The documents Florida requires depend on whether you are getting your first license, renewing, or replacing one

Florida groups its document requirements into three categories: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Florida residency. You will need at least one document from each category. The specific documents accepted vary slightly depending on whether you are a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident, or a temporary resident with a visa. If you are getting your first Florida license, you will also need to pass a written test and a driving test, but those are separate from the documents you bring to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV).

The fastest path is to gather your documents before you go to a DHSMV office. Showing up without the right paperwork means a wasted trip and a rescheduled appointment. This section walks through what counts as proof in each category so you know exactly what to bring.

Key Takeaways

  • You need one document proving your identity, one proving your Social Security number, and one proving you live in Florida — bringing originals or certified copies is required, not photocopies.
  • A U.S. passport, passport card, or enhanced driver's license from another state all work as proof of identity; a birth certificate does not stand alone.
  • A Social Security card is the easiest proof of your number, but a W-2 form, tax return, or bank statement with your number on it will work if you do not have the card.
  • Proof of residency must show your name and current Florida address — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works; a P.O. box address does not.
  • If you are not a U.S. citizen, you will need your passport plus an immigration document showing your legal status, such as a green card or visa.

Proof of identity: what documents the DHSMV accepts

Florida accepts a limited set of documents as proof of identity. A U.S. passport (the booklet) and a U.S. passport card both work. An enhanced driver's license or enhanced ID card from another state also counts. A military ID card issued by the U.S. Department of Defense works. A Trusted Traveler card (NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST) is accepted. A permanent resident card (green card) works if you are a permanent resident.

A birth certificate alone does not work as proof of identity, even if it is a certified copy. A Social Security card does not work as proof of identity. A school ID, work ID, or any state ID card other than a driver's license or ID card does not work. If you do not have one of the accepted documents, you will need to obtain one before you can get a Florida license. A U.S. passport can be obtained through the U.S. State Department; an enhanced ID card can be obtained from your current state of residence.

Proof of Social Security number: documents that show your number

The easiest proof is your Social Security card itself. If you have it, bring the original. If you do not have your card or it is lost, the DHSMV accepts several alternatives. A W-2 form from your employer, a 1099 form, or a federal tax return all show your Social Security number and count as proof. A bank statement, a mortgage statement, or a loan document with your number on it works. A paycheck stub with your full Social Security number printed on it works.

The document must show your full nine-digit number — a document that shows only the last four digits does not count. If you do not have your Social Security number on file with the Social Security Administration, you will need to contact the SSA directly before you can get a Florida license. Bring the original document or a certified copy; a photocopy is not accepted.

Proof of Florida residency: documents showing your current address

Your proof of residency must show your name and your current Florida street address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) dated within the last 60 days works. A lease agreement or rental agreement works if it is signed and shows your name and Florida address. A mortgage statement or property tax bill works. A homeowner's or renter's insurance policy works. A bank statement or credit card statement dated within the last 60 days works. A government check or benefit statement (such as a Social Security check or unemployment benefit letter) works if it shows your name and address.

A P.O. box address does not count as proof of residency, even if it is on an official document. A document that shows only a partial address or an address outside Florida does not work. If you have recently moved to Florida and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, bring two documents that together show your name and address — for example, a lease and a bank statement, or a mortgage statement and an insurance policy. The DHSMV office staff can tell you whether a specific document will work if you call ahead or bring it in to ask.

Additional documents for first-time applicants

If you are getting your first Florida driver's license (not renewing or replacing), you will need to bring your proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency as described above. You will also need to pass a written knowledge test covering Florida traffic laws and road signs, and a driving test in which you demonstrate basic driving skills. These tests are separate from the documents you bring.

You do not need to bring study materials or a practice test to the DHSMV office. The office will provide the written test on a computer or on paper. You will take the driving test in your own vehicle or in a DHSMV vehicle, depending on the office location. Bring your current out-of-state license if you have one; it can help speed up the process. If you do not have a current license from another state, bring a second form of ID if possible, though it is not required.

Documents for renewing or replacing your Florida license

If you are renewing your Florida license before it expires, you may be able to renew by mail or online without going to a DHSMV office. Check the DHSMV website to see whether you are may be able to access for mail or online renewal. If you are not may be able to access or prefer to renew in person, bring your current Florida license plus proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days). You do not need to bring proof of identity or proof of Social Security number again if you are renewing.

If you are replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license, bring proof of residency and your proof of identity. You do not need proof of Social Security number for a replacement. If your license was suspended or revoked, you will need to contact the DHSMV to find out what additional steps or documents are required before you can get a new license.

Non-citizen and temporary resident requirements

If you are a permanent resident (green card holder), bring your green card as proof of identity, plus proof of Social Security number and proof of residency as described above. If you are a temporary resident with a visa, you will need your passport plus your visa or other immigration document showing your legal status. Bring proof of Social Security number and proof of residency as well. Some visa holders may not be able to get a standard Florida driver's license; the DHSMV office can tell you whether your visa status allows it.

If you are an undocumented immigrant, Florida does not issue a standard driver's license. Florida does offer a Driving Privilege Card, which is a separate document that allows you to drive legally in Florida but is not a license and cannot be used for identification outside of driving. The documents required for a Driving Privilege Card are different from those for a standard license; contact the DHSMV or visit a local office to learn what you will need to bring.

What to bring to the DHSMV office: a checklist

Before you go to a DHSMV office, gather the following:

  • One original document or certified copy proving your identity (passport, passport card, enhanced ID, military ID, Trusted Traveler card, or green card)
  • One original document or certified copy proving your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, tax return, bank statement, mortgage statement, or paycheck stub)
  • One original document or certified copy proving your Florida residency dated within the last 60 days (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, insurance policy, bank statement, or government benefit letter)
  • Your current Florida license if you are renewing or replacing (not required for first-time applicants)
  • Your current out-of-state license if you have one (helpful but not required for first-time applicants)

Bring the originals or certified copies. Photocopies are not accepted. If a document is in a language other than English, bring a certified English translation along with the original. Arrive at the DHSMV office during business hours; hours vary by location. You can find your nearest office and its hours on the DHSMV website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a birth certificate as proof of identity?

No. A birth certificate does not work as proof of identity on its own, even if it is certified. You will need a passport, passport card, enhanced ID from another state, military ID, Trusted Traveler card, or green card. If you do not have one of these, you will need to obtain one before you can get a Florida license.

What if my proof of residency document is older than 60 days?

The DHSMV requires proof of residency dated within the last 60 days. If your utility bill or lease is older than that, bring a more recent document. If you have recently moved and do not have a recent bill in your name, bring two documents together — such as a lease and a bank statement — that show your name and current address.

Do I need a certified copy or can I bring a photocopy?

You must bring an original document or a certified copy. A photocopy is not accepted. A certified copy is a copy made by the issuing agency or a notary public and stamped as official. If you do not have the original, contact the agency that issued the document to request a certified copy.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

If you do not have a Social Security number on file with the Social Security Administration, you will need to contact the SSA to obtain one before you can get a Florida license. You can explore for a Social Security number through the SSA website or by visiting a local Social Security office. The process takes several weeks.

Can I use a P.O. box as my proof of residency address?

No. Your proof of residency must show a street address in Florida, not a P.O. box. If you receive mail at a P.O. box, use a different document that shows your actual street address, such as a lease, mortgage statement, or utility bill.