What you need to know before you start
Florida issues driver licenses to immigrants regardless of immigration status. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen or have permanent residency. What you do need is proof of identity, proof of Florida residency, and a Social Security Number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). The process is the same whether you are here on a visa, have a green card, or are undocumented — the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles does not verify immigration status when issuing licenses.
The main difference between immigrants and U.S. citizens is the documents you bring to prove who you are and where you live. Your passport or national ID card works instead of a U.S. birth certificate. A lease, utility bill, or bank statement proves residency. Once you have those documents and pass the written test and vision test, you can get a license.
Key Takeaways
- Florida issues driver licenses to immigrants of any status, and the state does not check immigration documents when you explore.
- You will need a valid passport or national ID, proof you live in Florida, and either a Social Security Number or an ITIN.
- You must pass a written knowledge test, a vision test, and a driving test before you receive your license.
- The entire process usually takes several weeks from the day you visit the DMV office until you receive your license in the mail.
- If you have a valid license from another country, you may be able to skip the driving test, depending on which country issued it.
Documents you will need to bring
Bring your valid passport or national ID card from your home country. This is your proof of identity. It must not be expired. If your passport is in a language other than English, bring the original and a certified English translation — you can get this from a translator or your country's consulate in Florida.
Bring proof that you live in Florida. This can be a lease agreement, a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a bank statement, a mortgage statement, or a government-issued document with your name and Florida address. The document must show your current address and be dated within the last 60 days. If you live with someone else and the lease or bill is in their name, bring a notarized letter from that person saying you live there, plus a copy of their ID.
Bring either a Social Security Number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you have a Social Security card, bring it. If you have an ITIN, bring your ITIN letter from the IRS or a tax return showing your ITIN. If you have neither, you can still get a license, but you will need to fill out an additional form at the DMV office.
The written test and vision test
Before you take the driving test, you must pass a written knowledge test and a vision test. Both happen on the same day at the DMV office. The written test covers Florida traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can take the test in English or in one of several other languages, including Spanish, Creole, and Portuguese. You need to score at least 80 percent to pass.
The vision test checks that you can see well enough to drive safely. The DMV will test each eye separately and together. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the test. If you fail the vision test, you can retake it on another day, but you may need to bring a letter from an eye doctor saying you are safe to drive.
You can study for the written test using the official Florida Driver Handbook, which is free and available online in multiple languages on the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website. Many people also use practice tests online to prepare.
The driving test and road skills
After you pass the written and vision tests, you will schedule a driving test. A DMV examiner will ride with you in your car and watch how you handle basic driving tasks — parking, turning, stopping, and following traffic laws. The test usually lasts 10 to 15 minutes. You must bring a car that is registered and insured, and the car must pass a safety inspection (working brakes, lights, wipers, and horn).
If you already hold a valid driver license from certain countries, you may not have to take the driving test. Florida recognizes licenses from Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and several other countries. Bring your foreign license to the DMV office and ask whether you can skip the driving test. The rules change, so confirm before you go.
If you fail the driving test, you can retake it. Most DMV offices let you schedule another test within a few days or weeks, depending on how busy they are.
How to schedule your DMV appointment
You can schedule an appointment online through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website, or you can call 1-844-DL-FLORIDA (1-844-353-5746). Online scheduling is usually faster. You will choose your local DMV office, pick a date and time that works for you, and receive a confirmation number. Bring that confirmation number when you go.
Walk-ins are allowed at some DMV offices, but wait times can be very long — sometimes two to four hours. Scheduling an appointment ahead of time means you will be seen closer to your scheduled time. During busy seasons (late spring and summer), appointments can fill up weeks in advance, so book early if you can.
Bring all your documents to your appointment. If any document is missing, the DMV office will not process your process that day, and you will have to reschedule.
Timeline and what happens after you pass
The entire process from your first DMV visit to receiving your license in the mail usually takes three to six weeks. After you pass all three tests (written, vision, and driving), the DMV will issue you a temporary paper license that day. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and lets you drive while you wait for your permanent card to arrive by mail.
Your permanent license will be mailed to the Florida address you provided. It is valid for eight years. If you move to a different address in Florida before your license arrives, go back to the DMV and update your address so the license is mailed to the right place.
If your license does not arrive within six weeks, contact the DMV office where you took the test. They can check the status and reissue it if needed.
Cost and payment
A Florida driver license costs $48 for an eight-year license. You can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card at the DMV office. Some offices also accept checks. If you are renewing a license or replacing a lost one, the cost may be different — ask at your local office.
There is no separate fee for the written test or vision test. The driving test is included in the license fee. If you need to retake any test, there is no additional charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my passport from my home country as my ID at the DMV?
Yes. Your passport is your primary form of identification. It must be valid (not expired) and in good condition. If it is in a language other than English, bring a certified English translation along with the original.
What if I don't have a Social Security Number or ITIN?
You can still get a driver license. At the DMV office, tell the staff member that you do not have a Social Security Number or ITIN. They will have you fill out an additional form, and the process will continue as normal. Your license will be issued without a Social Security Number printed on it.
Do I need to bring my immigration documents to the DMV?
No. Florida does not ask for immigration documents when you explore for a driver license. Bring your passport or national ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security Number or ITIN. That is all you need.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can retake it. Schedule another appointment through the DMV website or by phone. Most offices can fit you in within a few days or weeks. You do not have to retake the written test or vision test — only the driving test.
Can I take the written test in a language other than English?
Yes. The DMV offers the written test in Spanish, Creole, Portuguese, and several other languages. When you schedule your appointment online or by phone, you can request your preferred language. Confirm that your local DMV office offers testing in that language before you go.