What Florida offers and who can get it
Florida does not issue a standard driver license to people without proof of lawful presence in the United States. However, Florida does offer a limited-term driver license and a learner permit to people who cannot show proof of legal residency — including undocumented immigrants. These documents allow you to drive legally in Florida, but they expire faster than a standard license and come with restrictions on what they can be used for.
The limited-term license is valid for two years instead of the standard eight years. It cannot be used as federal identification for boarding a plane or entering a federal building. It can be used to drive, to rent a car, and to prove your identity to police during a traffic stop.
A learner permit lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car, and follows the same rules as a permit for any other driver — you must be at least 15 years old and pass a written test.
Key Takeaways
- Florida issues limited-term driver licenses valid for two years to people without proof of lawful presence, including undocumented immigrants.
- You will need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), proof of Florida residency, and proof of identity to explore.
- You must pass a written knowledge test and a driving test, just as any other driver does.
- The limited-term license cannot be used for federal purposes like boarding a plane, but it is legal for driving and traffic stops in Florida.
Documents you need to bring to the DMV
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) requires specific documents. You cannot substitute one for another, so gather everything before you go to the office.
First, you need proof of identity. Acceptable documents include a valid passport (from any country), a consular ID card issued by your country's consulate, a national ID card, or a birth certificate paired with a photo ID. If you use a birth certificate, the photo ID can be a school ID, work ID, or any government-issued photo ID from your home country.
Second, you need proof of Florida residency. This must show your current name and address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or a letter from a government agency. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement or credit card statement does not count.
Third, you need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). This is a nine-digit number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to people who file taxes but do not have a Social Security number. If you do not have an ITIN yet, you will need to explore for one through the IRS before you can get a driver license in Florida. Bring your ITIN letter or tax return showing your ITIN.
How to get an ITIN if you do not have one
An ITIN is issued by the IRS and takes time to obtain, so start this step early. You explore by filing a tax return with the IRS, even if you did not earn income in the United States. You can file using Form 1040 (the main income tax form) or Form 1040-NR (for nonresidents). You do not need to owe taxes or have earned income — the act of filing creates your ITIN.
You can file on your own using IRS Free File (available at irs.gov if your income is below a certain threshold) or by mailing a paper return to the IRS. Many community organizations and tax preparation services also help people file for an ITIN at no cost. Search online for "free ITIN tax preparation near me" or contact your local community center.
When you file, include Form W-7 (process for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) with your tax return. The IRS will mail your ITIN letter to the address you provide. This process typically takes four to six weeks, though it can take longer during tax season (January through April).
Steps to get your limited-term driver license
Once you have your ITIN and your documents, you are ready to visit a Florida DMV office. You cannot explore online or by mail — you must go in person.
- Find a DMV office near you at flhsmv.gov. Click "Find an Office" and enter your county or city.
- Bring all your documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your ITIN letter or tax return.
- Tell the staff member you are explore for a limited-term driver license. They will give you a number and you will wait to be called.
- When called, hand over your documents. The staff member will verify them and take your photo and fingerprints.
- Pay the fee. As of 2024, a limited-term license costs $48. Fees can change, so ask the staff member to confirm the current price.
- You will be given a written test on road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving. The test is in English, but some offices offer it in other languages — ask when you arrive.
- If you pass the written test, you will schedule a driving test. This is usually done at the same office on the same day or within a few days.
- During the driving test, a DMV examiner will ride with you in your car (or a car you provide) and watch you drive. You must follow traffic laws and demonstrate basic driving skills.
- If you pass the driving test, your limited-term license will be issued. You will receive it by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
What to expect at your driving test
The driving test lasts about 20 minutes. The examiner will ask you to perform basic maneuvers: starting the car, driving forward and backward, turning, parking, and stopping. You will drive on regular streets, not a closed course. The examiner is looking for safe driving — following speed limits, using turn signals, checking mirrors, and obeying traffic signs.
You must bring the car you will be tested in to the DMV office. The car must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check the brakes, lights, horn, and windshield wipers before the test begins. If anything is broken, you will not be able to test that day.
You get one driving test included with your fee. If you fail, you can retake it, but you will pay an additional fee (currently $10 as of 2024, though this may change). You can retake the test as soon as the next day.
Restrictions and what your limited-term license cannot do
Your limited-term license works like a regular license for driving in Florida. You can drive a car, motorcycle, or truck (depending on the class you test for). You can rent a car. You can show it to police during a traffic stop. You can use it to prove your identity to employers, banks, and other organizations.
Your limited-term license cannot be used for federal purposes. You cannot use it to board a domestic airplane, enter a federal courthouse, or access a military base. You cannot use it to open a bank account that requires federal ID (though some banks accept it anyway — call ahead to ask). You cannot use it to explore for federal benefits.
Your limited-term license is valid only in Florida. If you move to another state, you will need to get that state's license. Some states recognize Florida's limited-term license as proof of identity for state purposes, but not all do.
Renewing your limited-term license
Your limited-term license expires two years from the date it is issued. You can renew it in person at any DMV office by bringing the same documents you brought to get your first license: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your ITIN letter or tax return. The renewal fee is the same as the original fee.
You do not have to retake the written or driving test to renew — you only need to renew if your documents are still valid. If your ITIN letter or tax return has expired or been lost, you will need to get a new one from the IRS or file a new tax return.
You can renew up to six months before your license expires. If your license expires, you can still renew it, but you may have to retake the tests depending on how long it has been expired. It is best to renew before the expiration date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Social Security number to get a Florida driver license?
No. Florida specifically allows people without a Social Security number to get a limited-term license if they have an ITIN. The ITIN replaces the Social Security number for this purpose.
Can I use a limited-term license to fly on an airplane?
No. Federal law does not accept limited-term licenses as ID for boarding domestic flights. You would need a passport or another federally accepted ID. Some states issue REAL ID-compliant licenses to undocumented immigrants, but Florida does not.
What if I fail the written test or driving test?
You can retake either test. There is a fee for each retake (currently $10 for the driving test). You can retake the written test the same day or come back another day. You can retake the driving test as soon as the next day.
Will getting a driver license affect my immigration status?
No. Getting a driver license is a state matter, not a federal immigration matter. Florida does not share DMV records with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). However, if you are stopped by police and they discover you are undocumented through other means, that is a separate legal issue. A driver license itself does not trigger immigration enforcement.
Can I get a learner permit instead of a full license?
Yes. A learner permit follows the same rules as a limited-term license — you need an ITIN, proof of identity, and proof of residency. You must pass the written test but not the driving test. A learner permit is valid for one year and costs less than a full license (currently $20 as of 2024). You must have a licensed adult in the car with you while driving.