What you need to do to transfer your license to Florida
If you move to Florida and hold a valid driver's license from another state, you must transfer it to a Florida license within 30 days of establishing residency. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) handles all license transfers. You cannot straightforward renew your out-of-state license — Florida law requires you to get a Florida license once you live here.
The process itself is straightforward: you visit a local DHSMV office in person, bring specific documents, pass a vision test, and pay a fee. You do not need to retake the written driving test or the road test unless Florida has reason to question your driving record or your out-of-state license is suspended or revoked. Most transfers are completed the same day.
Key Takeaways
- You must transfer your license within 30 days of moving to Florida, and you do this in person at a DHSMV office, not online or by mail.
- Bring your current out-of-state license, proof of Florida residency (such as a lease, utility bill, or mortgage statement), and proof of Social Security number and date of birth.
- You will take a vision test and have your photo taken, but you skip the written and road tests if your out-of-state license is valid and in good standing.
- The fee for a Florida license varies by license type and length, but a standard eight-year license costs around $75 to $80.
- Your new Florida license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days; you can drive on your out-of-state license until it arrives.
Documents you must bring to the DHSMV office
Florida requires you to bring an original or certified copy of specific documents. Your current out-of-state driver's license is the first. You also need proof of your Social Security number — an original Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub with your full Social Security number all work. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration.
Next, bring proof of your date of birth. A birth certificate, passport, or military discharge papers (DD-214) all satisfy this requirement. Finally, bring proof that you live in Florida. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or homeowner's insurance policy dated within the last 60 days will work. A bank statement or credit card statement also counts if it shows your name and current Florida address.
If your name has changed since your out-of-state license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or court order — bring the document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Without it, your Florida license will be issued under your current legal name, which may not match your out-of-state license.
The vision test and photo requirements
At the DHSMV office, you will take a vision screening. This is not a full eye exam — it is a quick test to make sure you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts to drive, wear them during the test. If you fail the vision screening, you will be required to get a full eye exam from an optometrist or ophthalmologist and bring the results back to the DHSMV before your license is issued.
You will also have a new photo taken for your Florida license. Wear something you are comfortable being photographed in. The photo must show your face clearly, and you cannot wear sunglasses, a hat, or anything that obscures your face. Religious head coverings are permitted if they do not hide your face.
License types and fees in Florida
Florida offers several license types, and the one you receive depends on your age and what you need the license for. A standard Class D license is for regular driving and is valid for eight years if you are under 80 years old. If you are 80 or older, your license is valid for five years. A commercial driver's license (CDL) is for people who drive large trucks or buses for work and requires additional testing.
The fee for a standard eight-year Class D license is approximately $75 to $80, depending on whether you are a Florida resident or a non-resident. If you are transferring from another state and establishing Florida residency, you pay the resident rate. If you are a non-resident (for example, you work in Florida but live in another state), you pay a different fee and your license is valid for four years instead of eight. Ask the DHSMV office staff which category you fall into if you are unsure.
Where to find your nearest DHSMV office and what to expect
You can find your nearest DHSMV office by visiting the official Florida DHSMV website and using their office locator tool. Enter your county or city, and the tool will show you all nearby offices, their hours, and whether they accept walk-ins or require an appointment. Many offices now use an online appointment system, and booking ahead can reduce your wait time significantly.
When you arrive, bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they stay organized. The process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes if you have everything with you and the office is not busy. You will be called to a window, your documents will be reviewed, you will take the vision test, have your photo taken, and pay the fee. You will receive a temporary paper license that is valid when ready while your permanent license is mailed to you.
What happens after you submit your transfer
Your permanent Florida license is mailed to the address you provided at the DHSMV office. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. During this time, you can drive using your temporary paper license, which is valid and recognized by law enforcement. Keep the paper license with you while driving — it serves as your proof of licensure until the plastic card arrives.
If your license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the DHSMV to check the status. You can call their customer service line or visit an office in person. If your license is lost or damaged in the mail, the DHSMV can issue a replacement, though you may have to pay a small fee.
Special situations: suspensions, revocations, and out-of-country licenses
If your out-of-state license is suspended or revoked, Florida will not transfer it. You will have to resolve the suspension or revocation in the state that issued it before Florida will issue you a new license. Contact the DHSMV office in the state where your license was suspended to find out what steps are required. This might involve paying a fine, completing a defensive driving course, or waiting out a suspension period.
If you hold a license from a country outside the United States, you cannot straightforward transfer it to a Florida license. You will need to take the written driving test and the road test as if you were a new driver. Bring your foreign license, a valid passport or travel document, and all the other documents listed above. The DHSMV will tell you when you can schedule your tests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer my license by mail or online?
No. Florida requires you to transfer your license in person at a DHSMV office. You must appear for the vision test and photo. There is no mail-in or online option for license transfers.
What if I move to Florida but my out-of-state license does not expire for several years?
You still must transfer to a Florida license within 30 days of establishing residency. Your out-of-state license becomes invalid in Florida once you are a resident, even if it has years left on it. You will get a new Florida license with a new expiration date.
Do I need to take the written driving test again?
No, not unless your out-of-state license is suspended, revoked, or invalid. If your license is in good standing, you skip the written test and the road test. You only take the vision screening.
How long is my temporary paper license valid?
Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days or until your permanent license arrives, whichever comes first. It is a legal form of identification and is recognized by law enforcement. Keep it with you while driving.
What if I have a commercial driver's license from another state?
You can transfer a commercial driver's license to Florida, but you will need to pass Florida's CDL knowledge test and a skills test. Contact the DHSMV to schedule these tests. Bring all the same documents as you would for a regular license transfer.