How to Get and Renew Your Florida Driver's License

What you need to get a Florida driver's license

To get a Florida driver's license, you will need to visit a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office in person. You cannot complete the entire process online or by mail. The office will require proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Florida residency — each from a specific list of acceptable documents.

Proof of identity means a document with your photo and signature: a valid passport, a passport card, a military ID, or a state ID from another state. Proof of Social Security number can be a Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a birth certificate. Proof of residency means a document showing your name and current Florida address, such as a utility bill, a lease, a mortgage statement, or a bank statement — it must be dated within the last 60 days.

If you are under 18, you will also need a parent or legal guardian to sign your process in person at the DHSMV office. If you are 18 or older, you can go alone.

Key Takeaways

You must visit a DHSMV office in person with proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Florida residency to get a driver's license.
The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices; you can study using the official DHSMV handbook available free online.
The road test requires you to demonstrate basic driving skills in a vehicle, and you must bring a valid ID and proof of insurance to the test appointment.
A standard Florida driver's license is valid for eight years, and you can renew it online, by mail, or in person depending on your age and license type.
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot legally drive until the suspension ends and you pay any required fees to DHSMV.

The written test and what it covers

Before you take the road test, you must pass a written knowledge test at the DHSMV office. The test has 50 questions and covers Florida traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and what to do in emergency situations. You need to answer at least 40 questions correctly to pass.

The official study material is the Florida Driver's Handbook, which DHSMV publishes free online at its website. The handbook covers everything the test will ask about. You can read it on a computer, read it as a PDF, or request a printed copy at any DHSMV office. Many people study the handbook for a few days or a week before taking the test.

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day at most offices, though you may have to wait a few hours. There is a fee each time you take the test.

The road test: what happens and what you need

After you pass the written test, you will schedule a road test appointment. During the road test, a DHSMV examiner will sit in your vehicle while you drive and will watch whether you can steer, brake, park, turn, and follow traffic laws safely. The test usually lasts 10 to 15 minutes and covers basic driving skills, not highway driving or complex situations.

You must bring a valid ID and proof of insurance to your road test appointment. The vehicle you drive must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition — the examiner will check the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and horn before you start. You cannot use a vehicle with safety problems.

If you fail the road test, you can retake it after a waiting period. The exact waiting period depends on your age and how many times you have failed. First-time test takers usually can retake the test within a few days.

How long a Florida driver's license lasts and when to renew

A standard Florida driver's license is valid for eight years from the date it is issued. Your license will show an expiration date on the front. You should renew your license before it expires so you do not drive with an expired license, which is illegal.

If you are 80 years old or older, your license is valid for only five years instead of eight. If you are between 65 and 79, your license is valid for eight years but you must renew it in person at a DHSMV office rather than online or by mail.

You can renew your license online through the DHSMV website if you are under 65, your license is not suspended or revoked, and you do not need to change your address or name. Online renewal takes a few minutes and costs less than renewing in person. If you cannot renew online, you can renew by mail or in person at a DHSMV office.

What to do if your license is suspended or revoked

A Florida driver's license can be suspended or revoked for reasons such as unpaid traffic tickets, driving with a suspended license, accumulating too many points from traffic violations, or failing to pay child support. A suspension is temporary — your license will be valid again after the suspension period ends. A revocation is permanent unless DHSMV grants you permission to reinstate it.

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot legally drive. Driving with a suspended or revoked license is a criminal offense in Florida and can result in fines, jail time, and a longer suspension or revocation.

To find out whether your license is suspended or revoked, you can check the DHSMV website using your driver's license number. If your license is suspended, the website will tell you when the suspension ends and what you must do to restore it. You may need to pay a reinstatement fee, complete a driver improvement course, or resolve the underlying issue — such as paying a ticket or child support — before you can drive again.

Getting a Real ID-compliant Florida driver's license

A Real ID-compliant driver's license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. You can use a Real ID license to board a domestic airplane or enter a federal building without a passport.

To get a Real ID license, you follow the same process as getting a standard license, but you must bring additional documents to prove your identity and residency. The documents must be originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. The DHSMV website lists which documents count as proof of identity and proof of residency for Real ID purposes.

A Real ID license costs the same as a standard license and is valid for the same length of time. If you already have a standard Florida driver's license and want to upgrade to Real ID, you can do so by visiting a DHSMV office with the required documents.

Finding a DHSMV office and making an appointment

DHSMV has offices in every Florida county. You can find the office nearest you by entering your city or ZIP code on the DHSMV website. The website shows the office address, phone number, and hours of operation.

You can make an appointment online through the DHSMV website, by phone, or by visiting an office in person. Making an appointment online or by phone usually means a shorter wait time than walking in without an appointment. Some offices have longer wait times than others depending on how busy they are, so calling ahead can help you plan your visit.

Bring all required documents with you to your appointment. If you are missing any documents, the office staff will tell you what you need and you will have to come back another time.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Florida issues driver's licenses to people who are not U.S. citizens if they have a valid visa, a work permit, or another immigration document that shows they are lawfully present in the United States. You will need to bring your immigration document to the DHSMV office along with the other required documents.

What happens if I lose my driver's license?

You can get a replacement license by visiting a DHSMV office with proof of identity and proof of residency. A replacement license costs less than a new license. You do not have to take the written test or road test again.

Can I change my name or address on my driver's license without renewing it?

Yes. You can update your name or address by visiting a DHSMV office with proof of your new name or address. If you change your name, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you change your address, bring a recent utility bill or lease. There is a small fee for each change.

How much does a Florida driver's license cost?

The cost depends on the type of license and how long it is valid for. A standard eight-year license for someone under 65 costs one amount, while a five-year license for someone 80 or older costs a different amount. The DHSMV website lists current fees for each type of license.

What should I do if I fail the road test?

You can retake the road test after a waiting period. The waiting period is usually a few days for first-time test takers. Before you retake the test, practice driving with someone who has a valid license, and review the areas where you had trouble during your first test.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.