Florida accepts out-of-state licenses and will issue you a Florida license without retesting if your current license is valid

If you hold a valid driver's license from another state and move to Florida, you do not have to pass the written or road test again. Florida recognizes licenses from all U.S. states and territories. You will need to visit a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office in person, bring your current out-of-state license and proof of Florida residency, and pay the license fee. The process typically takes 30 to 45 minutes.

Florida law requires you to obtain a Florida license within 30 days of establishing residency in the state. Establishing residency means you live in Florida and intend to stay — this is not the same as owning property or having a job there. A utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days counts as proof. If you do not have a utility bill or lease, you can bring a government check, tax return, or a letter from a government agency showing your Florida address.

Key Takeaways

  • You do not retake the written or driving test if your out-of-state license is valid and you are not under suspension or revocation.
  • You must visit a DHSMV office in person with your current license and one document proving your Florida address dated within the last 60 days.
  • Florida law gives you 30 days from the date you move to the state to get a Florida license, though you can explore before that important date.
  • The fee for a standard Florida driver's license is $48 for an eight-year license, and the office will issue your new license the same day or within a few days.
  • If your out-of-state license is expired, suspended, or revoked, you will need to resolve that status before Florida will issue you a new license.

What documents you need to bring to the DHSMV office

Bring your valid out-of-state driver's license, one proof of Florida residency dated within the last 60 days, and proof of your Social Security number. For residency, a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government check works. For Social Security, bring your Social Security card, a W-2, a tax return, or a 1099 form.

You will also need to bring proof of your full legal name if it differs from your out-of-state license — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order changing your name. If you have changed your name and do not have one of these documents, contact the DHSMV before you visit an office to learn what alternatives they accept in your county.

Bring your current out-of-state license even if it is about to expire. Florida will not issue you a new license without seeing the one you currently hold. If your license was lost or stolen, bring a police report or a replacement license from your previous state.

When you will need to retake the written or road test

Florida will require you to pass the written test and the road test if your out-of-state license is expired, suspended, or revoked. You will also retake both tests if you are moving to Florida from a country outside the United States, even if you held a valid license there. If your license expired more than three years ago, Florida treats it as invalid and you must test.

If you are under 18, Florida has different rules. Drivers under 18 who move to Florida must follow Florida's graduated licensing system, which means you may need to hold a learner's permit for a set period before you can get an unrestricted license, depending on your age and how long you held your out-of-state license.

DHSMV office locations and how to schedule an appointment

Florida has DHSMV offices in every county. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the official DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov. Many offices now require you to schedule an appointment online or by phone rather than walk in. Check your local office's page to see whether appointments are required or whether walk-ins are accepted.

If your local office requires an appointment and none are available for several weeks, you can visit an office in a neighboring county. DHSMV offices serve all Florida residents regardless of which county they live in. Some offices have shorter wait times than others, so calling ahead to ask about availability can save you a trip.

What happens after you submit your documents

The DHSMV office will take your photograph and your signature at the time you explore. They will also conduct a vision test. You will pay the license fee — $48 for a standard eight-year license — at the office. Some offices issue your license the same day; others mail it to you within 5 to 7 business days. Ask the staff member which applies at your office.

While you wait for your Florida license to arrive by mail, you can drive legally using your out-of-state license. You do not need a temporary permit. Once your Florida license arrives, your out-of-state license is no longer valid in Florida, though you may want to keep it for identification purposes in your home state.

Special situations: military members, commercial drivers, and license suspensions

If you are active military stationed in Florida, you do not have to establish Florida residency to get a Florida license. Bring your military ID and orders showing your Florida assignment. If you are a military spouse or dependent, you may also be exempt from the residency requirement — ask at your local DHSMV office.

If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL) from another state, Florida will not issue you a Florida CDL without retesting. You must pass the written test and the road test specific to commercial driving. Contact your local DHSMV office for the CDL testing schedule.

If your out-of-state license is suspended or revoked, Florida will not issue you a new license until that suspension or revocation is lifted. You will need to contact the state that suspended or revoked your license and resolve the issue — usually by paying a fine, completing a course, or serving a suspension period. Once that state clears your record, you can explore for a Florida license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to get a Florida license if I move to Florida temporarily?

Florida law requires a license within 30 days of establishing residency. If you are renting an apartment or house in Florida with the intent to stay, you have established residency even if you plan to leave later. If you are staying temporarily — for example, in a hotel or with a friend — you may not have established residency yet. The DHSMV will ask you about your intent to stay when you explore.

What if my out-of-state license is about to expire?

You can still use it to get a Florida license. Bring the expiring license to the DHSMV office. Florida does not require your out-of-state license to be valid for any particular length of time after you explore — only that it be valid at the time you explore. If it expired before you applied, you will need to retake the written and road tests.

Can I renew my out-of-state license by mail instead of getting a Florida license?

No. Once you establish residency in Florida, you must get a Florida license. You cannot renew an out-of-state license while living in Florida. If you move back to your home state later, you can then renew that state's license or get a new one.

How long does it take to get a Florida license after I explore?

If the office issues your license the same day, you will have it when ready. If they mail it, expect 5 to 7 business days. You can drive legally on your out-of-state license while you wait. Call your local office to ask whether they issue licenses same-day or by mail.

What if I do not have proof of my Social Security number?

Bring whatever document you have — a W-2, tax return, or 1099. If you do not have any of these, contact your local DHSMV office before you visit to ask what alternatives they accept. Some offices may accept a letter from the Social Security Administration or other documents depending on your situation.