The documents Florida requires depend on whether you are getting your first license, renewing an expired one, or moving to Florida from another state

Florida's Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) requires proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number for all driver's license applicants. The exact documents that satisfy each requirement vary — you do not need the same paperwork for a renewal that you do for a first-time license. You will also need to pass a vision test and a written exam on traffic laws, unless you are renewing by mail.

The fastest way to know what you personally need is to use the DHSMV's online document checker at flhsmv.gov, which asks you a few questions about your situation and tells you which documents to bring. If you prefer to gather everything before you go, this guide walks through what each category requires.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring one document proving your identity, one proving you live in Florida, and proof of your Social Security number — the rules differ for first-time licenses versus renewals.
  • A passport, birth certificate, or military ID counts as identity proof; a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement counts as residency proof.
  • If you are moving to Florida from another state, bring your current out-of-state license plus the same residency and Social Security documents as a first-time applicant.
  • The DHSMV's online document checker at flhsmv.gov tells you exactly what to bring for your specific situation in under a minute.
  • You cannot renew by mail if your license has been expired for more than five years, or if you have never held a Florida license.

Documents that prove your identity

Florida accepts one document from this list as proof of identity. The document must be current and not expired, except for a U.S. passport, which can be expired.

A U.S. passport is the strongest form of identity proof and requires no additional documents. A certified birth certificate (the long form with the raised seal, not a photocopy) also works on its own. A military ID, whether active or retired, counts as identity proof. A valid passport from another country paired with an I-94 arrival/departure record works if you are not a U.S. citizen.

If you do not have any of those, Florida accepts a state ID card from another state, a commercial driver's license from another state, or a tribal ID card — but only if you also bring a certified birth certificate or a U.S. passport card. A school ID, work ID, or library card does not count.

Documents that prove you live in Florida

You need one document showing your current Florida address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days, or it will not be accepted. This is where many people run into trouble — an old utility bill or lease will not work.

A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) in your name works. So does a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a homeowner's insurance bill. A bank or credit card statement with your Florida address also counts. If you are staying with family or in a temporary situation, a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the utility bill, stating that you live there, can serve as residency proof — but the underlying utility bill must still be dated within 60 days.

A driver's license from another state does not count as residency proof in Florida, even if it shows a Florida address. A post office box does not count either.

Proof of your Social Security number

You must bring one document showing your Social Security number. An original Social Security card is the simplest option. If you do not have the card itself, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub with your full Social Security number printed on it will work. A tax return also counts.

If you have never had a Social Security number, you will need to obtain one from the Social Security Administration before you can get a Florida driver's license. DHSMV cannot issue a license without one.

What to bring if you are renewing your license

If your Florida license is still valid or expired less than five years ago, you can renew by mail without visiting an office. In that case, you do not need to bring any documents — you just mail in the renewal form and your old license. DHSMV will process it and mail your new license to you.

If your license expired more than five years ago, or if you are renewing in person, bring the same identity, residency, and Social Security documents as a first-time applicant. You will also need to pass the vision test and written exam again.

What to bring if you are moving to Florida from another state

Bring your current out-of-state driver's license as your identity proof. You still need to bring a document showing your Florida address (dated within 60 days) and proof of your Social Security number. You will take the vision test and written exam in Florida, even if you held a valid license in your previous state.

Your out-of-state license will be surrendered when you receive your Florida license. If you want to keep it as identification for other purposes, ask DHSMV whether they can return it to you — policies vary by office.

What happens at the DHSMV office

When you arrive, bring all your documents and your completed process (Form HSMV 82040, available at flhsmv.gov or at the office). A staff member will check that your documents are valid and match the requirements for your situation. They will take your photograph and signature, administer a vision test, and give you the written exam on Florida traffic laws.

The written exam has 50 questions and you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass. You can retake it the same day if you fail. Once you pass, DHSMV will issue your license on the spot or mail it to you within a few days, depending on the office and the type of license you are getting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photocopy of my birth certificate instead of the original?

No. DHSMV requires a certified birth certificate with the raised seal. A photocopy or a certificate printed from an online vital records database will not be accepted. You can order a certified copy from the county or state where you were born.

My utility bill is dated 65 days ago — will it still work?

No. DHSMV strictly enforces the 60-day rule for residency documents. If your most recent bill is older than 60 days, bring a different document dated within the window, such as a bank statement or lease renewal.

What if I do not have a Social Security number yet?

You must obtain a Social Security number from the Social Security Administration before DHSMV can issue a driver's license. You cannot get a Florida license without one. Visit ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213 to start the process.

Do I need to bring my old license when I renew in person?

Yes. Bring your current or expired Florida license along with the identity, residency, and Social Security documents. DHSMV will take your old license when they issue the new one.

Can I use a lease that is more than a year old if I still live there?

Only if it is dated within the last 60 days. A lease from a year ago does not count, even if you are still in the same apartment. Bring a recent utility bill, bank statement, or other document from the past 60 days instead.