How to Get a Florida Driver's License

What You Need to Do First

To get a Florida driver's license, you will visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person, bring required documents, pass a written test and a driving test, and pay the fee. The entire process typically takes several weeks from start to finish, though you can walk out with a temporary permit on the day you pass your driving test.

Florida does not issue licenses by mail or online. You must appear at a DMV office to have your photograph taken and to take the written and driving tests yourself. If you are under 18, the process has additional steps and longer waiting periods between tests.

Key Takeaways

You must bring proof of identity, proof of Florida residency, and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to your DMV visit.
The written test covers Florida traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the official Florida Driver's Handbook, available free on the DMV website.
After passing the written test, you schedule a separate appointment for the driving test, which is not the same day.
The total cost is $75 for an eight-year license, and you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the DMV office.
If you hold a valid license from another state, you may not need to take the written test again, but you will still take the driving test.

Gather Your Documents Before You Go

Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid passport, or a state ID card. This is your proof of identity. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a combination of documents — for example, a school ID plus a Social Security card — but the DMV website lists which combinations work, so check before you go.

You also need proof that you live in Florida. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work. Your name must appear on the document. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts.

Bring your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. You will need to provide it at the DMV office. If you do not know your number, contact the Social Security Administration before your visit.

Pass the Written Test

The written test has 50 questions about Florida traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 40 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and several other languages; tell the DMV staff which language you need when you arrive.

Study using the official Florida Driver's Handbook, which is free and available as a PDF on the Florida DMV website. The handbook covers everything the test covers and nothing more. You can also take practice tests on the DMV website to see what the questions look like.

You take the written test at the DMV office on the day of your visit. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at no extra cost, but you must wait at least one day before your third attempt.

Schedule and Pass the Driving Test

After you pass the written test, the DMV staff will give you a temporary permit that is valid for 30 days. You use this permit to practice driving and to schedule your driving test appointment. You cannot take the driving test on the same day as your written test.

Call the DMV office or go online to schedule your driving test. Most offices have appointments available within one to three weeks. During the test, a DMV examiner will sit in your car while you drive on public roads for about 20 minutes. The examiner watches how you handle turns, stops, parking, and how you respond to traffic.

You must bring your temporary permit, proof of insurance, and the vehicle you will drive during the test. The vehicle must be registered, insected, and in safe working condition. If you fail the driving test, you can retake it after waiting at least one day.

Pay the Fee and Receive Your License

The fee for an eight-year Florida driver's license is $75. You pay this at the DMV office when you pass your driving test. The DMV accepts cash, checks, debit cards, and credit cards.

After you pass the driving test, the DMV will issue you a temporary license on the spot that is valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license is valid for driving during this waiting period.

If You Already Have a License From Another State

If you hold a valid driver's license from another state and you move to Florida, you do not have to take the written test. You will still take the driving test and pay the $75 fee. You must bring your out-of-state license along with your proof of identity and Florida residency.

Some states have reciprocal agreements with Florida that waive the driving test as well, but this is rare. Check with the DMV office before your visit to confirm whether your state qualifies.

Special Rules for Drivers Under 18

If you are under 18, you must first obtain a learner's permit and hold it for at least 12 months before you can take the driving test. You also must complete a traffic law and substance abuse course approved by the state. The written test for the learner's permit is the same as the regular written test.

Once you hold the learner's permit for 12 months and complete the required course, you can schedule your driving test. The fee for a license issued to someone under 18 is $48 for four years, not $75.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online or by mail?

Yes, if your license is not expired and you have not had any suspensions or revocations, you can renew online through the Florida DMV website or by mail. You do not have to visit an office for renewal. However, if your license is expired or you need a new photo, you must visit an office in person.

What happens if I fail the driving test twice?

You can retake the driving test as many times as you need. There is no limit on the number of attempts. Each time you retake it, you must pay the test fee again, which is included in the $75 license fee. You must wait at least one day between attempts.

Do I need a vision test?

Yes. The DMV will test your vision at the office before you take the written test. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you will not be allowed to take the written test that day.

How long is a Florida driver's license valid?

A standard Florida driver's license is valid for eight years. If you are under 21, your license is valid for four years. You will receive a notice in the mail about 90 days before your license expires telling you how to renew it.

What if I lost my documents and cannot find them?

Contact the agency that issued the document. For a birth certificate, contact the Florida Department of Health or the vital records office in the state where you were born. For a Social Security card, contact the Social Security Administration. The DMV website lists phone numbers and websites for each agency.

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.