Documents required for a Florida driver's license

Florida requires you to bring three categories of documents to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV): proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Florida residency. You cannot complete the transaction without all three, and the DHSMV will not accept photocopies or digital images — originals or certified copies only.

The specific documents that work in each category depend on your citizenship status and whether you are renewing, replacing, or obtaining a license for the first time. A U.S. citizen explore for an original license faces different requirements than a permanent resident or someone renewing after a name change.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring originals or certified copies of documents proving identity, Social Security number, and Florida residency — photocopies and digital images are not accepted.
  • Proof of identity can be a passport, birth certificate, military ID, or state ID from another state, depending on your citizenship status.
  • Proof of Social Security number requires either your Social Security card or a document from the IRS, SSA, or your employer showing your full number.
  • Proof of residency must show your current Florida address and can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within 90 days.
  • If you are not a U.S. citizen, you will need an unexpired visa, work permit, or other federal immigration document in addition to the standard three categories.

Proof of identity documents Florida accepts

For U.S. citizens, Florida accepts a valid U.S. passport, an original or certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a valid driver's license or ID card from another state. The birth certificate must be an official document issued by the state or territory where you were born — a hospital birth certificate or a photocopy does not work.

If you were born outside the United States and are a U.S. citizen, bring your passport or a Certificate of Naturalization. If you have changed your name since your identity document was issued, you will also need to bring the document that proves the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

For non-U.S. citizens, the identity document must be an unexpired visa, work permit (Employment Authorization Document), Permanent Resident Card, or other federal immigration document. A foreign passport alone is not sufficient unless you also hold a valid U.S. visa or work authorization.

Proof of Social Security number

You can prove your Social Security number by bringing your original Social Security card or a document issued by the Internal Revenue Service, Social Security Administration, or your employer that displays your full nine-digit number. A tax return, W-2 form, or 1099 form all work. A paystub works only if it shows your complete Social Security number, not a partial one.

If you do not have a Social Security number and are not a U.S. citizen, you may be issued an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bring documentation of your ITIN from the IRS along with your other required documents.

Proof of Florida residency

Your residency document must show your current Florida address and be dated within 90 days of your visit to the DHSMV office. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or government mail such as a tax notice or voter registration card.

If you have recently moved to Florida and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, you can bring a notarized affidavit of residency signed by another Florida resident who can verify your address. The DHSMV website provides a form for this purpose. Alternatively, some DHSMV offices accept a letter from your employer on company letterhead showing your Florida work address, though this varies by office.

Additional documents for specific situations

If you are renewing your license and your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring the document proving the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, you do not need additional documents beyond the standard three categories, but you will pay a replacement fee.

If you are obtaining a license for the first time and are under 18, your parent or legal guardian must accompany you and bring proof of their identity and relationship to you. If you are explore for a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal building access and domestic air travel after May 7, 2025), the documents are the same, but the DHSMV will note the compliance status on your license.

If you are a non-U.S. citizen, you must also bring your unexpired immigration document. Permanent residents should bring their Permanent Resident Card (green card). Visa holders should bring their passport with a valid visa. Work permit holders should bring their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or other federal work authorization.

What to bring to the DHSMV office

Bring originals or certified copies only — the DHSMV will not accept photocopies, faxes, or images on your phone. If a document is a certified copy, it must bear the official seal and signature of the issuing agency. Bring all documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost or damaged in transit.

Arrive at your local DHSMV office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours on certain days. You can find your nearest office and check its hours on the DHSMV website. Bring your documents, your completed process form (DL 44 for an original license, DL 44E for a renewal), and payment for the license fee, which varies depending on the type of license and how long it is valid.

Common reasons documents are rejected

The most common rejection is a residency document dated more than 90 days before your visit. If your utility bill or lease is older than that, the DHSMV will ask you to provide a newer one or a notarized affidavit. Birth certificates that are not official certified copies — such as hospital-issued documents or photocopies — are also frequently rejected.

Social Security cards that are worn, faded, or missing digits are sometimes rejected, though the DHSMV may accept them if you also bring a tax document or paystub showing your full number. If your identity document has expired, it is still accepted for license purposes, but if your passport or visa has expired, you will need to renew it first before you can obtain a Florida license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a digital image of my documents instead of bringing originals?

No. The DHSMV requires originals or certified copies only. Photocopies, faxes, and images on your phone are not accepted. If you have a certified copy from the issuing agency, that counts as an original for DHSMV purposes.

What if my birth certificate is from another country?

A foreign birth certificate is accepted only if you also bring proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a passport or Certificate of Naturalization. If you are a permanent resident or visa holder, bring your immigration document instead of a birth certificate.

Can someone else bring my documents for me?

No. You must appear in person at the DHSMV office with your documents. The only exception is for applicants under 18, whose parent or legal guardian must accompany them.

What if my residency document is older than 90 days?

You will need to bring a newer document or have a notarized affidavit of residency signed by another Florida resident. The DHSMV provides an affidavit form on its website that you can have notarized before your visit.

Do I need different documents if I am explore for a Real ID license?

No. The documents are the same for a standard Florida license and a Real ID license. The DHSMV will note the Real ID status on your license at no extra cost if your documents meet the requirements.