What you need to bring to the DMV
To get a Florida driver's license, you will need to visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles office in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. Florida requires at least one document from each category — identity and residency — plus your SSN.
For identity, bring a passport, birth certificate, consular report of birth abroad, or naturalization certificate. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill with your name and a Florida address. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead.
You will also need to bring your current out-of-state license if you have one, or a completed process for Florida Driver License or ID Card (Form DHSMV 14). The form is available at any DMV office or on the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website.
Key Takeaways
- Bring one proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization document) and one proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement) to your local DMV office.
- You must pass a written test on Florida traffic laws and a vision screening at the DMV; you do not take a road test unless you are under 18 or renewing after a suspension.
- The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices; study materials are free on the Florida DHSMV website.
- Processing takes about 30 minutes at the office, and your temporary license is issued on the spot; your permanent card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- The fee is $48 for an eight-year license if you are 21 or older, or $33 for a four-year license if you are under 21.
The written test and what it covers
Before you receive your license, you must pass a written test at the DMV. The test has 50 questions, and you need to answer at least 40 correctly to pass. Questions cover Florida traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, parking rules, and safe driving practices.
The test is given on a computer at the DMV office. You can retake it the same day if you do not pass, though you may have to wait and pay the fee again. Study materials, including a practice test, are free on the Florida DHSMV website under "Driver License Information."
You will also have your vision screened at the DMV. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision screening, you will be referred to an eye care provider before you can receive your license.
When you need a road test
Most adults do not take a road test to get a Florida driver's license. However, you will need one if you are under 18, if you are renewing after a suspension, or if you are converting a commercial license to a regular license.
If you are under 18, you must complete a driver education course before you take the road test. The course can be taken online or in person and covers traffic laws and safe driving. After you finish the course, you receive a certificate of completion, which you bring to the DMV along with your other documents.
Road tests are scheduled through the DMV office. You must bring your own vehicle, and it must be in safe working condition with valid registration and insurance. The test takes about 20 minutes and covers basic driving skills like parking, turning, and stopping.
Finding your local DMV office and scheduling
Florida has DMV offices in every county. You can find the office nearest you on the Florida DHSMV website by entering your county or city. The website also shows hours of operation, which vary by location.
You do not need an appointment for a standard driver's license, but wait times vary. Some offices are busier than others, and times change by day of the week. Arriving early in the morning or on a weekday afternoon often means a shorter wait. If you want to know the current wait time before you go, call your local office directly — the phone number is listed on the DHSMV website.
If you are under 18 or need a road test, you may need to schedule an appointment. Check with your local office to confirm.
What happens after you pass the test
Once you pass the written test and vision screening, the DMV will issue you a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive while you wait for your permanent card.
Your permanent plastic driver's license card is mailed to the address you provided at the DMV. It usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Check your mail regularly, and contact the DMV if your card does not arrive within two weeks.
Your Florida driver's license is valid for eight years if you are 21 or older, or four years if you are under 21. You can renew it by mail, online, or in person before it expires.
Cost and payment methods
A Florida driver's license costs $48 for an eight-year license if you are 21 or older. If you are under 21, the cost is $33 for a four-year license. If you are 65 or older, the cost is $25 for a four-year license.
The DMV accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices may have restrictions on payment methods, so call ahead if you want to confirm what your local office accepts.
If you are renewing your license or replacing a lost or damaged one, the fees may differ. Check the Florida DHSMV website or call your local office for current fees.
If you have an out-of-state license
If you already have a valid driver's license from another state, you can convert it to a Florida license without taking the written test. You still need to pass the vision screening and bring your out-of-state license along with your proof of identity and residency.
Your out-of-state license will be surrendered when you receive your Florida license. If you want to keep it as a souvenir, ask the DMV staff — some offices will return it to you, but this is not may provide.
If your out-of-state license is expired, you will need to take the written test. Bring the expired license anyway, as it still counts as proof of identity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Florida driver's license if I do not have a Social Security number?
Yes. Bring your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. You will still need proof of identity and proof of residency. If you do not have either an SSN or ITIN, contact your local DMV office to discuss other options.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake it the same day at the DMV office. You will need to pay the fee again. Most people pass on the second attempt if they study the practice test materials on the Florida DHSMV website.
How long does the whole process take at the DMV?
From the time you arrive until you leave with your temporary license usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is. Your permanent card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Do I need to take a road test if I already have a license from another state?
No, not if your out-of-state license is still valid. You only need to pass the vision screening. If your out-of-state license is expired, you will need to take the written test.
What if my address changes after I get my Florida license?
You can update your address online through the Florida DHSMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. You do not need to renew your license to change your address.