Bring these documents to your Florida DMV visit

You need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Florida's Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) will not issue a license without all three. The specific documents that count for each category depend on whether you are a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident, or a visa holder — and whether you are getting your first license or renewing one.

Bring originals, not copies. The DHSMV staff will examine them in person and return them to you. If a document is in a language other than English, bring the original plus an English translation certified by a translator or the issuing agency.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring an original document proving your identity, such as a passport, birth certificate, or military ID card.
  • You must bring an original document proving you live in Florida, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.
  • You must provide your Social Security number or ITIN; if you do not have either, you will need to bring a letter from the Social Security Administration or USCIS explaining why.
  • If you are not a U.S. citizen, bring your immigration documents — a green card, visa, or I-94 arrival record — along with your identity and residency documents.
  • Bring your current Florida license if you are renewing, or a completed process form (HSMV 80039) if you are getting your first license.

Proof of identity documents that the DHSMV accepts

A U.S. passport or passport card is the easiest single document because it proves both citizenship and identity. If you do not have a passport, bring your original birth certificate — the long-form version issued by the vital records office in the state where you were born, not a hospital birth certificate. The DHSMV will not accept a photocopy or a certified copy printed from an online vital records portal; it must be an official document from the vital records office.

Other identity documents the DHSMV accepts include a military ID card (active duty, retired, or reserve), a U.S. government employee ID, a tribal ID card issued by a federally recognized tribe, or a school ID from a Florida public school or state university (for first-time applicants under 18 only). If you are not a U.S. citizen, your permanent resident card (green card) or employment authorization document (EAD) also counts as proof of identity.

Proof of residency documents that the DHSMV accepts

Your residency document must show your current name and current Florida address, and it must be dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common choice. You can also bring a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, an insurance bill (homeowners, renters, or auto), or a bank or credit card statement.

If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, bring a signed letter from the person whose name is on the bill, stating that you live at that address. The letter must include their signature and the date. If you are homeless or living in temporary housing, you may bring a letter from a shelter, transitional housing program, or social services agency on official letterhead, signed and dated by a staff member, stating your current residence.

What to bring if you are not a U.S. citizen

Bring your permanent resident card (green card), visa, I-94 arrival record, employment authorization document (EAD), or other immigration document showing your current status and expiration date. If your document is expiring soon, the DHSMV will issue a license that expires on the same date as your immigration status, so bring the document even if it is about to expire.

If you are a visa holder, bring your passport along with your visa and any I-94 or I-20 document. If you are a permanent resident, your green card is sufficient for identity purposes, but you still need to bring proof of residency and your Social Security number or ITIN. Refugees and asylees should bring their employment authorization document or refugee travel document.

Social Security number or ITIN

You must provide your Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) when you explore. You do not need to bring a card, but you should know your number. The DHSMV will verify it with the Social Security Administration.

If you do not have an SSN or ITIN, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) explaining why you cannot obtain one. This is rare; most people can get an SSN or ITIN before explore for a license. If you are in this situation, contact your local DHSMV office before your visit to confirm what letter they will accept.

Your current license or process form

If you are renewing your license, bring your current Florida driver's license. If you are getting your first license or moving to Florida from another state, bring a completed process form HSMV 80039. You can read and print this form from the DHSMV website, or you can fill it out at the office. Bring it completed and signed if you print it at home.

If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign the process form. If you are 18 or older, you sign it yourself.

Documents you do not need to bring

You do not need to bring your Social Security card, even though you will provide your number. You do not need to bring a certified copy of your birth certificate — the original is what the DHSMV requires. You do not need to bring multiple documents in each category; one valid identity document and one valid residency document are enough.

You do not need to bring proof of a vision test, hearing test, or medical clearance unless the DHSMV has specifically asked you to. You do not need to bring proof of insurance or vehicle registration — those are for vehicle registration, not for a driver's license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring a copy of my birth certificate instead of the original?

No. The DHSMV requires the original birth certificate issued by the vital records office in the state where you were born. A certified copy, a photocopy, or a document printed from an online vital records portal will not be accepted. If you do not have your original, order one from the vital records office before your visit.

What if my residency document has my old name on it?

Your residency document must show your current name and current address. If it shows an old name, bring a second document that shows your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — along with a residency document in your current name. The DHSMV will not accept a residency document with an old name, even if you bring proof of the name change separately.

Do I need to bring my passport if I have a green card?

If you have a green card, you do not need to bring your passport for the identity requirement. Your green card proves both identity and immigration status. You still need to bring proof of residency and your Social Security number or ITIN.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

Most people can obtain a Social Security number or ITIN before explore for a license. If you cannot, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration or USCIS explaining why. Contact your local DHSMV office before your visit to confirm what letter they will accept, because this situation is uncommon and requirements may vary by office.

Can I bring a bank statement from more than 60 days ago?

No. Your residency document must be dated within the last 60 days. If your most recent statement is older than that, bring a different residency document — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement — that is more recent. If all your documents are older than 60 days, contact your DHSMV office to ask what you can bring instead.