Bring these documents to your renewal appointment

Florida requires you to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your current driver's license to renew in person. The specific documents accepted vary depending on whether you're a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident, or a temporary resident. You'll also need to bring your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) — you can write it on the process form if you don't have it memorized.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) maintains a list of acceptable documents for each category. Bringing the wrong document means you'll have to reschedule or make a second trip. The easiest approach is to check the DHSMV website before you go, find your category, and gather everything listed — don't assume a document will work just because it looks official.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring your current Florida driver's license, proof of identity, and proof of residency — all three categories are required.
  • Proof of identity can be a U.S. passport, birth certificate, military ID, or other government-issued document depending on your citizenship status.
  • 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've changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that changed it — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
  • Bring your Social Security number or ITIN in writing if you don't have it memorized, since you'll need it to complete the process.

Proof of identity documents that DHSMV accepts

Your proof of identity must be an original or certified copy — photocopies alone are not accepted. If you're a U.S. citizen, you can bring a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, a passport card, or a Trusted Traveler card (NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST). A school ID does not count, and neither does a Social Security card.

If you're a permanent resident or temporary resident, the rules are different. Permanent residents can use a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) or a valid foreign passport with an I-551 stamp. Temporary residents need a valid foreign passport with an I-94 arrival/departure record, an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), or an I-797 Notice of Action. The document must not be expired, and DHSMV staff will verify it during your appointment.

Proof of residency: what shows your current Florida address

Proof of residency must show your current name and current Florida address. The document must be dated within 90 days of your appointment — if it's older than that, it won't be accepted. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, an insurance policy, or a government letter addressed to you at your Florida address.

Bank statements, credit card statements, and cell phone bills are not accepted as proof of residency. If you've recently moved and don't have a document dated within 90 days yet, you can bring a signed lease or purchase agreement along with an older utility bill or mortgage statement to show the transition. Call your local DHSMV office before your appointment to confirm they'll accept this combination.

Name change documents you must bring

If your name has changed since your last license was issued, you must bring an original or certified copy of the document that changed it. This can be a marriage certificate, a divorce decree, an adoption decree, or a court order for a legal name change. A photocopy is not enough — DHSMV requires the certified version.

If you were married outside Florida, the marriage certificate must be certified by the state or country where it was issued. If you're unsure whether your document is certified, contact the vital records office in the state or country where the event occurred — they can issue a certified copy for a small fee. Bring this certified copy to your appointment along with your other required documents.

Documents to bring if you're renewing early or late

If you're renewing more than six months before your license expires, you'll need the same documents as a regular renewal — there's no difference in what DHSMV requires. If you're renewing after your license has already expired, you still bring the same documents, but you may be required to retake the vision test or written exam depending on how long it's been expired. Check with your local DHSMV office about this before you go.

If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it — you'll need to resolve the suspension or revocation first. Contact DHSMV directly to find out what steps are required in your situation.

What to do if you don't have all the documents

If you're missing a document, you have a few options. For proof of identity, you can order a certified birth certificate from the Florida Department of Health or the vital records office in the state where you were born — this usually takes one to two weeks by mail. For proof of residency, you can request a duplicate utility bill or mortgage statement from your provider, which often arrives within a few days.

If you can't gather everything before your appointment, reschedule rather than showing up incomplete. DHSMV will turn you away if documents are missing, and you'll lose your appointment slot. You can reschedule online through the DHSMV website or by calling your local office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring a photo on my phone instead of a printed document?

No. DHSMV requires original documents or certified copies. A photo of a document on your phone is not accepted. Bring the physical document itself to your appointment.

Does my lease have to be signed by both me and my landlord?

Yes, your lease must be signed by both parties and show your current name and Florida address. An unsigned lease or a lease with only your signature will not be accepted as proof of residency.

What if my utility bill shows my old address but I just moved?

Bring the old utility bill along with a signed lease or purchase agreement for your new address. DHSMV staff can see the transition and may accept both documents together. Call your local office first to confirm they'll take this combination.

Is a notarized document the same as a certified copy?

No. A notarized document has been witnessed by a notary public, but a certified copy is an official copy issued by the government agency that created the original. For birth certificates and other vital records, you need the certified copy, not a notarized one.

Can someone else bring my documents if I can't go in person?

No. You must appear in person at your DHSMV appointment. Someone else cannot submit your documents or renew your license on your behalf.