What you need to know before you go to the DMV

A Florida driver license is issued by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV), not your local county office. You will need to visit a DHSMV office in person — you cannot complete this entirely by mail or online. The process takes about 30 minutes if you have all documents ready, though wait times at busy locations can add an hour or more.

Florida issues different types of licenses depending on your age and citizenship status. A standard license for someone 18 or older looks the same whether you are a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident, but the documents you bring change. If you are under 18, the rules are stricter: you need a learner permit first, then a restricted license, then a full license.

The fee for a Florida driver license is $75 for an eight-year renewal term. If you are 65 or older, the fee is $15 for a five-year term. You pay at the DHSMV office when you explore — they do not bill you later.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DHSMV office in person with original or certified documents proving your identity, Social Security number, and Florida residency.
  • If you are under 18, you must hold a learner permit for at least three months before you can take the road test for a restricted license.
  • The written test covers Florida traffic laws and road signs; you can study the official handbook free on the DHSMV website before you go.
  • Your license is valid for eight years if you are under 65, or five years if you are 65 or older, and you can renew it by mail or online if you have not had a suspension or medical condition.

Documents you must bring to the DHSMV office

Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or consular report of birth. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or a certified birth certificate from your country of origin. A photocopy is not enough — the DHSMV staff will examine the original document.

You also need proof of your Social Security number. A Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form all work. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.

Bring two documents that prove you live in Florida. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, homeowner insurance policy, or a letter from a government agency dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement or credit card statement does not count. If you are homeless, bring a letter from a shelter or social services agency on letterhead.

If you have a current out-of-state license, bring it with you. If you do not, bring your Social Security card or a document showing your number. You will also need to bring the $75 fee (or $15 if you are 65 or older) in cash, check, or debit card — not all offices accept credit cards.

The written test and what it covers

The written test has 50 questions about Florida traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 40 questions correctly to pass. The test is given on a computer at the DHSMV office, and you get the results when ready.

The official study material is the Florida Driver Handbook, which you can read free from the DHSMV website or pick up at any DHSMV office. The handbook is about 80 pages and covers everything on the test. Most people study it for a few hours before they go in.

If you fail the test, you can retake it the same day at most offices, though you may have to pay a retest fee. Check with your local office about their retest policy before you arrive. If you pass, you move on to the vision screening and photo, which happen at the same visit.

The road test for drivers under 18

If you are under 18, you cannot take the road test until you have held a learner permit for at least three months. During those three months, you must drive with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old. The adult must sit in the front passenger seat.

The road test itself lasts about 20 minutes. A DHSMV examiner sits in the car with you and watches you perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, backing up, parking, and stopping. The examiner also checks that you can use your mirrors, signal properly, and follow traffic laws. You must pass the road test to get a restricted license.

A restricted license for someone under 18 has limits: you cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to or from work, school, or a medical appointment. You also cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free. These restrictions stay in place until you turn 18 or have held the restricted license for one year, whichever comes first.

How to schedule your DHSMV appointment

You can schedule an appointment online through the DHSMV website or by calling 1-844-33-DHSMV (1-844-333-4768). Walk-ins are accepted at most offices, but appointment wait times are usually shorter. The online system shows you available times at offices near your address.

When you schedule, you will choose whether you are getting a new license, renewing an existing one, or replacing a lost or stolen license. Select "new license" if you have never had a Florida license. The system will ask for your name, date of birth, and the county where you want to visit.

Appointments fill up quickly at popular times and locations. If you cannot find an appointment within a week, try a different county office or call the phone number to ask about cancellations. Some offices have more availability than others, and traveling to a less busy location can cut your wait time significantly.

What happens after you pass the test and get your photo taken

After you pass the written test and the vision screening, a DHSMV staff member will take your photo and collect your fee. Your temporary license is printed on paper and is valid for 30 days while the permanent card is being made. The permanent card arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Check the information on your temporary license before you leave the office. If anything is wrong — your name is misspelled, your address is incorrect, or your date of birth is wrong — tell the staff member right away. Fixing errors at the office is much faster than correcting them later by mail.

Your permanent license will arrive at the address you provided. If you move before it arrives, you can update your address online or at a DHSMV office. Do not throw away your temporary license until the permanent one arrives.

Renewing your license by mail or online

If your license is not suspended and you have no medical conditions that would affect your driving, you can renew it by mail or online without visiting an office. You can renew up to six months before your license expires.

To renew online, go to the DHSMV website and use your license number and date of birth to log in. You will pay the renewal fee online and your new license will be mailed to you. The online process takes about 10 minutes.

To renew by mail, call 1-844-33-DHSMV to request a renewal form. Fill it out, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address on the form. Mail renewal takes about two weeks from the time the DHSMV receives your form.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Florida license if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. You can get a Florida license if you are a lawful permanent resident or have a valid visa. Bring your passport and visa, or your green card, along with the other required documents. The license looks the same as one issued to a U.S. citizen.

What if I lost my license or it was stolen?

Go to a DHSMV office and tell them you need a replacement. Bring your identity documents and proof of residency, just as you would for a new license. The fee is $25 for a replacement, and you will get a temporary license on paper that day.

Do I need to take the written test again if I renew my license?

No. If you renew by mail or online, you do not take any test. If your license expired more than five years ago, you will need to explore for a new license and take the written test again.

Can I change my address without getting a new license?

Yes. You can update your address online through the DHSMV website, by mail, or at any DHSMV office. Updating your address does not cost anything and does not require a new photo or test.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake it the same day at most offices. Study the Florida Driver Handbook again before your retest. If you fail a second time, you may need to wait before taking it again — ask your local office about their policy.