What you need to get a Florida driver's license

Florida's Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) issues driver's licenses. To get one, you must be at least 16 years old, prove your identity with a valid document, prove your Social Security number, and prove your Florida residency. You will also need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge exam about traffic laws.

The documents you bring matter. For identity, DHSMV accepts a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a foreign passport with a valid visa. For Social Security, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form. For residency, you can use a utility bill, a lease, a mortgage statement, or a bank statement — it must show your name and a Florida address, and it cannot be more than two months old.

You do not need to own a car or have insurance to get a license. You do need to be a Florida resident, which means you live in Florida with the intent to stay, not just visiting or stationed temporarily.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of Florida residency — each category requires specific documents that DHSMV lists on its website.
  • The written test covers Florida traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the official DHSMV handbook available free online.
  • You must pass a vision screening at the license office; if you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you.
  • A standard Florida driver's license is valid for eight years, and renewal can be done by mail, online, or in person depending on your situation.

Where to go and how to schedule

DHSMV operates driver's license offices across Florida. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov. Most offices accept walk-ins, but many also let you schedule an appointment online through the same website. Scheduling ahead usually means a shorter wait, especially in busy urban areas.

Bring all your documents with you. Bring the originals, not copies — DHSMV staff will examine them and may make copies for the file. Bring your Social Security card even if you have other proof of your number. If you wear corrective lenses, bring your glasses or contacts because you will take the vision test while wearing them if you normally do.

The office will take your photograph and fingerprints. Wear something you are comfortable being photographed in; the photo will appear on your license for eight years. You will pay a fee at the time of process — the amount varies depending on the type of license and how long it is valid for.

The written test and what it covers

The knowledge exam has 50 multiple-choice 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 license office, and you take it after you have submitted your documents and passed the vision screening.

DHSMV publishes the official Florida Driver's Handbook free online at flhsmv.gov. The handbook covers everything the test covers: speed limits, right-of-way rules, what different road signs mean, how to handle pedestrians and cyclists, and what to do at traffic lights and stop signs. You can read it on a screen or print it. Many people study it for a few days before their appointment.

If you fail the test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. There is a fee each time you take the test. Some people take practice tests online through third-party websites to build confidence before the real exam.

Renewing your Florida license

A standard Florida driver's license is valid for eight years. DHSMV will mail you a renewal notice about 90 days before your license expires. You have three ways to renew: online through the DHSMV website, by mail using the form that comes with the notice, or in person at a license office.

Online renewal is the fastest option if you are renewing a standard license and your address has not changed. You log in, review your information, pay the fee, and your new license is mailed to you within one to two weeks. You can use your old license until the new one arrives.

Mail renewal works the same way but takes longer — usually three to four weeks from the time DHSMV receives your form. In-person renewal at a license office takes a few minutes and you can get a temporary license to use when ready while your permanent one is mailed.

If your license has been expired for more than six months, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must go to a license office in person, bring your documents again, and retake the vision test and written exam.

Special situations: Minors and learner's permits

If you are 16 or 17, you can get a learner's permit before you get a full license. A permit lets you drive with a licensed adult in the car. To get a permit, you bring the same documents as for a full license, pass the vision test and written exam, and pay a fee. The permit is valid for one year.

After you have held a permit for at least one month and have completed a driver's education course (or are enrolled in one), you can take the road test to get a full license. The road test is given by DHSMV examiners at license offices. You bring your own car, and the examiner rides with you while you demonstrate basic driving skills like parking, turning, and stopping.

If you are under 18, your license will have restrictions: you cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. for the first three months, and you cannot use a cell phone while driving except in an emergency. These restrictions lift when you turn 18 or after you have held the license for one year, whichever comes first.

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license

If your license is lost, stolen, or too damaged to use, you can get a replacement at any DHSMV license office. Bring your proof of identity, Social Security number, and residency — the same documents as for a new license. You do not need to retake the written test or vision screening. You will pay a replacement fee, which is lower than the fee for a new license.

If your license was stolen, you can report it to DHSMV at the time you explore for the replacement. DHSMV will flag the old number so it cannot be used fraudulently. You do not need a police report, though you can file one if you want to.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. You must be a Florida resident and have a valid visa or immigration status, but you do not need to be a citizen. Bring your passport and visa along with your other documents. DHSMV will issue a standard license that looks the same as anyone else's.

What happens if I fail the written test?

You can retake it when ready at the same office, or you can schedule another appointment for a later date. Each attempt costs a fee. Most people pass on the second try if they study the handbook between attempts.

How long does it take to get my license after I pass the test?

You receive a temporary paper license at the office that day, valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license is mailed to your address and usually arrives within one to two weeks. You can drive using the temporary license while you wait.

Can I renew my license online if I moved to a new address?

No. If your address has changed, you must renew in person at a license office and bring proof of your new Florida residency. Online renewal only works if your information has not changed.

What is the difference between a standard license and a REAL ID license?

A REAL ID license meets federal security standards and can be used for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. A standard license cannot. Both are issued by DHSMV; you choose which one when you explore. A REAL ID costs a bit more and requires one additional document proving your Social Security number.