Documents and information you'll bring to the DMV

To get a Florida driver's license, you need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. Florida's Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) requires specific documents — not just any ID will work. The exact documents depend on whether you're a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident, or here on a visa.

You'll also need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test at the DMV office. If you're under 18, you'll need a parent or guardian's signature and proof of completion of a driver education course. Bring your current out-of-state license if you have one, since Florida will take it when you exchange it for a Florida license.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring one document proving who you are (passport, birth certificate, or military ID), one showing you live in Florida (utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number or an ITIN.
  • U.S. citizens need a birth certificate or passport; permanent residents need their green card and an unexpired foreign passport; visa holders need their visa and passport.
  • You will take a vision test and a written test about traffic laws at the DMV — you can study the handbook free on the DHSMV website before you go.
  • If you're under 18, bring a parent or guardian and proof you completed a driver education course, which usually takes a few weeks through a school or private provider.
  • The fee for a Florida driver's license is $48 for an eight-year license, paid at the DMV when you pass your tests.

Proof of identity documents that DHSMV accepts

For proof of identity, bring one document from this list: a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, a passport card, or a foreign passport (if you're not a U.S. citizen). The document must be unexpired or expired no more than two years ago. If you bring a birth certificate, it must be a certified copy with the state seal — a photocopy or hospital birth certificate won't work.

If you're a permanent resident, bring your green card and an unexpired foreign passport. If you're on a visa, bring your visa and an unexpired foreign passport. DHSMV will not accept a driver's license from another state as proof of identity for a new Florida license, even though you'll need to bring it if you have one.

Proof of residency and Social Security information

For proof that you live in Florida, bring one document showing your name and a current Florida address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a homeowner's insurance policy. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement or credit card statement with your name and address also works.

You'll need your Social Security number. If you don't have one, you can bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. You don't need to bring a card — you can tell the DMV your number, and they'll verify it. Bring your number written down if you're worried about forgetting it, but the DMV staff can look it up if you give them your name and date of birth.

Vision and written knowledge tests at the DMV

At the DMV office, you'll take a vision screening to make sure you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. You'll also take a written test on Florida traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 50 questions, and you need to answer at least 40 correctly to pass.

You can study for the written test using the Florida Driver's Handbook, which DHSMV publishes free online. Many people study it for a few days or a week before their appointment. If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day — there's no waiting period between attempts in Florida.

Requirements if you're under 18

If you're under 18, you need a parent or legal guardian to come with you to the DMV and sign your process. You also need proof that you completed a driver education course. This is usually a classroom course through your high school or a private driving school, and it typically takes four to six weeks. Some schools offer online courses that you can finish faster.

After you finish driver education, you'll get a certificate of completion. Bring that certificate to the DMV. You'll also need to pass a road test — a DMV examiner will ride with you and watch you drive for about 20 minutes. You can schedule the road test at the DMV office or through a third-party testing location.

Fees and what happens after you pass

A Florida driver's license costs $48 for an eight-year license. You pay this fee at the DMV after you pass your vision and written tests. If you're under 21, your license will be a different color (gold instead of blue) so officers can see your age at a glance. Your license will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If you're exchanging an out-of-state license, the DMV will take it when you explore. You don't need to do anything else — Florida will handle the exchange. If you fail the written test, you can retake it without paying the fee again. If you fail the road test, you'll need to pay a separate fee to retake it, which varies by testing location but is usually $10 to $15.

Where to find a DMV office and make an appointment

Florida has DMV offices in every county. You can find the office nearest you and check their hours on the DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov. Many offices let you make an appointment online, which usually gets you in faster than walking in without one. Some offices take walk-ins, but wait times can be long, especially on Fridays and at the end of the month.

If you're explore for your first Florida license and you're over 18, you can also renew or get a license through the mail in some cases, but most first-time applicants need to go to an office in person for the vision and written tests. Check the DHSMV website to see if your situation qualifies for mail service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a passport card instead of a full passport for proof of identity?

Yes, a passport card counts as proof of identity and works the same way as a full passport. It must be unexpired or expired no more than two years ago. Bring it along with your proof of residency and Social Security number.

What if my birth certificate doesn't have a raised seal?

DHSMV requires a certified copy with a raised or embossed state seal. If your birth certificate doesn't have one, contact the vital records office in the state where you were born and request a certified copy. This usually costs $10 to $25 and takes one to two weeks by mail.

Do I need to take a road test to get my first Florida license?

Only if you're under 18. Adults 18 and older do not take a road test for a regular driver's license. You only need to pass the vision and written tests at the DMV office.

What if I don't have a Social Security number?

You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bring documentation showing your ITIN, such as a tax return or IRS letter. If you don't have either, contact the IRS or a tax professional about getting an ITIN before you go to the DMV.

Can I get a Florida license if I'm not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. Permanent residents can get a license by bringing a green card and an unexpired foreign passport. People on valid visas can also get a license by bringing their visa and passport. Undocumented immigrants cannot get a standard driver's license in Florida, though some states offer different documents — check the DHSMV website for current options.