Bring proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number

Florida requires you to bring specific documents to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office when you explore for a driver's license. You will need one document that proves who you are, one that proves where you live, and proof of your Social Security number. The exact documents accepted vary depending on whether you are a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident, or here on a visa.

You cannot use a photocopy or digital image of these documents — you must bring the originals. The DHSMV staff will examine them in person and return them to you after your visit. If you do not have one of the required documents, you can sometimes substitute an alternative from the approved list, but you cannot skip any of the three categories.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring an original document proving your identity, such as a passport, birth certificate, or military ID card.
  • You must bring an original document proving your current Florida address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.
  • You must bring proof of your Social Security number, either your Social Security card or a document issued by a government agency that displays it.
  • If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must also bring documents proving your immigration status, such as a green card or visa.
  • Bring your current out-of-state driver's license if you have one, because it speeds up the process and may reduce fees.

Documents that prove your identity

Florida accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, or passport book as proof of identity. If you do not have a passport, you can bring your original birth certificate (long-form, not the short-form abstract). A military ID card, military dependent ID card, or military retiree card also works. If you are a permanent resident, your green card counts as proof of identity.

Other acceptable identity documents include a certificate of naturalization, a tribal ID card issued by a federally recognized tribe, or a Florida ID card you already hold. If you are under 18 and do not have any of these, you can bring a school ID card along with a birth certificate or passport. The document must show your full name and date of birth or a photo of you.

Documents that prove your Florida address

You need a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and current Florida street address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) works well because it is recent and shows your address clearly. A lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or homeowner's insurance policy also counts. If you rent, your lease must show both your name and the property address.

Bank statements, credit card statements, and government mail (such as tax documents or voter registration cards) are also acceptable if they are dated within 60 days and show your street address. A P.O. box does not count as a residential address, so if you use one, you must bring a different document that shows a street address. If you have just moved and do not yet have a document in your new address, you can bring a signed lease or a letter from your landlord on letterhead that includes the move-in date.

Proof of your Social Security number

The simplest way to prove your Social Security number is to bring your original Social Security card. If you do not have it or it is lost, you can bring a document issued by a government agency that displays your full Social Security number. This includes a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, a paystub, or a document from the Social Security Administration itself.

If you cannot find any of these, you can bring a letter from your employer on company letterhead that states your Social Security number. The DHSMV will accept this as long as it is an original document, not a photocopy. If you do not have a Social Security number because you are not a U.S. citizen, you will need to bring your immigration documents instead and follow the process for non-citizens.

Additional documents for non-U.S. citizens

If you are a permanent resident, bring your green card (Permanent Resident Card) along with the identity and residency documents listed above. If you are here on a visa, bring your passport and the visa itself, plus your I-94 arrival/departure record. You can print your I-94 from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website if you do not have the paper copy.

If you are a temporary resident with a work visa (such as an H-1B or L-1), bring your passport, visa, and employment authorization document (EAD). If you are a refugee or asylee, bring your passport and your refugee travel document or advance parole document. The DHSMV has a full list of accepted immigration documents on its website, organized by visa type.

What to bring if you already have a driver's license

If you are renewing your Florida license or switching from an out-of-state license, bring your current license along with the identity, residency, and Social Security documents. Your current license counts as proof of identity, so you may not need to bring a passport or birth certificate — but it is safer to bring one anyway in case the DHSMV staff asks for a second form of ID.

If you are replacing a lost or stolen Florida license, bring the identity and residency documents. You do not need to bring proof of Social Security number again if the DHSMV already has it on file, but bringing it does not hurt. If your name has changed since your last license (through marriage, divorce, or court order), bring the document that proves the change, such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree.

Documents you do not need to bring

You do not need to bring your Social Security card if you have another document that shows your number. You do not need to bring multiple documents in each category — one proof of identity, one proof of address, and one proof of Social Security number is enough. You do not need to bring originals of documents you have already submitted to the DHSMV in the past; the office keeps records.

You do not need to bring a completed process form — the DHSMV provides forms at the office and staff will help you fill it out. You do not need to bring passport photos; the DHSMV takes your photo at the office as part of the license process. If you are under 18, you do not need to bring a parent or guardian, though one must sign your process.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The DHSMV requires original documents only. You cannot use screenshots, photos on your phone, or printed copies. The staff must see and examine the originals in person before returning them to you.

What if my address on my utility bill does not match my lease?

Bring both documents. If they show different addresses, the DHSMV will ask which one is your current address. Bring the document that matches where you actually live now. If you have just moved, bring your new lease and a document from your old address showing the move-out date if you have one.

Can I use my passport card instead of my full passport?

Yes. A passport card is an acceptable proof of identity and counts as a U.S. passport for DHSMV purposes. You do not need to bring both — either one works.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

If you are a non-citizen without a Social Security number, you can still get a Florida driver's license. Bring your immigration documents (green card, visa, or other proof of legal status) instead. The DHSMV will issue you a license marked for non-citizens.

Do I need to bring my birth certificate if I have a passport?

No. A passport is sufficient proof of identity and citizenship. You do not need to bring your birth certificate as well. However, bringing both does not hurt and can speed up the process if the staff has any questions.