What you need to get a Florida driver's license
Florida issues driver's licenses through the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). To get one, you need to visit a local DHSMV office in person, bring specific documents, pass a written test and a driving test, and pay a fee. The whole process typically takes a few weeks from the day you first visit until you receive your license in the mail.
You cannot complete this process online or by mail — you must appear at an office. The state has about 70 DHSMV locations across Florida, and you can visit any of them; you do not have to go to the one nearest your home.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring proof of identity, proof of Florida residency, and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to your first DHSMV visit.
- Florida requires you to pass a written knowledge test covering traffic laws and road signs, and a practical driving test with an examiner in your own vehicle.
- The written test can be taken on the same day as your office visit, but the driving test is usually scheduled for a later appointment.
- The current fee for a Florida driver's license is $75 for an eight-year license, though the price may change and varies slightly for different license types.
- Your license arrives by mail within two to three weeks after you pass both tests; you receive a temporary paper permit to drive while you wait.
Documents you must bring to the DHSMV office
Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or consular report of birth. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or a travel document issued by your country. A photocopy is not acceptable — the document itself must be there.
You also need proof that you live in Florida. Acceptable documents include a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill with your name and current Florida address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement or credit card statement also works if it shows your name and address.
Bring your Social Security card or a letter from the Social Security Administration showing your number. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) letter from the IRS. You will also need to bring any previous driver's licenses you have held, even if they are from other states.
The written knowledge test
The written test covers Florida traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can take it on the same day you visit the DHSMV office for the first time. The test has 50 questions, and you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass — that is an 80 percent score.
The test is offered in English and in several other languages. You can request a reader or interpreter if you need one, though you should call ahead to confirm availability. The DHSMV office will tell you the test results when ready after you finish.
If you do not pass, you can retake the test the same day or come back another day. There is no waiting period between attempts, though you may have to pay a small fee each time you retake it.
The driving test and what examiners look for
After you pass the written test, the DHSMV schedules you for a driving test with an examiner. This test usually happens within one to four weeks, depending on how busy your local office is. You take the test in your own vehicle — the state does not provide one. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition.
The examiner watches you perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and backing up. They also observe how you handle traffic, follow traffic signals, and respond to other drivers. The test usually lasts 10 to 15 minutes and covers both residential streets and busier roads. You must pass this test to receive your license.
Bring your temporary permit, proof of insurance, and the vehicle's registration to the driving test. If you fail, you can schedule another test, though there may be a waiting period and an additional fee.
Age-specific requirements for teen drivers
If you are under 18, Florida has additional rules. You must first get a learner's permit and hold it for at least one month before taking the driving test. You also need a signed consent form from a parent or guardian, and you must complete a driver education course approved by the state.
Teen drivers under 18 are also subject to restrictions once they receive their license. For the first three months, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to work or school. You also cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, except in emergencies.
Renewing or replacing your Florida license
Florida driver's licenses are valid for eight years. You can renew online through the DHSMV website if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have not had any address changes, and you do not need to update your photo. Online renewal costs $47.50 and takes about two weeks.
If you need to renew in person — for example, because you want a new photo or have moved — visit a DHSMV office with your current license and proof of your new address if you have moved. If your license is lost or stolen, report it to the DHSMV and request a replacement. A replacement license costs $25.
Fees and what to expect after you pass
A standard eight-year Florida driver's license costs $75. If you are 65 or older, a four-year license costs $10. Commercial driver's licenses and other specialty licenses have different fees. Payment is made at the DHSMV office by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
After you pass both the written and driving tests, you receive a temporary paper permit valid for 30 days. This permit allows you to drive while your permanent license is being printed and mailed. Your permanent license arrives within two to three weeks. If you do not receive it within that time, contact the DHSMV to check the status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test before I visit the DHSMV office in person?
No. You must visit a DHSMV office in person to take the written test. You cannot take it online or at home. However, you can take the written test and schedule your driving test on the same day you first visit the office.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can schedule another driving test. There is usually a waiting period of a few days to a week before you can retake it, and you may have to pay a fee each time. Your temporary permit remains valid while you wait for your next test appointment.
Do I need to bring my own car for the driving test?
Yes. The DHSMV does not provide a vehicle. Your car must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check the brakes, lights, and wipers before the test begins.
Can I renew my license online?
You can renew online if your license is not suspended, you have not moved, and you do not need a new photo. Online renewal costs $47.50 and takes about two weeks. If any of these conditions do not explore, you must renew in person at a DHSMV office.
How long is my temporary permit valid?
Your temporary paper permit is valid for 30 days after you pass both tests. Your permanent license should arrive by mail within two to three weeks. If it does not arrive within 30 days, contact the DHSMV to report it.