The documents Florida requires before you can get a license

Florida requires you to bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Florida residency to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). You will also need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test at the office. The specific documents that count as proof vary — Florida accepts multiple forms of each, so you have options depending on what you have on hand.

You cannot complete the entire process online or by mail. You must appear in person at a DHSMV office to take the vision and written tests and to have your photo taken. The office will verify your documents while you are there.

Key Takeaways

  • You need one document proving your identity (passport, birth certificate, or military ID), one proving your Social Security number (Social Security card or tax return), and one proving you live in Florida (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days).
  • Florida accepts multiple forms of proof for each requirement, so you do not need an exact match — bring what you have and the office will tell you if it works.
  • You must visit a DHSMV office in person to take the vision and written tests; no part of this can be done online or by mail.
  • Bring your Social Security number in writing if you do not have your card, because you will need to enter it during the process.

Proof of identity documents Florida accepts

Florida recognizes a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or birth certificate as proof of identity. If you were born outside the United States, a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa or travel document also counts. The document must be unexpired or expired no more than two years ago.

If you have a passport or military ID, bring that — it is the fastest to verify. If you are using a birth certificate, the office will accept a certified copy from the vital records office in the state where you were born. A photocopy does not work; it must be an official certified copy with a raised seal or embossed stamp.

If your name has changed since your identity document was issued (through marriage, divorce, or court order), bring both the old document and the document that shows the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office will not accept one without the other.

Proof of Social Security number

Your Social Security card itself is the clearest proof, but Florida also accepts a W-2 form, 1099 form, or other tax return document that shows your full Social Security number. The document must be dated within the past 12 months. If you have your card, bring it; if you do not, a recent tax document works just as well.

If you do not have either and cannot get one before your appointment, you can write your Social Security number on a piece of paper and bring it with you. The office staff will verify it against federal records while you wait. This takes longer than bringing a document, but it is allowed.

Proof of Florida residency

Florida requires proof that you have lived in the state for at least the past 90 days. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance policy all count if they show your name and a Florida address and are dated within the past 90 days. A bill from an electric, water, gas, or internet company works. So does a statement from your bank, credit card company, or insurance provider.

The document does not have to be in your name alone — a lease or utility bill in your spouse's name or a roommate's name counts if you can explain your connection to it. Bring a second document if you can (such as a lease plus a bank statement) because it speeds up verification, but one is sufficient.

If you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, you can use a shelter address, a mail forwarding service address, or the address of a family member or friend where you are staying. Bring a letter from the shelter, the forwarding service, or the person whose address you are using, stating that you have been there for at least 90 days. The letter should be dated and signed.

What to bring to the DHSMV office

Bring your identity document, Social Security proof, and residency proof in originals — photocopies are not accepted. Bring your current out-of-state driver's license if you have one; the office will keep it. Bring your Social Security number written down if you do not have your card. Bring your date of birth and your mother's maiden name, which you will need to enter on the process form.

If you are under 18, bring a parent or legal guardian with you. They must be present during the process process. If you are 18 or older, you can come alone. Bring cash or a debit card for the fee — Florida charges a flat fee for a standard driver's license, and fees vary by license type and validity period. Check the DHSMV website for the current fee before you go.

The vision and written tests at the office

At the DHSMV office, you will take a vision screening first. The office has a machine that tests your ability to see clearly and distinguish colors. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the test. If you fail the vision test, you cannot get a license that day and will need to see an eye doctor and return with a vision correction form.

After the vision test, you will take a written knowledge test on a computer. The test covers Florida traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 80 percent of the questions correctly to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day. The office will tell you how many attempts you have before you must wait a set period to try again.

Timeline and next steps

If you pass both tests, the office will take your photo and issue your license the same day. You will receive a temporary paper license to use when ready while your plastic card is mailed to you. The plastic card usually arrives within two to three weeks. If it does not arrive within 30 days, contact the DHSMV to request a replacement.

Your new Florida driver's license is valid for eight years if you are under 80 years old. If you are 80 or older, it is valid for five years. You can renew by mail or online before it expires, so you will not need to return to the office unless you want to update your photo or address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Florida driver's license if I do not have a birth certificate?

Yes. A U.S. passport, passport card, or military ID all count as proof of identity and are often easier to get than a birth certificate. If you have none of these, you can request a certified birth certificate from the vital records office in the state where you were born, which usually takes one to two weeks by mail.

What if my residency documents are in someone else's name?

You can use a lease, utility bill, or bank statement in another person's name if you live there. Bring a second document if possible, or be ready to explain your relationship to the person whose name is on the document. The office staff will decide whether it is acceptable.

Do I need to study for the written test?

The DHSMV publishes a free study guide on its website that covers all the material on the test. Most people who read through it once pass on their first attempt. You can also take practice tests online before you go to the office.

What happens if I fail the vision test?

You cannot get a license that day. You must see an eye doctor, who will give you a vision correction form. Bring that form back to the DHSMV office along with your other documents, and you can retake the vision test. You will not need to retake the written test.

Can I use a passport that expired more than two years ago?

No. Florida requires identity documents to be unexpired or expired no more than two years ago. If your passport expired more than two years ago, you will need to renew it or bring a different form of identity.