What you need to know before you go to the DMV

A Florida driver license is issued by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). You will need to visit a local driver license office in person, bring specific documents, pass a written test and a driving test, and pay a fee. The whole process typically takes several visits spread over weeks — you cannot walk in and leave with a license the same day.

Florida issues different types of licenses depending on your age and citizenship status. A standard license is valid for eight years if you are between 21 and 65, and four years if you are under 21 or over 65. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you can still get a license if you have a valid visa or other immigration document, but the license will expire when your immigration status does.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DHSMV office in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
  • First-time applicants must pass a written knowledge test and a behind-the-wheel driving test before the license is issued.
  • You can schedule your appointment online at the DHSMV website, which is faster than walking in without one.
  • The fee for a standard eight-year license is $75, and you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the office.
  • If you already have a valid out-of-state license, you may not need to take the written test again, but you will still need to take the driving test.

Documents you must bring to the driver license office

You need three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number or ITIN. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.

For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid U.S. passport, a valid passport card, a certified birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a Certificate of Naturalization, a Certificate of U.S. Citizenship, a valid military ID, or a valid tribal ID. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a combination of secondary documents — the DHSMV website lists what combinations work.

For proof of residency, bring a recent document showing your current Florida address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a homeowner's insurance policy, a bank or credit card statement, or a government check. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days. A driver license from another state does not count as proof of residency.

For proof of your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) letter from the IRS instead.

How to schedule your appointment and what to expect

Go to the DHSMV website and use the online appointment system to find an office near you and book a time. You can also call the DHSMV customer service line or walk into an office without an appointment, but wait times are usually much longer. Appointments typically fill up several weeks in advance, so schedule as soon as you know you need a license.

When you arrive at your appointment, bring all your documents and be ready to wait. You will first check in at the counter, where staff will review your documents and take a photo and fingerprints. You will then take the written knowledge test on a computer. The test covers Florida traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You need to score at least 80 percent to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment.

If you pass the written test, you will schedule a separate appointment for your behind-the-wheel driving test. This test is not given at the same office visit. You will drive with an examiner in your own vehicle or a test vehicle provided by the office. The examiner watches how you handle basic driving tasks like parking, turning, and stopping. You must pass this test to get your license.

Fees and payment methods

A standard eight-year driver license costs $75. If you are under 21, the license is valid for four years and costs $45. If you are over 65, the license is also valid for four years and costs $15. These are the base fees for a regular license; specialty licenses like a commercial driver license (CDL) or a motorcycle endorsement cost more.

You can pay at the office by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Some offices may have limits on which payment methods they accept, so call ahead if you want to confirm. You cannot pay online or by mail — payment must happen at the office during your visit.

If you already have a license from another state

If you hold a valid driver license from another U.S. state or territory, you do not need to take the written knowledge test. You still must take the behind-the-wheel driving test and bring the same documents as a first-time applicant. Your out-of-state license must be valid (not expired) when you explore, and you must surrender it to the DHSMV office.

If your out-of-state license is expired, you will need to take both the written test and the driving test, just like a first-time applicant. The DHSMV considers an expired license the same as not having one.

Renewing your license before it expires

You can renew your Florida license up to six months before it expires. You can renew online through the DHSMV website if your license is not suspended or revoked and you have not had any major changes to your information (like a name change or a new address). Online renewal costs $48 for an eight-year license and takes about two weeks to arrive by mail.

If you cannot renew online, you must visit an office in person. You will need to bring proof of residency and your current license. You will not need to retake the written or driving test for a renewal, only for a new license.

What to do if you lose your license or it is damaged

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at any DHSMV office. Bring your proof of identity and proof of residency, just as you would for a new license. A replacement costs $25. You do not need to retake any tests — the office will issue a new card with the same license number and expiration date as your original.

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot drive legally in Florida. You must contact the DHSMV to find out why and what steps you need to take to restore it. Reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic tickets, unpaid child support, or a DUI conviction. The process to restore your license varies depending on the reason for the suspension.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test in a language other than English?

Yes. The DHSMV offers the written test in Spanish, Creole, and several other languages. When you schedule your appointment online or call to book, let the office know which language you need. Not all offices offer all languages, so you may need to travel to a different location.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you must schedule a new appointment and pay the test fee again. Most offices charge $10 to $15 per driving test attempt. You have a limited number of attempts before you must reapply from the beginning, though this limit varies by office.

Do I need a learner's permit before I can take the driving test?

No. You can go directly from passing the written test to scheduling a driving test. A learner's permit is optional in Florida and is mainly used by people who want to practice driving with a licensed adult before taking the official test.

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

Your license is usually issued the same day you pass the driving test. The office will give you a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days while your plastic card is printed and mailed to you. The plastic card typically arrives within two weeks.

Can I get a Real ID-compliant license in Florida?

Yes. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for domestic air travel and federal building access. You can get a Real ID license by bringing the same documents as a regular license, plus proof of your Social Security number. The fee is the same as a regular license.