Documents and identification you must bring

Florida requires you to bring five categories of documents to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office when you explore for a driver's license. You cannot complete the process without all of them, and the office will turn you away if any are missing.

First, you need proof of identity. This can be a valid passport, a certified birth certificate, a consular report of birth abroad, or a valid foreign passport. Second, you need proof of Social Security number — your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return showing your number. Third, you need proof of Florida residency. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a homeowner's insurance policy, or a property tax bill. All residency documents must be dated within the last 60 days. Fourth, you need proof of your name if it differs from your birth certificate — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Fifth, if you are under 18, you need a notarized parental consent form or a parent or guardian present at the office.

Bring originals or certified copies. The DHSMV will not accept photocopies of most documents. If your documents are in a language other than English, bring a certified English translation along with the original.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring proof of identity, Social Security number, Florida residency (dated within 60 days), and proof of name change if applicable.
  • Minors need either a notarized parental consent form or a parent or guardian present at the DHSMV office.
  • All documents must be originals or certified copies; photocopies are not accepted.
  • The written test covers Florida traffic laws and road signs, and you must score at least 80 percent to pass.
  • The vision screening and road test are separate from the written test and must be passed on the same day or scheduled for a later appointment.

The written test and what it covers

After you submit your documents, you will take a written test at the DHSMV office. The test has 50 questions and covers Florida traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and parking rules. You must answer at least 40 questions correctly to pass — that is a score of 80 percent.

The DHSMV provides a free study guide called the Florida Driver's Handbook, available on the DHSMV website and at any DHSMV office. Many people study this handbook for a few days before taking the test. You can take the test in English or Spanish. If you need the test in another language, contact your local DHSMV office to ask about availability.

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you will pay the test fee each time you take it.

Vision screening and the road test

After you pass the written test, you will have your vision screened at the DHSMV office. The screener will check your eyesight to make sure you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision screening, you cannot take the road test that day.

The road test is a separate appointment, usually scheduled for a later date. During the road test, a DHSMV examiner will ride with you in your own vehicle and observe your driving for about 20 minutes. The examiner will ask you to perform basic maneuvers like parking, turning, and stopping. You must follow all traffic laws and demonstrate safe driving habits. If you pass, you will receive your license on the spot or by mail within a few days.

You must bring your own vehicle to the road test, and it must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have valid license plates and working headlights, brake lights, and turn signals. If your vehicle does not meet these requirements, the examiner will not conduct the test.

Fees and payment methods

The cost of a Florida driver's license varies depending on the type and length of validity. A standard eight-year license for someone 21 or older costs $75. A license for someone under 21 costs $45 and is valid until age 21. A renewal license costs $47.50. These fees cover the written test, vision screening, and road test.

The DHSMV accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at most offices. Some offices may accept checks. Call your local DHSMV office to confirm which payment methods they accept before you go.

How to schedule your appointment

You can schedule a DHSMV appointment online through the DHSMV website or by calling 1-844-DL-RENEW (1-844-357-3639). Online scheduling is usually faster and lets you pick a specific date and time. If you call, wait times can be long, especially during peak hours.

When you schedule online, you will select your local DHSMV office, the type of service you need (new license, renewal, or replacement), and your preferred date and time. You will receive a confirmation number by email or text. Bring this confirmation number with you to your appointment.

Walk-in appointments are also available at most DHSMV offices, but wait times are typically longer than scheduled appointments. If you walk in, arrive early in the morning for the shortest wait.

Special requirements for different situations

If you are a Florida resident who recently moved from another state, you must surrender your out-of-state license when you explore for a Florida license. Bring it with you to the DHSMV office. You do not need to wait for it to expire.

If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL) or a motorcycle endorsement, you will need additional documents and tests. Contact your local DHSMV office for details about what you need to bring and what the testing process involves.

If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive, you may need a doctor's statement. The DHSMV will tell you if this is required based on your medical history. Some conditions may result in restrictions on your license, such as corrective lenses or daylight-only driving.

What to expect at your appointment

Arrive at your DHSMV office 10 to 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. Bring all required documents, your confirmation number, and payment. The entire process usually takes 30 to 60 minutes if you pass all tests on the first try.

A DHSMV staff member will review your documents and answer any questions. You will then take the written test on a computer at the office. If you pass, you will move to the vision screening. If you pass the vision screening, the examiner will schedule your road test for a later date, or you may be able to take it the same day if an examiner is available.

If you fail any part of the test, you will be told what you need to do to retake it. You can usually retake the written test or vision screening the same day, but the road test must be scheduled for another appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online or at home?

No. The written test must be taken in person at a DHSMV office. You cannot take it online or by mail. You must go to an office to take the test and receive your license.

What if I lose my documents before my appointment?

Contact the agency that issued the document and request a replacement. For a birth certificate, contact the vital records office in the state where you were born. For a Social Security card, visit your local Social Security office. For a utility bill or other residency proof, contact the company that issued it. Plan for extra time to get replacements before your appointment.

Do I need to take a road test if I already have a license from another state?

Yes. Florida requires all new applicants to pass a road test, even if you have a valid license from another state. The only exception is if you are renewing a Florida license you already hold.

What happens if I fail the road test?

You can schedule another road test appointment. There is no waiting period, but you will pay the test fee again. Most people pass on their second or third attempt. The examiner will tell you what you need to work on before your next test.

Can someone else pick up my license if I cannot go to the office?

No. You must be present to explore for and receive your license. You cannot have someone else explore on your behalf or pick up your license for you.