The documents Florida requires depend on whether you are getting your first license, renewing an expired one, or switching 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 based on your situation. If you are renewing a license that has not been expired for more than five years, you need far fewer documents than someone getting a license for the first time.

The fastest way to know what you personally need is to visit the DHSMV website and use their document checklist tool, which filters by your specific situation. However, the sections below cover the most common scenarios so you can prepare before you go to a licensing office.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of Florida residency (a utility bill or lease), and proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card or tax return).
  • First-time applicants need more documents than people renewing, and the documents that count as proof of residency are different from those that count as proof of identity.
  • DHSMV accepts original documents or certified copies, but not photocopies or photos of documents on your phone.
  • If you do not have a Social Security number, you can request a letter from the Social Security Administration instead, which takes one to two weeks to arrive by mail.
  • Bring your current out-of-state driver's license if you have one, because it can count toward your identity requirement and speeds up the process.

Proof of identity documents Florida accepts

Florida requires one document from this list to prove who you are. The document must be original or a certified copy — photocopies and phone photos do not count. Your current driver's license from another state counts as proof of identity and is often the fastest option because DHSMV can verify it electronically.

Acceptable identity documents include a valid U.S. passport, a certified copy of your birth certificate (the raised seal version from your state's vital records office, not a photocopy), a valid passport card, a valid military ID, a valid tribal ID, or a valid state ID from another state. If you are a permanent resident, a valid green card also counts. If you are not a U.S. citizen, a valid visa or travel document issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services counts as well.

If you do not have any of these, you can bring two documents from a secondary list: a certified school record, a certified adoption record, a certified marriage certificate, a certified divorce decree, a court order, or a military discharge paper (DD-214). Using two secondary documents takes longer because DHSMV staff must review them by hand, so plan for a longer appointment.

Proof of Florida residency documents

You must show that you live in Florida. DHSMV accepts one document from this list, and it must show your current name and current Florida address. The document must be original — a photocopy does not count, though a certified copy does.

A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or phone) dated within the last 60 days is the most common choice. A lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a homeowner's insurance bill, or a vehicle registration also count. If you receive government benefits, a benefit statement from the Social Security Administration, the Department of Veterans Affairs, or the Florida Department of Children and Families dated within the last 60 days works as well.

If you have just moved to Florida and do not yet have a utility bill in your name, bring a lease or mortgage statement instead. If you live with someone else and are not on the lease, ask the person whose name is on it to bring the document with you, or bring a notarized letter from them stating that you live there, plus a document showing your name and address (such as a piece of mail from a bank or government agency).

Proof of Social Security number

You must prove your Social Security number. The easiest way is to bring your original Social Security card. If you do not have it, DHSMV accepts a tax return, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a pay stub, or a letter from the Social Security Administration.

If you do not have a Social Security number at all, you can request a letter from the Social Security Administration that states you are not may be able to access for one. This letter takes one to two weeks to arrive by mail. You can request it online at ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Bring the letter to your DHSMV appointment in place of a Social Security card or tax document.

What to bring if you are renewing your license

If your Florida driver's license expired fewer than five years ago, you can renew by mail or online without going to a licensing office. You do not need to bring any documents — DHSMV already has your information on file. You will need to pay the renewal fee and provide a new photo if you are renewing in person, but no identity or residency documents are required.

If your license expired more than five years ago, you must go to a licensing office and bring the same documents as a first-time applicant: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. DHSMV treats an expired license that old as if it no longer exists.

What to bring if you are switching from another state

If you hold a valid driver's license from another state, bring it with you — it counts as your proof of identity and speeds up the process because DHSMV can verify it electronically. You still need proof of Florida residency and proof of your Social Security number.

You do not need to surrender your out-of-state license to DHSMV. However, Florida law says you cannot hold a valid driver's license from two states at the same time, so you should contact your previous state's licensing agency and ask them to cancel it. Most states allow you to do this online or by mail.

Documents you do not need to bring

You do not need to bring your Social Security card itself if you have another document that shows your number — a tax return or pay stub works just as well. You do not need to bring a medical exam or vision test results; DHSMV performs vision screening at the licensing office. You do not need to bring proof of insurance, even though Florida requires you to carry it while driving.

You do not need to bring a completed process form. DHSMV staff will fill out the process with you during your appointment. If you want to see what information they will ask for, the process form (HSMV 82053) is available on the DHSMV website, but you do not need to print or fill it out beforehand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photo of my documents on my phone instead of bringing the originals?

No. DHSMV requires original documents or certified copies. Photographs of documents on your phone do not count, even if they are clear and recent. Bring the physical documents with you to your appointment.

What if my name on my documents does not match my current legal name?

Bring the document that shows your name changed, such as a certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for a legal name change. DHSMV will use this to connect your old name to your new one and will not require separate identity documents for both names.

Do I need to make an appointment at a licensing office, or can I just walk in?

Most DHSMV licensing offices accept walk-ins, but wait times vary widely. You can make an appointment online through the DHSMV website, which usually reduces your wait time. Some offices are busier than others, so calling ahead to ask about current wait times can help you choose when to go.

What if I was born outside the United States and do not have a U.S. birth certificate?

Bring your passport or visa instead — both count as proof of identity. If you are a permanent resident, your green card counts as well. You still need proof of Florida residency and proof of your Social Security number or a letter stating you are not may be able to access for one.

Can someone else bring my documents for me if I cannot go to the licensing office?

No. You must appear in person at a DHSMV licensing office to get a driver's license. The staff need to take your photo and verify your identity face-to-face. However, if you are renewing a license that expired fewer than five years ago, you can renew online or by mail without going to an office at all.