Florida does not issue a separate EDL, but uses endorsements and restrictions on standard licenses instead

Florida does not have a document called an Endorsement-Designated License (EDL). Instead, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) places endorsements and restrictions directly on a standard driver license or identification card to indicate special driving privileges or limitations.

An endorsement is a notation that you meet additional requirements to operate a specific class of vehicle — such as a commercial truck or motorcycle. A restriction is a condition that limits how or when you can drive — such as corrective lenses required, automatic transmission only, or daylight driving only. Both appear as codes on the back of your Florida license.

If you need to drive a vehicle that requires special authorization, you will obtain a standard Florida license with the appropriate endorsement added. You will not receive a separate card or document labeled EDL.

Key Takeaways

  • Florida uses endorsement codes and restriction codes printed on standard licenses, not a separate EDL document.
  • Endorsements (such as commercial vehicle or motorcycle authorization) require you to pass additional written and skills tests.
  • Restrictions (such as corrective lenses or daylight driving only) limit how you can legally operate a vehicle.
  • You request endorsements and restrictions through the DHSMV when you renew, upgrade, or explore for a new license.

What endorsements look like on a Florida license

Endorsements appear as letter codes on the back of your Florida driver license. Common endorsement codes include A (motorcycle), B (school bus), C (taxi or livery), D (double or triple trailers), E (hazmat), H (school bus with hazmat), and P (passenger vehicle with 16 or more seats). Each endorsement requires you to pass a written test specific to that vehicle class and, in most cases, a practical driving test.

To add an endorsement to your license, you must visit a DHSMV office, bring proof of residency and identity, pay the applicable fee, and pass the required exams. The fee and test requirements vary by endorsement type. For example, a motorcycle endorsement requires a written test and a riding skills test, while a commercial driver license (CDL) endorsement requires a medical certificate, written exams, and a vehicle skills test.

Once you pass, the endorsement code is printed on your license when ready or added when you renew. You do not receive a separate card.

What restrictions look like on a Florida license

Restrictions also appear as codes on the back of your license and indicate conditions you must follow while driving. Common restriction codes include A (corrective lenses required), B (automatic transmission only), C (daylight driving only), D (no interstate driving), and E (no freeway driving). Some restrictions are imposed by the DHSMV based on your medical history, vision test results, or age; others you may request if you need them.

For example, if you fail the vision screening at license renewal but can pass with corrective lenses, the DHSMV will add restriction code A to your license. If you are over 79 years old, Florida may impose daylight-only driving restrictions. If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely, you may be required to accept a restriction or lose your license.

Unlike endorsements, you do not typically test for restrictions. They are assigned based on your test results, medical records, or age, and they appear on your license automatically.

How to request an endorsement in Florida

Visit your nearest DHSMV office with your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of identity. Tell the staff which endorsement you want to add. They will direct you to take the written test for that endorsement in the office. If you pass, you will pay the endorsement fee (which varies) and schedule a skills test if required.

For a motorcycle endorsement, you can take the written test at the DHSMV office, but you must pass the riding skills test at an approved testing location or through the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course. Completing an MSF Basic Rider Course waives the skills test requirement in Florida.

For a commercial driver license (CDL) endorsement, the process is more involved: you must obtain a medical certificate from a DHSMV-certified medical examiner, pass written exams for each class and endorsement you want, and pass a vehicle skills test. CDL testing is only available at certain DHSMV offices.

Restrictions imposed by age or medical condition

Florida imposes restrictions automatically in certain situations. Drivers aged 79 and older may be restricted to daylight driving only (restriction code C) or required to renew their license more frequently. If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive — such as seizure disorder, severe vision loss, or cognitive impairment — the DHSMV may impose restrictions or suspend your license.

If you believe a restriction is unfair or no longer necessary, you can request a hearing with the DHSMV. For example, if you were restricted to daylight driving due to age but your vision and reaction time are still strong, you can ask for the restriction to be removed. You will need to provide medical evidence or pass additional tests to support your request.

If the DHSMV imposes a restriction you disagree with, you have the right to request a formal review before the restriction takes effect on your next renewal.

How endorsements and restrictions differ from an EDL

Some states issue a separate Endorsement-Designated License (EDL) as a distinct document that shows you have met federal Real ID requirements or state-specific endorsement standards. Florida does not use this model. Instead, all Florida licenses issued after 2010 are Real ID-compliant by default, and all endorsements and restrictions are printed on the same card as your standard license.

This means you will never have a separate "EDL" card in Florida. If you move to Florida from another state that uses EDLs, your new Florida license will consolidate all endorsements and restrictions onto a single standard license. If you move out of Florida, you may need to convert your Florida license to that state's format, which could include obtaining an EDL if that state requires one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive a motorcycle in Florida without an endorsement?

No. Florida law requires a motorcycle endorsement (code A) on your license to legally operate any motorcycle. Riding without the endorsement is a traffic violation. You must pass a written test and a skills test (or complete an MSF course) to obtain the endorsement.

What happens if I drive with a restriction I'm violating?

Driving in violation of a restriction — such as driving at night when restricted to daylight only, or driving without corrective lenses when required — is a traffic violation. You can be cited, fined, and potentially have your license suspended. The violation also appears on your driving record.

Do I need to renew my endorsements when I renew my license?

Endorsements do not expire separately from your license. When you renew your Florida license, your endorsements renew with it. However, some endorsements (such as CDL) require a current medical certificate, so you may need to obtain one before renewal.

Can I remove a restriction from my license?

Yes, but only if the reason for the restriction no longer applies. For example, if you were restricted to corrective lenses and you had vision correction surgery, you can request the restriction be removed by passing a new vision test. If you were restricted due to age, you cannot remove the restriction, but you can request a hearing to challenge it if you believe it is no longer necessary.

Is a Florida license with endorsements valid in other states?

Yes. Your Florida license and its endorsements are recognized in all other states. However, if you move to another state, you will need to obtain that state's license. Some states may require you to retake tests or obtain their version of an endorsement, depending on their rules.