What you need to bring to the Florida DMV for a driver license

The Florida Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires you to bring specific documents in person to get a driver license. You cannot complete this entirely by mail or online — you must visit a DMV office, take a written test, and have your photo taken.

Bring proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or consulate ID), proof of Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return), and proof of Florida residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days). If you are under 18, you also need a parent or guardian to sign your process in person.

If you have a current out-of-state license, bring that instead of the identity and Social Security documents — the DMV can verify those through the other state's records. If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued, bring the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Florida DMV office in person; the entire process cannot be done online or by mail.
  • Bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Florida residency dated within 60 days.
  • You will take a written test on traffic laws and road signs, and the DMV will photograph you at the office.
  • First-time Florida drivers under 18 need a parent or guardian to sign the process at the DMV office.
  • The license fee varies by age and license type, and you can check current fees on the Florida DMV website.

The written test and vision screening at the DMV office

Before you receive a license, you must pass 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 take the test in English or Spanish, and the DMV provides study materials on its website at flhsmv.gov.

The DMV will also conduct a vision screening at the office. You must be able to read a standard eye chart from a certain distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you — the test is performed with your correction in place. If you fail the vision screening, the DMV will not issue a license until you provide a vision test from an eye doctor.

You do not need to schedule a road test for a standard driver license in Florida. The written test and vision screening are the only tests required at the DMV office.

How long the process takes and when you receive your license

The entire visit to the DMV office typically takes 30 minutes to two hours, depending on how busy the office is. You can check wait times for your local DMV office on the Florida DMV website before you go.

After you pass the test and vision screening, the DMV will issue you a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive while you wait for your permanent plastic card to arrive by mail. The permanent license is mailed to your Florida address within 7 to 10 business days.

If you need your license sooner, some DMV offices offer rush processing for an additional fee. Check with your local office about whether rush service is available.

Renewing or replacing a Florida driver license

If your license is expiring or you need to replace a lost or damaged card, the process differs from getting a first license. You can renew your license online through the Florida DMV website if you meet certain conditions: your license must not be expired by more than six months, you must not have any medical restrictions, and you must not have changed your name or address.

If you cannot renew online, you can renew by mail by sending your current license, a completed process form, and the renewal fee to the address listed on the DMV website. Renewal by mail takes about two weeks.

If your license was lost or stolen, you must visit a DMV office in person to report it and get a replacement. Bring your proof of identity and residency, just as you would for a new license. The replacement fee is lower than the fee for a new license.

Different license types and restrictions in Florida

Florida offers several types of driver licenses depending on your age and driving history. A standard Class E license is for regular passenger vehicles. A Class D license is for drivers who are 15 or 16 years old and have completed a driver education course. A commercial Class A, B, or C license is for drivers who operate trucks or buses and requires additional testing.

If you are under 18, your license will have restrictions. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. for the first three months after you receive your license, and you cannot use a cell phone while driving (except in emergencies). These restrictions are lifted when you turn 18 or after you have held your license for one year, whichever comes first.

If you have medical conditions that affect your driving, the DMV may place restrictions on your license, such as requiring you to wear glasses or limiting you to daytime driving only. These restrictions appear on your license card.

Finding your local Florida DMV office and checking hours

Florida has DMV offices in every county. You can find the office nearest you on the Florida DMV website by entering your county or city name. The website shows the address, phone number, and hours of operation for each office.

Most DMV offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some offices have extended evening hours or Saturday hours. A few offices are open on Sunday. Check your local office's hours before you go, because hours vary by location.

Some DMV offices accept walk-ins, while others require you to take a number when you arrive. A few offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce your wait time. Check the website for your specific office to see what system it uses.

What happens if you fail the written test

If you do not pass the written test on your first attempt, you can take it again the same day at most DMV offices, or you can schedule another appointment for a later date. There is no waiting period between attempts in Florida. You will pay the test fee again if you retake the test.

Before you retake the test, review the study materials on the Florida DMV website. The materials cover all the topics on the test, including right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, and traffic signs. Many people pass on their second attempt after studying the weak areas from their first test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Florida driver license if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can still get a license if you do not have a Social Security number. Bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for a number. The DMV will process your process with this documentation instead.

What if I moved to Florida from another state and still have an out-of-state license?

You can use your out-of-state license until it expires. When you are ready to switch to a Florida license, bring your current out-of-state license, proof of Florida residency, and the process fee to a DMV office. You will not need to retake the written test if your out-of-state license is valid and you have held it for at least one year.

Do I need to take a road test to get a Florida driver license?

No. Florida does not require a road test for a standard driver license. You only need to pass the written test and vision screening at the DMV office. Commercial licenses and licenses for drivers under 18 may have additional requirements — check with your local DMV office.

How much does a Florida driver license cost?

The fee depends on the type of license and how long it is valid. A standard Class E license costs less than a commercial license. Fees also vary if you are renewing, replacing, or getting a first license. Check the Florida DMV website for current fees, as they change periodically.

Can I change my name on my Florida driver license without getting a new one?

No. If your name has changed, you must get a new license. Bring the document that shows your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) along with your proof of identity and residency to a DMV office. You will pay the fee for a new license, not a renewal fee.