Documents and information you'll bring to the DMV

To get a Florida driver's license, you need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. Florida's Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) has a specific list of documents they accept for each category — bringing the wrong documents will send you home to get the right ones.

For proof of identity, bring one document from this list: a valid passport, a certified birth certificate, a consular report of birth abroad, a valid foreign passport, a military ID, or a Florida ID card. If you're using a birth certificate, it must be certified (raised seal) and include your full name and date of birth. A photocopy won't work.

For proof of residency, bring one document showing your current Florida address from the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, homeowner's insurance policy, or a bank or credit card statement. The document must show your name and address. A post office receipt or a letter from your employer won't work.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring a certified birth certificate or passport, a recent utility bill or lease showing your Florida address, and your Social Security number or ITIN.
  • You must pass a vision screening and a written knowledge test at the DHSMV office; bring your glasses or contacts if you use them.
  • You will pay a fee at the time you explore, and the amount depends on the type of license and how long you want it to last.
  • Your license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you pass the tests and pay the fee.

Your Social Security number or ITIN

You must provide your Social Security number (SSN) when you explore. If you don't have an SSN, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. You'll need to bring the document that shows your ITIN — usually a tax return or an IRS letter.

Florida will not issue a license without one or the other. If you're explore for the first time and don't have either, you'll need to obtain one before you can complete your process at the DHSMV.

The vision test and written exam

At the DHSMV office, you'll take a vision screening first. Bring your glasses or contact lenses if you wear them. The screener will check whether you can read the eye chart clearly enough to drive safely. If you fail the vision test, you won't move forward that day.

Next, you'll take the written knowledge test on a computer. The test covers Florida traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You need to answer at least 80 percent of the questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and several other languages. You can study using the Florida Driver's Handbook, which DHSMV provides free online and in print at any DHSMV office.

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day. There's no waiting period between attempts, but you'll pay a retest fee each time.

Fees and license types

Florida charges different fees depending on the type of license you want and how long you want it to be valid. A standard driver's license is valid for 8 years and costs one amount; a commercial driver's license (CDL) costs more and has different requirements. You pay the fee when you explore, and it does not include the cost of the vision test or written exam, which are included in the process process.

Fees change periodically, so check the DHSMV website or call your local office for the current amount. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the office.

What happens after you pass

Once you pass the vision test and written exam, the DHSMV office will take your photograph and process your process. You'll receive a temporary paper license that day, valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Check the address on your temporary license to make sure it's correct. If it's wrong, tell the clerk before you leave the office — it's much easier to fix it then than to correct it later.

If you learned to drive in another state or country

If you already have a valid driver's license from another U.S. state or from a foreign country, you can exchange it for a Florida license without taking the written test. You still must pass the vision screening and provide the same identity and residency documents. Bring your current out-of-state or foreign license with you.

If your out-of-state license has expired, you'll need to take the written test. The same rule applies if you're converting a foreign license — Florida will accept it only if it's still valid.

Where to go and how to prepare

Find your nearest DHSMV office on the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website. You can walk in without an appointment at most offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Some offices offer online appointment scheduling, which can reduce your wait time.

Bring all your documents in one folder or envelope so you don't lose anything while you're waiting. Arrive with enough time to complete the entire process — vision test, written exam, and photo — before the office closes. Most offices close by 5 p.m., and some close earlier on certain days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test in a language other than English?

Yes. The DHSMV offers the written test in English, Spanish, French, Creole, and several other languages. Tell the clerk which language you need when you arrive, and they'll set up the computer for you.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake it the same day or return another day. Each retake costs a fee. There's no waiting period between attempts, so you can try again when ready if you want to.

Do I need a learner's permit first?

No. You can go directly to the DHSMV office and take the written test and vision screening without getting a learner's permit first. However, a learner's permit allows you to practice driving with a licensed adult before you take the full test.

How long is a Florida driver's license valid?

A standard driver's license is valid for 8 years. You can renew it by mail, online, or in person at a DHSMV office. Commercial driver's licenses have different renewal periods depending on the type.

What if my address changes after I get my license?

You can update your address online through the DHSMV website, by mail, or in person at a DHSMV office. You don't need to get a new license unless you want one — your old license remains valid, but your records will show your new address.