Documents required for a Florida driver's license
Florida requires you to bring specific documents to prove your identity, Social Security number, and Florida residency before you can get a driver's license. You cannot use a photocopy or a photo of a document on your phone — the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) needs to see the original or a certified copy. The exact documents depend on whether you are getting your first license, renewing an expired one, or moving to Florida from another state.
The state groups acceptable documents into categories: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. You need at least one document from each category. Some documents count toward more than one category, which means you may need fewer than three separate papers.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring originals or certified copies — photocopies and phone photos are not accepted at the DHSMV office.
- A U.S. passport or passport card covers both identity and citizenship, so you may need only one additional document for residency.
- A Florida utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement counts as proof of residency and must show your name and current address.
- Your Social Security card is the easiest proof of your Social Security number, but a W-2 form or tax return also works.
- If you do not have a Social Security number, you can request a tax identification number (ITIN) from the IRS and use that instead.
Proof of identity documents
A U.S. passport or passport card is the strongest single document because it proves both your identity and U.S. citizenship. If you have one, bring it — you will need fewer other documents. An original birth certificate (not a photocopy) also works, but you will need to bring it along with a photo ID like a state ID from another state or a military ID.
Other documents that count as proof of identity include a government-issued ID from another U.S. state, a military ID, a tribal ID, a consular ID (if you are a foreign national), or a permanent resident card (green card). If you are under 18, a school ID with your photo also works.
If you were born outside the United States and do not have a passport, you will need your original birth certificate plus a document showing you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. A naturalization certificate or a Certificate of Citizenship from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) serves this purpose.
Proof of Social Security number
Your Social Security card is the simplest document to bring. If you do not have one or cannot find it, a W-2 form, 1099 form, or tax return from the past three years will work. These documents must show your full name and Social Security number.
If you do not have a Social Security number, you can request an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Bring the ITIN approval letter from the IRS along with your other documents. The DHSMV will accept an ITIN in place of a Social Security number.
Proof of Florida residency
You must show that you live in Florida by bringing a document with your name and current Florida address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common choice. The bill must be dated within the past 60 days and show your name and address. Other documents that work include a lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or homeowners insurance policy.
If you recently moved to Florida and do not yet have a utility bill in your name, you can use a signed lease or a letter from your landlord on letterhead stating your name, the property address, and the move-in date. Some people use a bank or credit card statement dated within the past 60 days, though not all DHSMV offices accept these — call ahead to confirm.
If you live with someone else and are not on the utility bill, bring a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the bill, stating that you live at that address. You will also need to bring your own ID and the utility bill holder's ID.
Documents for first-time applicants
If you have never held a Florida driver's license, bring one document from each of the three categories above: identity, Social Security number, and residency. You will also need to bring your Social Security card or proof of your Social Security number, even if your birth certificate or passport already has that information on it.
First-time applicants must also pass a written test on Florida traffic laws and a vision test at the DHSMV office. You do not need to study beforehand — the DHSMV provides a free study guide on its website. Bring your documents, complete the process form (DL 44), pay the fee, and take the tests on the same visit.
Documents for renewal or replacement
If your Florida driver's license is expired or lost, the documents you need depend on how long it has been expired. If your license expired fewer than six months ago, you may be able to renew by mail or online without bringing documents to an office. Check the DHSMV website to see if you are may be able to access for mail or online renewal.
If your license expired more than six months ago or if you are replacing a lost or stolen license, you will need to visit a DHSMV office in person and bring proof of identity and residency again. You do not need to retake the written test, but you will need to pass a vision test and pay the replacement fee.
Documents for people moving from another state
If you are moving to Florida from another state and already have a valid driver's license, you can exchange it for a Florida license. Bring your current out-of-state driver's license, proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Florida residency. Your out-of-state license counts as proof of identity, so you may not need a separate birth certificate or passport.
You will not need to retake the written driving test if your out-of-state license is still valid. You will pass a vision test and pay the fee for a new Florida license. The DHSMV will keep your old license and issue you a Florida license with a new number.
What to bring to the DHSMV office
Gather all your documents before you go to the office. Make a checklist: one proof of identity, one proof of Social Security number, and one proof of residency. Bring the originals — do not bring photocopies or photos on your phone. If a document is a certified copy (stamped by a court or government office), that is acceptable.
Bring your completed process form (DL 44) if you have time to fill it out at home, though you can also complete it at the office. Bring cash or a debit card to pay the license fee. Fees vary depending on the type of license and how long it is valid, so check the DHSMV website before you go.
If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must come with you and bring their own ID. If you cannot read English, bring someone who can translate for you, though the DHSMV also offers services in several languages at many offices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a photo of my documents on my phone instead of bringing the originals?
No. The DHSMV requires you to bring the original documents or certified copies. A photo on your phone will not be accepted. If you have a certified copy from a court or government office, that is acceptable, but a photocopy you made yourself is not.
What if my name on my documents does not match my current name?
If you changed your name through marriage, divorce, or a legal name change, bring the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DHSMV will use this to verify that the name on your birth certificate or passport matches your current legal name.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card if I have a passport?
A passport proves your identity and citizenship, but you still need to show your Social Security number separately. Bring your Social Security card, or bring a W-2, tax return, or other document that shows your Social Security number. The DHSMV requires proof of your Social Security number as a separate step.
What counts as proof of residency if I just moved and do not have a utility bill yet?
A signed lease, mortgage statement, or property tax bill works. If you do not have any of these, ask your landlord or the person whose name is on the utility bill to write a notarized letter stating that you live at that address. Bring the letter, your ID, and the other person's ID to the DHSMV office.
Can someone else bring my documents to the DHSMV for me?
No. You must be present in person to get a driver's license. You will need to pass a vision test and sign your process at the office. A family member or friend cannot do this on your behalf.