What you need to get a Florida driver license
Florida issues driver licenses through the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). To obtain one, you must visit a DHSMV office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pass a written test on traffic laws, and pass a driving test. The entire process typically takes several visits — one for the written exam and a separate appointment for the driving test.
You cannot complete a Florida driver license entirely online or by mail. Every applicant must appear in person at a DHSMV office at least once to verify identity and take the written exam. If you are under 18, you must also complete a traffic law course before you can take the driving test.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DHSMV office in person to get a Florida driver license; the process cannot be done online or by mail.
- Bring a valid passport, birth certificate, or other government-issued ID plus a recent utility bill or lease to prove where you live.
- You will take a written test on traffic laws and road signs at your first visit, then schedule a separate appointment for the driving test.
- Minors must complete an approved traffic law course before they can take the driving test, and they face restrictions on when and where they can drive.
- A standard Florida driver license is valid for eight years; renewal can be done by mail, online, or in person depending on your situation.
Documents you must bring to a DHSMV office
Florida requires two categories of documents: proof of identity and proof of residency. For identity, bring one of these: a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a valid passport card, a consular report of birth abroad, or a valid military ID. If you were born outside the United States, you may also use a permanent resident card (green card) or employment authorization document (EAD).
For residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days showing your current Florida address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. If you have no recent document in your name, you can bring a document in someone else's name (like a spouse or parent) plus a notarized affidavit stating you live at that address.
You will also need to provide your Social Security number. If you do not have one, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you are not may be able to access for a number.
The written test and what it covers
The written test covers Florida traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You answer 50 multiple-choice questions on a computer at the DHSMV office. You must answer at least 40 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and several other languages.
DHSMV publishes a free study guide called the Florida Handbook that covers all material on the test. You can read it online at the DHSMV website or pick up a printed copy at any DHSMV office. Most people study the handbook for a few hours before taking the test.
If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no waiting period between attempts, though you will pay the test fee each time you take it.
The driving test and scheduling your appointment
After you pass the written test, you schedule a separate appointment for the driving test. The driving test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes and takes place on public roads near the DHSMV office. An examiner sits in your vehicle and watches you perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, parking, backing up, and responding to traffic signals and other vehicles.
You must bring your own vehicle to the driving test, and it must be registered and insured. The vehicle must have working brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and mirrors. You must also bring proof of insurance and your learner's permit (which you receive after passing the written test).
Driving test appointments fill up quickly in busy areas. You can schedule online through the DHSMV website, by phone, or in person at a DHSMV office. Wait times for appointments vary by location — rural offices may have openings within days, while urban offices may have a wait of several weeks.
Rules for drivers under 18
Florida has a graduated licensing system for minors. Before you can take the driving test, you must complete a traffic law course approved by DHSMV. This course is usually four hours long and covers Florida traffic laws, safe driving practices, and the consequences of traffic violations. You can take it online or in person at a driving school, high school, or DHSMV office.
After you pass the driving test, you receive a learner's permit valid for one year. During this time, you must have a licensed adult 21 or older in the front seat with you whenever you drive. You cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. unless you are driving to or from work, school, or a medical appointment.
After holding your learner's permit for at least one year, you can return to DHSMV to upgrade to a full driver license. You do not need to take another driving test, but you must pass a new written test.
Renewing your Florida driver license
A standard Florida driver license is valid for eight years. You can renew it online, by mail, or in person at a DHSMV office. Online renewal is available if your license is not expired, you have no medical conditions that affect your driving, and you have not changed your name or address since your last license.
To renew online, visit the DHSMV website, enter your driver license number and date of birth, and pay the renewal fee. You will receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew by mail, you fill out the renewal form, include a new photo, and mail it to the address on the form.
If your license has been expired for more than six months, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a DHSMV office in person, retake the written test, and may need to retake the driving test depending on how long it has been expired.
Costs and processing times
The fee for a first-time driver license is $75. This covers the written test, driving test, and the license itself. If you fail either test, you pay the test fee again but not the full license fee. Renewal fees are $75 for an eight-year license.
Processing times vary by location and method. If you explore in person at a DHSMV office, you receive your temporary license the same day and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew online or by mail, you receive your new license within 7 to 10 business days.
DHSMV offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some locations open on Saturday mornings. You can find the office nearest you and check current wait times on the DHSMV website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my passport as my only form of ID at the DHSMV office?
Yes. A valid U.S. passport satisfies the identity requirement on its own. You still need to bring proof of residency, such as a utility bill or lease, dated within the last 60 days.
What happens if I fail the driving test?
You can retake the driving test as many times as you need. There is no waiting period between attempts. Each time you take the test, you pay the test fee. You do not need to retake the written test unless your learner's permit expires.
Can I renew my Florida driver license if I live out of state?
No. You must be a Florida resident to hold a Florida driver license. If you move out of state, you should obtain a driver license from your new state. If you move back to Florida later, you can explore for a new Florida license.
How long is my learner's permit valid?
A learner's permit is valid for one year from the date it is issued. If you do not pass the driving test within that year, you must retake the written test to renew your permit.
What if I need a Real ID-compliant driver license for air travel?
Florida driver licenses issued after January 2010 are Real ID-compliant by default. If your license was issued before that date, you can renew it to get a Real ID-compliant version. You do not need to do anything special — just renew normally and you will receive a Real ID-compliant license.