What you need to do to get a Florida driver's license if you already have one from another state

You do not need to take a written test or road test to transfer your license to Florida if your current license is valid and you meet Florida's residency requirements. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) will issue you a new license based on your existing one, though you will need to visit a driver's license office in person, provide proof of identity and residency, and pay a fee. The process typically takes 30 to 45 minutes at the office, and your new license is issued the same day.

Florida requires you to transfer your license within 30 days of establishing residency in the state. Establishing residency means you have moved to Florida with the intent to stay, which DHSMV determines by looking at where you live, where you work, and where you pay taxes. If you are moving for a job or have already bought or rented a home in Florida, you have established residency.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DHSMV driver's license office in person with your current out-of-state license, proof of identity, and proof of Florida residency.
  • Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill dated within the last 60 days.
  • The transfer fee is currently $48 for a standard license valid for eight years, and you will receive your new license the same day.
  • You do not retake the written or road test if your out-of-state license is valid, but you must pass a vision screening at the office.
  • If your out-of-state license has expired or will expire within six months, you may need to renew it before transferring, depending on which state issued it.

Documents you must bring to the driver's license office

Bring your current out-of-state driver's license, which DHSMV will examine to verify it is valid and not suspended or revoked. If your license has expired, call the DHSMV before you go to the office to confirm whether you can still transfer it or whether you must renew it in your home state first. Some states' expired licenses can be transferred; others cannot.

Bring one document that proves your identity. DHSMV accepts a passport, military ID, birth certificate, or a state ID card from another state. The document must show your name and date of birth.

Bring one document that proves you live in Florida and was issued within the last 60 days. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease agreement or rental contract, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a homeowner's insurance policy all work. The document must show your name and your current Florida address. A post office change-of-address form does not count as proof of residency.

Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, such as a Social Security card or a tax return. If you do not have your Social Security card, bring the number written down or bring a document that displays it.

How to find a driver's license office and make an appointment

Visit the DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov and use the office locator tool to find the nearest driver's license office. Enter your city or ZIP code, and the tool will show you all offices within a certain distance, their hours, and whether they are currently open.

Most DHSMV offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis, but many now offer online appointment scheduling through the same website. If your local office offers appointments, book one before you go. Appointments typically fill up one to two weeks in advance, especially in busy urban areas. If you walk in without an appointment, wait times vary from 15 minutes to two hours depending on the time of day and day of the week. Early morning on a weekday is usually faster than afternoon or weekend visits.

Some DHSMV offices are located inside tax collector's offices or other government buildings. Check the office locator to confirm the exact address and parking information before you leave home.

What happens during the transfer process at the office

When you arrive, check in at the front desk and give the staff member your documents. They will verify that your out-of-state license is valid, that your identity document matches, and that your residency proof shows a Florida address. They will also run a background check to confirm you do not have a suspended or revoked license in Florida or any other state.

You will be asked to take a vision screening, which tests whether you can read letters and numbers on a chart from a certain distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them to the office. If you fail the vision screening, you will not be issued a license that day and will need to see an eye doctor, get a corrective lens restriction added to your license, or return with corrective lenses.

You will be asked to sign a form confirming the information on your new license is correct. You will have your photograph taken for the license. The staff member will collect the $48 fee, usually by cash, check, or card depending on the office. Your new Florida driver's license will be printed and issued to you before you leave.

Fees and how long your new license lasts

The fee to transfer your license is $48 for a standard license valid for eight years. If you are over 80 years old, the fee is $25 and the license is valid for five years. If you want a REAL ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic flights), the fee is $48 and the license is valid for eight years; REAL ID licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner.

Your new Florida license is valid for eight years from the date it is issued (or five years if you are over 80). You do not need to renew it before you leave Florida, even if you move to another state later. Your Florida license remains valid in other states as long as it has not expired.

What to do if your out-of-state license is expired or expiring soon

If your out-of-state license expired more than a few months ago, contact the DHSMV before you visit an office to ask whether Florida will transfer an expired license from your home state. Some states allow transfers of licenses expired within the last year; others do not. The DHSMV phone number is 1-844-493-4357.

If your out-of-state license will expire within six months, you can still transfer it to Florida. DHSMV will issue you a new Florida license valid for eight years from the transfer date, regardless of when your old license expires. Your old license becomes invalid once you receive your Florida license.

If you are moving to Florida and your out-of-state license is expired or will expire before you can visit an office, renew it in your home state first. Most states allow online renewal or mail-in renewal, which takes one to two weeks. Once you have a valid license, you can transfer it to Florida.

Special situations: military, commercial licenses, and medical conditions

If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL) from another state, you cannot transfer it to Florida. You must take the written test and road test for a Florida CDL. Contact a DHSMV office for information about CDL testing locations and schedules.

If you are active military stationed in Florida, you do not need to transfer your license when ready. You can keep your home state license as long as you are on active duty. Once you leave active duty or are reassigned, you have 30 days to transfer to Florida if you remain in the state.

If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely, such as a seizure disorder or severe vision loss, tell the DHSMV staff member before they issue your license. They may require a medical evaluation or add restrictions to your license, such as corrective lenses or daylight-only driving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to take a written test to transfer my license to Florida?

No. If your out-of-state license is valid and not suspended, you do not retake the written test. You only pass a vision screening at the office. If your license is suspended or revoked, you must complete a formal reinstatement process, which includes a written test and may include a road test.

Can I transfer my license online or by mail?

No. Florida requires you to visit a driver's license office in person. You cannot transfer your license online, by mail, or through any third-party service. You must appear at the office with your documents and have your photograph taken.

What if I do not have proof of residency in my name?

If you just moved to Florida and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, bring a signed lease agreement or a letter from your landlord or employer on letterhead confirming your Florida address. Some offices also accept a notarized affidavit of residency. Call your local DHSMV office to ask what documents they will accept before you visit.

How long does it take to transfer my license after I visit the office?

Your new license is issued the same day you visit the office. You leave with your Florida driver's license in hand. There is no waiting period or mail delivery.

What if my name has changed since I got my out-of-state license?

Bring a document that proves your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. DHSMV will update your name on your new Florida license. The name on your identity document must match the name on your residency proof, or bring both documents to explain the difference.