Documents and identification you must bring

Florida requires you to bring specific documents to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office. You cannot complete the process without them, and the office will turn you away if you show up without the right paperwork.

You need proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Florida residency. For identity, bring a valid passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a consular report of birth. For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. For residency, bring a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government check — the document must show your current Florida address and be dated within 90 days.

If you are under 18, your parent or legal guardian must be present with you. Bring their ID as well. If you are renewing a license that expired more than six months ago, you may need to retake the written test and the driving test, so plan accordingly.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, military ID, or consular report), proof of your Social Security number (card, W-2, tax return, or 1099), and proof of Florida residency (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 90 days).
  • If you are under 18, your parent or legal guardian must come with you and bring their own ID.
  • If your license expired more than six months ago, you will need to retake both the written test and the driving test.
  • You can find your nearest DHSMV office and check current wait times on the Florida DHSMV website before you go.
  • The fee for a standard driver's license is $48 for an eight-year license or $75 for a 10-year license, payable by cash, check, or card at the office.

The written test and what it covers

The written test has 50 questions about Florida traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 40 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and in other languages including Spanish, Creole, and Portuguese — ask the DHSMV office which languages are available at your location.

You can study using the official Florida Driver's Handbook, which is free and available on the DHSMV website. Many people also use practice tests online, though the official handbook is the most reliable source for what will actually appear on the exam. You get one attempt at the test during your visit; if you fail, you must schedule another appointment to try again.

The driving test and scheduling

After you pass the written test, you take the driving test with a DHSMV examiner. The test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, turning, parking, and following traffic laws. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition — the examiner will check the brakes, lights, and wipers before you start.

You cannot schedule the driving test in advance at most DHSMV offices. Instead, you take the written test first, and if you pass, the office schedules you for the driving test on the same day or gives you an appointment for a later date. Wait times vary by location and time of year; the DHSMV website shows current wait times for each office.

Age-specific rules and restrictions

If you are 15 or 16, you can get a learner's permit instead of a full license. The permit lets you drive with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old in the front seat. You must hold the permit for at least three months before you can take the driving test for a full license.

If you are 16 or 17, you can get a restricted license after passing the driving test. A restricted license has limitations: you cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. unless you are driving to work, school, or a medical appointment, and you cannot use a cell phone while driving. The restrictions lift when you turn 18.

If you are 18 or older and have never held a Florida license, you follow the standard process: written test, then driving test. If you are moving to Florida from another state and already have a valid license, you can exchange it for a Florida license without retaking either test — bring your out-of-state license and the same identity and residency documents.

Where to go and how to prepare

You must visit a DHSMV office in person. You cannot complete a license process online or by mail. Florida has about 70 DHSMV offices statewide; you can find the one nearest you on the DHSMV website, which also shows hours, current wait times, and which services each office offers.

Arrive early in the day if possible — wait times are usually shorter in the morning and longer in the afternoon. Bring all your documents in originals or certified copies; photocopies are not accepted. If any of your documents are in a language other than English, bring a certified English translation as well.

The entire process — written test, driving test, and license issuance — can take anywhere from two to four hours depending on how busy the office is and whether you pass both tests on your first attempt. If you fail either test, you will need to schedule another visit.

Fees and payment methods

A standard driver's license costs $48 for an eight-year license or $75 for a 10-year license. The longer license is a better value if you plan to stay in Florida. You pay at the DHSMV office on the day you get your license. The office accepts cash, checks, and debit or credit cards.

If you need a replacement license because yours was lost or stolen, the fee is the same. If you need a corrected license because of an error on your current one, there is no fee — bring your current license and proof of the correct information.

What happens after you pass

If you pass both the written and driving tests, the DHSMV office prints your license on the spot. You walk out with it the same day. Your license is valid when ready and can be used for identification and driving right away.

Your new license will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days if you applied in person at an office. The temporary license you receive at the office is valid until the permanent one arrives. Keep the temporary license with you while you drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online or at home?

No. Both the written test and the driving test must be taken in person at a DHSMV office with an examiner present. You cannot take either test remotely or by mail.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can schedule another appointment to retake it. There is no fee to retake the test, but you will need to return to the DHSMV office and wait for an available examiner. You do not need to retake the written test if you passed it on your first attempt.

Do I need a Social Security number to get a Florida driver's license?

Yes. Florida law requires you to provide your Social Security number as part of the process. You must bring one of the documents listed above that shows your number. If you do not have a Social Security number, contact the Social Security Administration before you visit the DHSMV office.

Can I renew my license online if it is still valid?

Yes. If your license is still valid and you have not had any changes to your name or address, you can renew it online through the DHSMV website. You do not need to visit an office or retake any tests. The renewal fee is lower than getting a new license.

What if my documents are from another country?

You can use a foreign passport as proof of identity. For other documents from outside the United States, bring a certified English translation along with the original. The DHSMV office will tell you if a translation is acceptable or if you need a different document.