Documents required for a Florida driver's license
To get a Florida driver's license, you need to bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Florida residency to a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office. The specific documents accepted in each category are set by state law, and not all documents work for all purposes — a document that proves identity may not prove residency, for example.
You do not need to gather every possible document. You need one document from the identity category, one from the Social Security category, and one from the residency category. The DHSMV publishes the full list of acceptable documents on its website, organized by category, so you can choose which documents you already have rather than obtaining new ones.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring one proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), one proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2), and one proof of Florida residency (such as a utility bill or lease) to a DHSMV office.
- Original documents or certified copies are required for identity and Social Security proof; utility bills and other residency documents can be originals or copies.
- If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must bring the document that shows the legal change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
- You can check the DHSMV website to see which specific documents the office accepts before you visit, so you do not make a wasted trip.
Proof of identity documents
The DHSMV accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate, permanent resident card (green card), employment authorization document, visa, or state ID card from another state as proof of identity. If you were born outside the United States, your birth certificate must be an official document issued by the vital records office of the country or state where you were born, not a hospital record or photocopy.
Your identity document must be an original or a certified copy. A certified copy is a photocopy stamped and signed by the office that issued the original. If you bring a photocopy that is not certified, the DHSMV will not accept it. If your identity document is in a language other than English, you must bring an English translation certified by a translator.
Proof of Social Security number
The DHSMV accepts a Social Security card, W-2 form, 1099 form, or other tax document that shows your full Social Security number as proof. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one, and you will receive a license marked "Not for Federal Purposes."
Like identity documents, your Social Security proof must be an original or certified copy. Tax documents such as W-2s and 1099s can be originals or copies, since they are issued by employers and the IRS rather than government vital records offices.
Proof of Florida residency
The DHSMV accepts utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax bills, homeowners insurance policies, bank statements, or government mail addressed to you at a Florida address as proof of residency. The document must show your name and a current Florida address, and it must be dated within the last 60 days.
Residency documents do not need to be originals or certified copies — a photocopy is acceptable. If you live with someone else and do not have a utility bill or lease in your name, you can bring a signed letter from the person whose name is on the bill or lease, along with a copy of that document, stating that you live at that address. The letter must include the resident's name, address, phone number, and signature.
Name change documents
If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued, you must bring the document that shows the legal change. For marriage, bring the original or certified copy of your marriage certificate. For divorce, bring the original or certified copy of your divorce decree. For a court-ordered name change, bring the original or certified copy of the court order.
If you are a woman who married and took your spouse's last name, or if you divorced and changed your name back, the DHSMV will not issue a license in your new name without the marriage certificate or divorce decree. The same rule applies to any other legal name change.
What to bring if you were born outside the United States
If you were born outside the United States, your birth certificate must be an official vital record issued by the government of the country or state where you were born. Hospital records, religious records, and documents issued by private organizations are not accepted. If your birth certificate is in a language other than English, you must bring an English translation certified by a professional translator.
You will also need to bring your passport, visa, permanent resident card, or employment authorization document as your identity proof. If you are a permanent resident, bring your green card. If you are in the United States on a visa, bring your visa and your passport.
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 Social Security number, such as a W-2 or tax return. You do not need to bring multiple documents from each category — one from each category is sufficient. You do not need to bring a completed process form; the DHSMV provides forms at the office.
You do not need to bring proof of insurance, vehicle registration, or any other vehicle-related documents to get a driver's license. Those documents are required only if you are also registering a vehicle at the same time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a copy of my birth certificate instead of the original?
Only if the copy is certified. A certified copy is stamped and signed by the vital records office that issued the original. A photocopy you make yourself will not be accepted. You can order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born.
What if my residency document is older than 60 days?
The DHSMV will not accept it. You will need to bring a document dated within the last 60 days, such as a recent utility bill, bank statement, or lease. If you just moved to Florida, ask your utility company or bank for a statement showing your new address, or bring a copy of your signed lease.
Do I need to bring documents if I am renewing my license?
No. If you are renewing a license you already have, you can renew by mail or online without bringing documents. You need documents only if you are getting a license for the first time, if your license has been expired for more than six months, or if you are changing your name or address.
What if I do not have a Social Security number?
You can still get a Florida driver's license. Bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for a Social Security number. Your license will be marked "Not for Federal Purposes," which means it cannot be used for federal identification but is valid for driving in Florida.
Can someone else bring my documents for me?
No. You must appear in person at a DHSMV office with your documents. The office staff will verify your identity and take your photograph. You cannot send someone else to get a license on your behalf.