What you need to know about converting your current license

You can drive in Florida on a valid out-of-state license for as long as that license remains valid, even if you become a Florida resident. However, if you want a Florida license — because you've moved here, your out-of-state license is expiring, or you straightforward prefer to have one — Florida's Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) will accept your current license as proof of identity and driving history. You do not need to retake a written or road test if your out-of-state license is valid and you meet Florida's other requirements.

The process is straightforward: you visit a Florida driver license office in person, bring your out-of-state license along with proof of residency and Social Security number, pay the fee, and have your photo taken. Most people complete this in one visit and receive their license by mail within one to two weeks.

Key Takeaways

  • You can legally drive in Florida on your current out-of-state license indefinitely, even after you move here.
  • To get a Florida license, bring your valid out-of-state license, proof of Florida residency, and proof of your Social Security number to any DHSMV office.
  • You will not retake a written or road test if your out-of-state license is currently valid.
  • The fee for a Florida driver license is $48 for an eight-year license, and you will receive your new license by mail within one to two weeks.

What documents to bring to the DHSMV office

Bring your valid out-of-state driver license as your primary form of identification. DHSMV will use it to verify your driving record and confirm you are not suspended or revoked in any state.

You also need proof of Florida residency. Acceptable documents include a recent utility bill, lease or mortgage statement, property tax bill, homeowner's insurance policy, or a letter from a government agency addressed to you at your Florida address. The document must show your name and current Florida address and be dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement or credit card statement does not count.

Finally, bring proof of your Social Security number. You can show your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have any of these, you can sign an affidavit at the DHSMV office stating you do not have a Social Security number, though this is uncommon for U.S. citizens.

Where to go and what to expect

Find your nearest DHSMV office by visiting the Florida DHSMV website and using their office locator tool. You can also search "DHSMV office near me" to find locations. Most counties have multiple offices, and some are busier than others — visiting early in the day or on a weekday typically means shorter wait times.

You do not need an appointment at most offices, though some locations now offer online appointment scheduling. Check your local office's page to see if appointments are available. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait 30 minutes to an hour depending on the time of day.

When you arrive, take a number and wait to be called. Tell the clerk you want to convert your out-of-state license to a Florida license. They will review your documents, ask you to sign the process form (Form HSMV 82053), take your photo, and process your payment. The entire transaction usually takes 10 to 15 minutes once you reach the window.

Fees and how you will receive your new license

A standard Florida driver license costs $48 and is valid for eight years. If you are over 80 years old, the license costs $25 and is valid for five years. You can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card at the office.

You will not receive your license on the spot. Instead, DHSMV will mail it to the Florida address you provided. Standard delivery takes one to two weeks. During this time, you can continue driving on your out-of-state license. If you need to drive before your Florida license arrives and your out-of-state license has expired, you should not drive — contact the DHSMV office where you applied to ask about a temporary license.

If your new license does not arrive within three weeks, contact the DHSMV customer service line at 1-844-DL-FLORIDA (1-844-353-5762) to check the status.

Special situations: military, commercial, and medical conditions

If you hold a commercial driver license (CDL) from another state, you cannot straightforward convert it to a Florida CDL. You must pass Florida's CDL written test and road test. Contact your local DHSMV office or visit their website for CDL testing schedules and requirements.

If you are active military or a military spouse stationed in Florida, you may be able to keep your home state license without establishing Florida residency. Bring your military orders or military ID to confirm your status. Rules vary, so call ahead to confirm what documents you need.

If you have a medical condition that requires a restriction on your license (such as corrective lenses or hand controls), bring documentation from your doctor. Florida will honor restrictions from your out-of-state license, but if you need new restrictions added, you may need a medical evaluation form completed by a physician.

What happens if your out-of-state license is suspended or expired

If your out-of-state license is currently suspended or revoked, DHSMV will not issue you a Florida license until the suspension is lifted. You will need to resolve the issue in the state that suspended your license first. Contact that state's DHSMV office to find out what steps are required — this might mean paying a reinstatement fee, completing a defensive driving course, or waiting out a suspension period.

If your out-of-state license has expired, you can still use it to convert to a Florida license as long as it expired within the last year or so. However, if it expired more than a few years ago, DHSMV may ask you to retake the written test. Bring your expired license anyway — the office staff can tell you whether a test is required before you pay.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You can drive legally on your valid out-of-state license for as long as it remains valid, even if you are a Florida resident. However, Florida law requires you to get a Florida license within 30 days of establishing residency if you plan to register a vehicle in Florida. If you do not plan to register a car here, you are not required to convert your license.

Can I renew my out-of-state license by mail while living in Florida?

This depends on your home state's rules, not Florida's. Contact your home state's DHSMV office to ask whether they allow mail renewals for people living out of state. Some states do; others require you to renew in person. If your home state requires in-person renewal and you cannot travel there, converting to a Florida license is usually simpler.

What if I have an out-of-state license with a different name than I use now?

Bring your out-of-state license and a document proving your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. DHSMV will update your name on your Florida license. You may need to bring the original or a certified copy of the name-change document.

How long does it take to get a Florida license if I convert from out of state?

The office visit takes 10 to 15 minutes. Your new license arrives by mail in one to two weeks. If you need to drive before it arrives and your out-of-state license is still valid, you can continue using that license.

Can I get a Real ID compliant Florida license when converting from out of state?

Yes. A standard Florida driver license is Real ID compliant. Bring all the documents listed above, and you will receive a Real ID license. If you want a non-compliant license for some reason, tell the clerk, though this is uncommon.