Where to get your Duval County driver's license

In Duval County, you obtain your driver's license through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). The main office that serves Duval County residents is located in Jacksonville. You cannot get a Florida driver's license from any other county office — you must go to the DHSMV location that covers your county of residence.

The Jacksonville DHSMV office is at 2626 Rosselle Street, Jacksonville, FL 32204. This is the primary location where Duval County residents go to take the written test, the driving test, and to receive their license. There are no satellite offices within Duval County, so this is your only option for in-person service.

You can also renew a Florida driver's license online through the DHSMV website if you meet certain conditions — your license must not be expired by more than five years, you must have a valid Social Security number on file, and you cannot have any medical conditions that require a vision test or medical review. Not all renewals may have access to for online processing.

Key Takeaways

  • The DHSMV office at 2626 Rosselle Street in Jacksonville is where Duval County residents take their written and driving tests and receive their license.
  • You will need a Social Security number, proof of identity, and proof of Florida residency before you can take either test.
  • The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices; you must score at least 80 percent to pass.
  • The driving test includes a pre-drive vehicle inspection, basic maneuvers, and on-road driving; examiners watch for safe speed, proper signaling, and lane control.
  • Processing times vary, but you typically receive your license in the mail within two to three weeks after passing both tests.

Documents you need before you go

Florida requires specific documents to prove your identity, Social Security number, and residency before you can take either the written or driving test. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. If you do not have all required documents, the DHSMV office will not let you test that day.

For proof of identity, you can use a valid passport, a birth certificate, a military ID, or a school ID issued by an accredited school. For proof of your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. For proof of Florida residency, bring a recent utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government check addressed to you at your current address. The residency document must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days.

If you are under 18, you also need a signed parental consent form (Form HSMV 83039) and proof that your parent or guardian is your legal guardian. If you are renewing your license and your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

The written test: what to expect

The written test at the Jacksonville DHSMV office covers Florida traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You answer 50 multiple-choice questions on a computer. You must score at least 40 correct answers (80 percent) to pass. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day, though you may have to wait and pay the test fee again.

The test covers topics like speed limits in residential areas, when you must yield to other vehicles, what different road signs mean, and how to handle emergency vehicles. You can study using the official Florida Driver's Handbook, which the DHSMV publishes free online. Many people also use practice tests available on the DHSMV website to prepare.

You have up to one hour to complete the written test. The computer will show you one question at a time. You cannot go back to change an answer once you move to the next question. If you pass, you can schedule your driving test when ready or come back on another day.

The driving test: vehicle requirements and what the examiner watches for

Before you take the driving test, you must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have valid license plates, working brakes, working headlights and taillights, working windshield wipers, a working horn, and a functioning steering wheel. The examiner will inspect these items before you drive.

During the test, the examiner sits in the passenger seat and watches how you handle the vehicle for about 20 minutes. The test includes basic maneuvers in the parking lot — backing up, parking, and three-point turns — and then on-road driving through residential streets and busier roads. The examiner is looking for safe speed, proper use of turn signals, smooth lane changes, correct responses to traffic lights and stop signs, and awareness of other vehicles and pedestrians.

Common reasons people fail the driving test include speeding, failing to signal before turning, not stopping completely at stop signs, hitting the curb during parking, and not checking mirrors and blind spots. If you fail, you can retake the test, but you must wait at least one day and pay the test fee again.

Fees and processing time

The written test costs $7. The driving test costs $20. Your first Florida driver's license costs $48 if you are 21 or older, or $33 if you are under 21. These fees are current as of 2024 but may change — check the DHSMV website before you go to confirm the exact amount.

After you pass both tests, the DHSMV will issue you a temporary license on paper that day. Your permanent license will be mailed to the address you provided. Most people receive their license in the mail within two to three weeks, though processing can take longer during busy periods. Do not plan to drive out of state on your temporary license — it is valid in Florida only.

If you need your license faster, you can request expedited processing at the Jacksonville office, though this service may have an additional fee. Ask the staff at the office what options are available.

Hours and how to schedule your test

The Jacksonville DHSMV office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. It is closed on Sundays and state holidays. You can walk in without an appointment, but wait times vary. On busy days, you may wait two to three hours. If you want to reduce your wait time, you can schedule an appointment online through the DHSMV website or by calling 1-844-DL-FLOR1 (1-844-335-3567).

When you call or schedule online, you can choose whether you want to take the written test, the driving test, or both. If you are scheduling a driving test, you will need to tell them what type of vehicle you will be using. Appointments typically fill up several weeks in advance, especially on Saturdays.

If you already have a license from another state

If you hold a valid driver's license from another state and you move to Florida, you can exchange it for a Florida license without taking the written or driving test. You must go to the Jacksonville DHSMV office and bring your out-of-state license, proof of Florida residency, and proof of your Social Security number. The exchange fee is the same as the cost of a new license.

If your out-of-state license is expired, you will have to take both the written and driving tests, just as if you were getting your first license. An expired license does not count as a valid license for exchange purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online from home?

No. Florida requires you to take the written test in person at a DHSMV office so they can verify your identity. You cannot take it remotely or from home, even if you have a valid reason to avoid traveling.

What happens if I fail the driving test twice?

You can retake the driving test as many times as you need. There is no limit on the number of attempts. Each time you retake it, you pay the test fee again. Many people pass on their third or fourth attempt after more practice.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card, or can I use something else?

You do not have to bring your Social Security card specifically. You can bring a W-2, a 1099, a tax return, or any other document that shows your Social Security number. The DHSMV accepts any of these as proof.

How long is a Florida driver's license valid?

A Florida driver's license is valid for eight years if you are 21 or older, or until age 21 if you are under 21 when you receive it. After that, you must renew it. You can renew online if your license is not expired by more than five years and you have no medical conditions requiring review.

What if I cannot get to the Jacksonville office during business hours?

The Jacksonville office is the only DHSMV location in Duval County. If you cannot visit during their hours, you have limited options — you can try scheduling an appointment for a Saturday morning, or you can contact the DHSMV to ask about any temporary accommodations for people with documented hardships.