How to Get Your Florida Driver's License

What you need to do to get a Florida driver's license

To get a Florida driver's license, you visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles office in person, pass a written test and a driving test, and pay a fee. The whole process takes a few weeks from start to finish. You'll need to bring documents that prove who you are, where you live, and your Social Security number — the state has a specific list of which documents work for each category.

Florida issues licenses valid for eight years, and you can renew by mail or online before it expires. If you're moving to Florida from another state, you can use your current license while you're getting your Florida one, but you must get a Florida license within 30 days of becoming a resident.

Key Takeaways

You must visit a Florida DMV office in person to take the written and driving tests — there is no online or mail option for a first license.
Bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) — the DMV website lists which documents count for each.
The written test covers Florida traffic laws and road signs; the driving test is conducted by a DMV examiner in your own vehicle or a rental.
The fee for a standard eight-year license is $75, though the cost varies slightly if you choose a Real ID-compliant license or a different license type.
After you pass both tests, the DMV mails your physical license to your address within one to two weeks.

Documents you need to bring to the DMV office

Florida requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number or ITIN. You must bring at least one document from each category. The state accepts a wide range of documents, so most people have what they need at home.

For identity, the DMV accepts a passport, a birth certificate, a military ID, or a state ID from another state. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a property tax bill — it must show your name and current Florida address and be dated within 90 days. For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. If you don't have a Social Security number, you can use an ITIN and bring the letter from the IRS that assigned it to you.

The written test and what it covers

The written test has 50 questions about Florida traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You need to answer at least 40 questions correctly to pass. The test is taken on a computer at the DMV office, and you get your results when ready.

You can study for the test using the Florida Driver's Handbook, which the DMV publishes free on its website. The handbook covers speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking laws, what different road signs mean, and what to do if you're pulled over. Many people also use practice tests available online through the official Florida DMV website or third-party study apps. You can take the written test as many times as you need — there's no limit on retakes, though you pay the test fee each time.

The driving test and how to schedule it

The driving test is a 20-minute evaluation conducted by a DMV examiner. The examiner sits in your vehicle while you drive on public roads and perform basic maneuvers like parking, turning, and stopping. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition — the examiner will check the brakes, lights, and windshield wipers before you start.

You can use your own car, a rental, or a friend's vehicle as long as it meets those requirements. You cannot use a vehicle that belongs to the DMV or the testing facility. After you pass the written test, you schedule the driving test at the same DMV office. Wait times vary by location and season; some offices have openings within a few days, while others may have a wait of several weeks. You can check available appointment times on the Florida DMV website or call your local office.

Fees and what they cover

A standard eight-year Florida driver's license costs $75. This fee covers the license itself and both the written and driving tests. If you fail the driving test, you can retake it, and the retake fee is $10 per attempt.

If you want a Real ID-compliant license — which you'll need to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building after May 2025 — the cost is $77.50 instead of $75. The Real ID license requires the same documents plus an additional proof of residency document. Some people also choose a REAL ID-compliant license with a star, which costs the same but is easier to spot. You can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card at the DMV office.

What happens after you pass both tests

Once you pass the driving test, the DMV takes your photo and processes your license. Your physical license is mailed to the address you provided, usually within one to two weeks. You'll receive a temporary paper license at the DMV office that you can use while you wait for the card to arrive.

If you move before your license arrives, contact the DMV to update your address so the license is sent to the right place. If your license is lost or stolen after it arrives, you can request a replacement through the DMV website or in person at an office.

If you're moving to Florida from another state

If you already have a valid driver's license from another state, you can drive in Florida on that license while you're getting your Florida license. However, Florida law requires you to get a Florida license within 30 days of becoming a resident. Becoming a resident means you've established a home in Florida — for example, you've signed a lease, bought a house, or registered to vote.

When you go to the DMV to get your Florida license, bring your out-of-state license along with the identity, residency, and Social Security documents listed above. You'll still take both the written and driving tests. Some states have reciprocal agreements with Florida that waive the written test, but you must still pass the driving test. Check the Florida DMV website to see if your state has an agreement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online or by mail?

No. Both the written and driving tests must be taken in person at a Florida DMV office. You cannot take them online or through the mail, even if you're renewing a license you already have.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test as many times as you need. Each retake costs $10. You must wait at least one day before retaking the test. You can schedule your next attempt at the DMV office or online.

Do I need a Social Security number to get a Florida license?

You need either a Social Security number or an ITIN. If you have an ITIN, bring the letter from the IRS that assigned it to you. The DMV accepts both equally.

Can I use a rental car for the driving test?

Yes. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition, but it can be a rental, your own car, or a friend's vehicle. The examiner will check the brakes, lights, and windshield wipers before you drive.

How long is a Florida driver's license valid?

A standard Florida driver's license is valid for eight years. You can renew it by mail or online before it expires, or in person at a DMV office. You do not need to take the written or driving test again when you renew.

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.