Get a Florida driver license by visiting a DMV office in person with your current out-of-state license and proof of residency
Florida does not issue a new license by mail when you move from another state. You must visit a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office — called a Driver License office in Florida — in person to exchange your out-of-state license for a Florida one. The process takes about 30 minutes if you have all documents ready, and you walk out with a temporary license the same day while the permanent one arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
You do not need to pass a written test or driving test unless your out-of-state license is expired or suspended. Florida recognizes valid licenses from other states, so if your current license is current and you have no violations on your record, you will only need to provide documents and pay the fee.
Key Takeaways
- Bring your current out-of-state driver license, proof of Florida residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and proof of your Social Security number to any Driver License office.
- You must visit in person; Florida does not process license transfers by mail or online.
- The fee is $48 for a standard eight-year license, and you receive a temporary license when ready and the permanent card by mail within 10 business days.
- If your out-of-state license is expired, you will need to take a written vision and road rules test before receiving your Florida license.
- You can find your nearest Driver License office and check wait times on the Florida DMV website before you go.
Documents you need to bring to the Driver License office
Bring your current out-of-state driver license, even if it is expired within the last six months. If it expired more than six months ago, you will need to take a written test, so plan for a longer visit.
Bring one document that proves you live in Florida. The DMV accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or homeowners insurance declaration. The document must show your name and current Florida address and be dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement or credit card statement does not count.
Bring proof of your Social Security number. An original Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form works. A tax return or paystub with your full SSN printed on it also works. You cannot use a copy — the document must be original.
Bring proof of your legal name if it differs from your out-of-state license. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order of name change is required. If your name matches your license, you do not need this.
How to find a Driver License office and schedule your visit
Go to the Florida DMV website at flhsmv.gov. Click "Find a Driver License Office" and enter your city or ZIP code. The site shows all offices near you, their hours, and current wait times. Some offices are busier than others — an office in a smaller town may have a 15-minute wait while a downtown office has a 90-minute wait.
You do not need an appointment at most Florida Driver License offices. You can walk in during business hours. However, some offices now offer online scheduling through the DMV website. If your office offers it, you can reserve a time slot and skip the walk-in line. Check the office details page to see if scheduling is available.
Go early in the day if you walk in without an appointment. Wait times are usually shortest between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Avoid lunch hours and late afternoon. Bring all documents in a folder so you do not have to search through your bag at the counter.
What happens during your visit and what you pay
When you arrive, take a number from the ticket machine or check in at the front desk. A staff member will call your number. Bring all your documents to the counter in the order listed above.
The staff member will review your documents, take your photo and signature, and ask you to sign the back of your temporary license. They will hand you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. This temporary license lets you drive legally while you wait for your permanent card.
The fee for a standard eight-year Florida driver license is $48. You can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card. Some offices accept checks, but call ahead to confirm. The fee does not change based on your age or whether you are transferring from another state.
Your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The envelope comes from Tallahassee. Once it arrives, the temporary license is no longer valid, so destroy it. Your new Florida license is valid for eight years from the date you received it.
If your out-of-state license is expired or suspended
If your out-of-state license expired more than six months ago, you cannot straightforward exchange it. You must take a written test on Florida traffic laws and road signs. The test has 50 questions, and you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass. You can study using the Florida DMV handbook, available free on the flhsmv.gov website.
You will also take a vision test at the office. Bring glasses or contacts if you use them. If you fail the vision test, you can retake it the same day.
If your out-of-state license was suspended or revoked, you cannot transfer it to Florida. You must contact the state that suspended your license and resolve the suspension before Florida will issue you a license. Call the DMV office in your previous state to find out what steps are required.
Renewing your Florida license later
Once you have a Florida license, you can renew it online, by mail, or in person. Online renewal is the fastest option and takes five minutes. You can renew online up to 18 months before your license expires and up to six months after it expires. Go to flhsmv.gov and click "Renew Your License" to start.
By mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days and costs $48. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail about six months before your license expires. Follow the instructions on the notice to mail in your process and payment.
In-person renewal at a Driver License office takes about 20 minutes and costs $48. You do not need to bring documents if you are renewing before your license expires, but bring your current license and payment method.
What to do if you cannot visit a Driver License office in person
Florida requires you to appear in person to transfer your out-of-state license. There is no exception for people who are homebound or out of state. If you are temporarily out of Florida, you can wait to transfer your license until you return. Your out-of-state license remains valid to drive in Florida as long as it is not expired.
If you are unable to visit an office due to a disability, call the Driver License office nearest you and ask about accommodations. Some offices can arrange for a staff member to meet you in a wheelchair-accessible area or allow a representative to help you complete forms. Call ahead — do not show up without notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive in Florida with my out-of-state license while I wait for my Florida license?
Yes. Your out-of-state license remains valid as long as it is not expired. Once you receive your temporary Florida license at the Driver License office, you can drive legally in Florida using either your out-of-state license or the temporary Florida license. Once your permanent Florida license arrives, use only that one.
What if I do not have a utility bill or lease to prove residency?
The DMV accepts mortgage statements, property tax bills, homeowners insurance declarations, and vehicle registration documents as proof of residency. If you rent and have no lease, ask your landlord for a signed letter on their letterhead stating your name, address, and move-in date. The letter must be dated within 60 days.
Do I need to take a driving test to get a Florida license?
No, not if your out-of-state license is current and valid. You only take a written test if your license expired more than six months ago. You never take a behind-the-wheel driving test when transferring from another state, even if you are a new driver.
How long is my temporary Florida license valid?
Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days, so the temporary covers you while you wait. If your permanent license does not arrive within 10 business days, call the Driver License office where you applied and ask them to check the status.
What if I moved to Florida but have not changed my address on my out-of-state license yet?
Bring a document that proves your Florida address, such as a utility bill or lease, even if your out-of-state license still shows your old address. The DMV will issue your Florida license with your current Florida address. You do not need to update your out-of-state license first.