What documents and information Florida requires

To get a Florida driver's license, you need to bring proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current Florida address to a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office. The state does not accept all documents equally — some count as primary proof, others as secondary, and the combination you bring matters.

You also need to pass a written test on traffic laws and road signs, a vision screening, and a driving test (unless you are renewing or transferring from another state under certain conditions). The written test is offered in English and in other languages, and you can study using the official DHSMV handbook available free online or in print at any DHSMV office.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring one primary identity document (passport, birth certificate, or state ID) plus proof of your Social Security number and a current Florida address to any DHSMV office.
  • You must pass a written knowledge test, a vision screening, and a road test, though the road test may be waived if you are transferring a valid license from another state.
  • The written test covers Florida traffic laws and road signs and is available in multiple languages; study materials are free from DHSMV.
  • Fees vary by license type and age, and you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the office.
  • Processing times range from same-day issuance for a temporary license to several weeks for your permanent card to arrive by mail.

Identity and citizenship documents that count

Florida accepts a limited list of documents to prove who you are. A primary identity document is one the state trusts most — these include a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate (with a raised seal), a valid state ID from another state, a valid military ID, or a valid passport card. You need one of these.

If you do not have a primary document, you can use two secondary documents instead. Secondary documents include a Social Security card, a W-2 form, a bank statement, a utility bill, a lease or mortgage, a school or college ID, or a vehicle registration. The state wants to see that you are who you say you are and that you actually live in Florida.

If you were not born in the United States, you will also need to show proof of lawful presence. This can be a valid passport, a permanent resident card (green card), an employment authorization document, a visa, or a refugee travel document. DHSMV staff can tell you whether your specific document counts.

Proof of Social Security number and Florida residency

You must bring something that shows your Social Security number. An original or certified Social Security card works best. If you do not have one, you can use a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, or a pay stub with your full Social Security number on it. A bank statement or insurance document with your Social Security number also counts.

For proof of Florida address, bring a recent utility bill, a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, an insurance policy, or a bank or credit card statement. The document should show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days. If you just moved and do not have a 60-day-old document yet, bring what you have and explain the situation to the DHSMV staff — they may accept an affidavit of residency instead.

The written test, vision screening, and road test

The written knowledge test has 50 questions about Florida traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You need to answer at least 40 correctly to pass. The test covers things like speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking laws, and what different road signs mean. DHSMV publishes the official study guide free online and in print, and many people study it for a few hours before taking the test.

During your visit, you will also take a vision screening. The examiner will check whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. If you fail the vision screening, you may be told to see an eye doctor and come back, or you may be issued a license with a restriction that you must wear corrective lenses while driving.

You must also pass a road test, where an examiner rides with you in your own vehicle (or a vehicle you arrange) and watches you drive. The examiner checks whether you can control the car, follow traffic laws, and respond to hazards. However, if you are transferring a valid driver's license from another state and meet certain age and experience requirements, the road test may be waived.

Age-specific rules and restrictions

Florida has different license types based on age. A learner's permit is for people 15 or older who are learning to drive; it requires a parent or guardian's signature and allows you to drive only with a licensed adult in the front seat. A restricted license is for people 16 or 17 and comes with limits on when and where you can drive — for example, no driving between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to work or school.

An unrestricted license is available at age 18. If you are under 18, you must also complete a driver education course (classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction) before you can take the road test. If you are 18 or older, you do not need to complete a driver education course, though some people take one anyway to lower their insurance costs.

Fees and what to bring to the office

License fees depend on the type of license and how long it is valid. A standard eight-year license for an adult costs one amount; a four-year license costs less; a learner's permit costs less still. Fees change periodically, so check the DHSMV website or call your local office for the current price. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

Bring all your documents in originals or certified copies — photocopies usually do not count. Bring your Social Security card or the document showing your number. Bring proof of your address. Bring your primary identity document. If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian. If you are transferring from another state, bring your current out-of-state license. Bring your learner's permit if you have one. Do not bring originals of documents you need to keep (like your birth certificate) unless you are prepared to leave them with DHSMV.

Processing time and your temporary license

When you pass all the tests and pay the fee, DHSMV will issue you a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid when ready and lets you drive while your permanent plastic card is being made. Your permanent card arrives by mail within two to three weeks in most cases, though it can take longer during busy periods.

Check the address on your temporary license before you leave the office. If it is wrong, tell the staff right away so they can correct it before your permanent card is printed. Once your permanent card arrives, the temporary license is no longer valid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online or by mail?

You can renew by mail if your license is not expired and you meet certain conditions, or online through the DHSMV website if you are renewing a standard license and have not had certain violations. If you need to renew in person, you can make an appointment at a DHSMV office to avoid waiting in line.

What if I lost my birth certificate or do not have a passport?

You can order a certified birth certificate from the Florida Department of Vital Statistics or from the state where you were born. You can also use two secondary identity documents instead of one primary document. DHSMV staff can tell you which combination of documents will work for your situation.

Do I have to take the road test if I already have a valid license from another state?

If you are transferring a valid license from another state and you meet Florida's age and experience requirements, the road test is usually waived. You will still need to pass the written knowledge test and vision screening. Bring your current out-of-state license to the DHSMV office.

What happens if I fail the written test?

You can take the test again the same day or come back another day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. Many people study the official handbook for a few more hours and pass on the second try.

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

Yes. DHSMV offers the written test in Spanish, Creole, and several other languages. When you go to the office, let staff know which language you need, and they will provide the test in that language.