What you need to do to transfer your license to Florida
To transfer your driver's license to Florida, you visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles office in person, bring your current out-of-state license and proof of residency, and pay a fee. Florida will issue you a new license with a Florida address — you do not take a written test or vision test unless your out-of-state license has expired or Florida has reason to question your vision. The whole process usually takes 30 to 45 minutes at the office, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
You must be a Florida resident to transfer your license. This means you have established a home in Florida and intend to live there — not just visiting or working temporarily. Florida considers you a resident once you have a permanent address in the state, even if you have not yet registered a vehicle there.
Key Takeaways
- Bring your current out-of-state driver's license, proof of Florida residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number or ITIN to the DMV office.
- You do not need to pass a written or vision test if your out-of-state license is still valid, though Florida may require a vision screening in some cases.
- The transfer fee is $48 for a standard eight-year license, and you can choose to renew for longer if you pay the additional cost.
- Visit the Florida DMV website to find your nearest office, check current wait times, and schedule an appointment if your location offers one.
- Your new Florida license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days; you can request a temporary paper license to use when ready.
Documents you must bring to the DMV office
Bring your current, valid out-of-state driver's license. If your license has expired, Florida will require you to pass a written test and vision test before issuing a new one. Bring the original document, not a copy — the DMV staff will examine it in person.
Bring proof that you live in Florida. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or phone), a lease or mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a homeowner's insurance policy, or a bank or credit card statement showing your Florida address. The document must show your name and current Florida address and be dated within the last 60 days. If you have just moved and do not yet have a utility bill in your name, a lease signed by you and your landlord works.
Bring your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). You do not need to bring a card — you can straightforward tell the DMV staff the number. If you do not have a Social Security number or ITIN, bring documentation of your immigration status.
The fee and what your new license will look like
The fee to transfer your license is $48 for a standard eight-year license. If you want a longer license — for example, a 10-year license — you pay an additional fee; the DMV office staff can tell you the exact cost when you arrive. You can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card at most offices.
Your new Florida license will have your photograph, your Florida address, and an expiration date eight years from the date you receive it (or longer if you chose a longer term). The license will be mailed to your Florida address within 7 to 10 business days. While you wait, you can request a temporary paper license at the office — this is valid for 30 days and counts as proof of your license while the plastic card is in the mail.
Finding your nearest DMV office and scheduling an appointment
Visit the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles website at flhsmv.gov. Use the office locator tool to find the DMV office closest to you. The site shows the address, phone number, and hours for each location.
Many Florida DMV offices now let you schedule an appointment online through the same website. If your office offers appointments, you can book a time slot in advance, which usually reduces your wait time. If your office does not offer online appointments, you can call the office directly to ask about scheduling or straightforward walk in during business hours. Walk-in customers are served on a first-come, first-served basis, and wait times are often longest on Saturdays and at the end of the month.
What happens if your out-of-state license has expired
If your out-of-state license expired more than six months ago, Florida will require you to pass a written test covering Florida traffic laws and road signs. You will also take a vision test at the DMV office. The written test has 50 questions, and you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass. You can study using the Florida Driver's Handbook, which is free on the DMV website.
If your license expired within the last six months, Florida may waive the written test but will still require a vision screening. Ask the DMV office when you call or arrive — the rules can vary depending on how recently your license expired and which state issued it.
Your temporary license while you wait for the plastic card
After you complete your transfer at the DMV office, ask for a temporary paper license. This document is valid for 30 days and serves as proof that you have a valid Florida license while your plastic card is being printed and mailed. You can use it to drive legally, and you can show it to police if you are stopped.
Keep the temporary license in your vehicle or wallet until your plastic card arrives. Once the plastic card comes in the mail, the temporary license is no longer valid. If your plastic card does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the DMV office where you transferred your license — they can check the status or issue a replacement.
Transferring your vehicle registration at the same time
You can transfer your vehicle registration to Florida at the same DMV office visit, though it is not required to happen on the same day as your license transfer. To register your vehicle in Florida, bring your current out-of-state registration, proof of Florida residency, and proof of insurance. You will also need the vehicle's title or a bill of sale if you recently bought the car.
The registration fee depends on your vehicle's weight and age. The DMV office staff can calculate the exact fee when you arrive. If you transfer both your license and registration on the same visit, you will complete both transactions at the same counter, which saves time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to transfer my license right away when I move to Florida?
Florida law requires you to transfer your license within 30 days of becoming a resident. If you are stopped by police and your license still shows an out-of-state address after 30 days, you may be cited. It is simpler to transfer early — the process takes less than an hour, and you avoid the risk of a ticket.
Can I renew my out-of-state license by mail instead of going to the DMV?
No. You must transfer your license in person at a Florida DMV office. Florida does not accept mail-in transfers from out-of-state licenses. You must visit an office, bring your documents, and complete the transaction face-to-face.
What if I do not have a permanent Florida address yet?
You need a permanent address to transfer your license. If you are staying temporarily with a friend or family member, you can use their address as your Florida residence if you have their permission and can show proof (such as a signed statement from them). Once you sign a lease or buy a home, you can update your address with the DMV at any time.
Will my new Florida license have a different number than my old one?
Yes. Your Florida license will have a new number based on Florida's numbering system. Write down your new number and keep it in a safe place. You will need it for insurance, vehicle registration, and other official documents.
Can I keep my out-of-state license as a backup?
Once you transfer to a Florida license, your out-of-state license is no longer valid for driving in Florida or anywhere else. You can keep it as an ID for non-driving purposes, but it cannot be used as proof of your right to drive. If you move out of Florida later, you will need to transfer your license again in your new state.