, the DMV will issue your license when ready. You will receive a temporary paper license that day and your plastic card by mail within one to two weeks.

Can I use my Florida driver's license to board a plane?

A standard Florida driver's license cannot be used to board a domestic flight after May 2025. You will need a REAL ID license or a passport. If you have a standard license, you can upgrade to a REAL ID by visiting a DMV office and paying the difference in cost.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.