What You Need to Get a Florida Driver's License in 2024

Florida's current driver's license requirements

To get a Florida driver's license, you need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of your Social Security number, and pass a written test and a driving test. The specific documents that count as proof vary — a passport works for identity, but a utility bill works for residency. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen, though you do need a valid Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

Florida issues licenses valid for eight years for drivers 80 and older, and six years for everyone else. You can renew online if your license is not expired and you have not had certain violations, but a first-time license always requires an in-person visit to a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office.

Key Takeaways

You must bring four types of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and your current out-of-state license if you have one.
A passport, military ID, or birth certificate counts as identity proof; a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement counts as residency proof.
You will take a written knowledge test and a driving test at the DHSMV office on the same day or at separate appointments, depending on the office.
Florida licenses are valid for six years for most drivers and eight years for drivers 80 and older.

Documents you must bring to the DHSMV office

Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work. For proof of identity, the DHSMV accepts a U.S. passport, a military ID, a birth certificate issued by a U.S. state or territory, a passport card, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. If you are moving from another state, your current out-of-state driver's license also counts as identity proof.

For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days showing your Florida address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or homeowner's insurance policy all work. If you live with someone else and are not on the lease or utility bill, you can bring a notarized affidavit from the person whose name is on the bill, plus their ID and 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 use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead — bring the IRS letter that issued it to you.

The written test and what it covers

The written knowledge test has 50 multiple-choice questions about Florida traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 40 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and in other languages including Spanish, Creole, and Portuguese — ask at the DHSMV office which languages are available at your location.

You can study using the official Florida Driver's Handbook, which the DHSMV publishes free online. Many DHSMV offices also have practice tests available on computers at the office itself. If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day at most offices, though some require you to wait before your next attempt.

The driving test and how it is scored

The driving test lasts about 20 minutes and takes place on public roads near the DHSMV office. An examiner sits in the passenger seat and watches you perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and backing up. The examiner also checks that you can use your mirrors, signal correctly, and follow traffic laws.

You must use a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle's registration and insurance documents must be current. If you fail the driving test, you can retake it, but the wait time and cost vary by office — some allow retests the same day, while others schedule them weeks later.

Age-specific requirements for teen drivers

If you are under 18, Florida requires you to hold a learner's permit for at least one year before you can take the driving test. To get a learner's permit, you must pass the written knowledge test and provide the same documents as an adult applicant. While you hold the permit, you must drive with a licensed adult 21 or older in the front seat.

Teen drivers also face restrictions on nighttime driving and cell phone use. Once you pass the driving test, you receive a license with a red stripe indicating you are under 18. These restrictions lift when you turn 18 or after you hold the license for one year, whichever comes first.

Costs and processing time

A Florida driver's license costs $75 for a six-year license or $100 for an eight-year license if you are 80 or older. The written test and driving test are included in this fee. Payment methods vary by office — most accept cash, debit, and credit cards, but call ahead to confirm what your local office takes.

Processing time depends on how busy your local DHSMV office is. Some offices issue your license the same day you pass both tests; others mail it to you within two weeks. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use to drive while you wait for the plastic card to arrive.

Moving to Florida from another state

If you already have a valid driver's license from another state, you do not have to retake the written and driving tests — you can exchange it for a Florida license. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency in Florida, and proof of your Social Security number. The fee is the same as for a new license.

Your out-of-state license must be valid and not suspended or revoked. If it is expired, you will need to take both tests. If you have moved to Florida but still hold an out-of-state license, you have 30 days to exchange it for a Florida license before you are considered to be driving with an invalid license in Florida.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to take the written and driving tests if I already have a license from another state?

No. If your out-of-state license is valid and not suspended, you can exchange it for a Florida license without retaking either test. Bring your current license, proof of Florida residency, and proof of your Social Security number to a DHSMV office.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake it, but the timing depends on your local DHSMV office. Some offices let you retake it the same day; others schedule retests weeks later. Call your local office to find out their policy and to schedule your next attempt.

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

Yes. The DHSMV offers the test in Spanish, Creole, Portuguese, and other languages at most offices. Call or visit your local DHSMV office to confirm which languages are available and whether you need to schedule in advance.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bring the IRS letter that issued your ITIN. If you do not have either, contact your local DHSMV office to discuss your options.

How long is a Florida driver's license valid?

A Florida license is valid for six years for most drivers. If you are 80 or older, your license is valid for eight years. You can renew online if your license is not expired and you have not had certain violations.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.