Where to find your issue date on your Florida license

Your Florida driver's license has the issue date printed on the front, in the lower left corner. It appears as a small line of text that reads "ISS" followed by the month, day, and year — for example, "ISS 03/15/2019". This is the date the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) issued your current license to you.

If you cannot read the date clearly because the license is worn or faded, or if you have lost your license and need to know when it was issued, you have other ways to find this information. The DHSMV keeps a record of every license they have issued, and you can request your driving record to see the exact date.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Florida license issue date is printed on the front in the lower left corner, marked as "ISS" followed by the month, day, and year.
  • You can request your driving record from the DHSMV online, by mail, or in person at any Florida driver license office.
  • An online driving record request costs around $7.50 and takes a few minutes to complete through the DHSMV website.
  • If you have lost your license, you will need to know the issue date to understand how long until your renewal is due.

Getting your driving record from DHSMV online

The fastest way to find your issue date is to order your driving record through the DHSMV website. Go to flhsmv.gov and look for the "Driving Records" section. You will see an option to order your record online. You will need your driver license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to complete the request.

The online system will show you your current license information, including the exact issue date. The record is delivered to your email address within a few minutes. There is a fee of around $7.50, which you pay by credit or debit card at the time of your request. This method works whether your license is still in your possession or you have lost it.

Requesting your record by mail or in person

If you prefer not to order online, you can request your driving record by mail. Send a letter to the DHSMV with your name, date of birth, driver license number, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Include a check or money order for the fee (around $7.50) made out to the DHSMV. Mail it to the address listed on the DHSMV website under "Mailing Address for Records Requests."

You can also visit any Florida driver license office in person and request your record at the counter. Bring your driver license or another form of identification. The staff will print your record on the spot, and you will have your issue date when ready. The fee is the same whether you request it by mail or in person.

Why you might need to know your issue date

Your license issue date matters because it determines when your license expires and when you need to renew it. Florida driver licenses are valid for eight years from the issue date (or six years if you are over 79). If you have lost your license and are trying to figure out whether you can still use it or need to renew, the issue date tells you how much time has passed.

The issue date is also useful if you are explore for a job, a loan, or another service that requires proof of how long you have held a valid Florida license. Some employers or agencies want to know that you have had a current license for a certain length of time. Your driving record, which includes the issue date, serves as official proof.

Understanding the difference between issue date and expiration date

Your issue date is when DHSMV created your current license. Your expiration date is when that license stops being valid. These are two different pieces of information, and both appear on your license. The expiration date is printed on the front of your license in the lower right corner, marked as "EXP" followed by the month, day, and year.

To find out how long until your license expires, look at the expiration date, not the issue date. If the expiration date has already passed, your license is no longer valid for driving, and you will need to renew it. The DHSMV website has a tool that lets you check your renewal status and see whether your license is current.

What to do if your license information does not match your records

Sometimes the issue date on your physical license does not match what appears in the DHSMV system. This can happen if your license was replaced or reissued for any reason — for example, if you changed your address, corrected your name, or got a duplicate after losing your original. The date in the DHSMV system is the official one, so if there is a discrepancy, trust the record you receive from the DHSMV.

If you notice a major error — such as a completely wrong date or a date that does not make sense — contact the DHSMV directly. You can call their customer service line or visit a driver license office in person. Bring your license and any documents that support the correct date, such as your renewal notice or an old license. Staff can help you understand what happened and correct the record if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get my driving record in the mail?

The DHSMV typically processes mail requests within 7 to 10 business days. The record is then mailed to your address, which can take another few days depending on your location. If you need the information quickly, ordering online is much faster — you will have it within minutes.

Can I find my issue date if I have a learner's permit instead of a full license?

Yes. Learner's permits also have an issue date printed on them, usually in the same location as on a full license. If you cannot read it, you can request your driving record the same way — online, by mail, or in person at a driver license office.

What if I have had my license renewed — does the issue date change?

Yes. When you renew your license, DHSMV issues you a new license with a new issue date. The new issue date is the date of your renewal, not the date you first got your original license. Your old license's issue date is no longer relevant once you renew.

Do I need my Social Security number to order my record online?

You need the last four digits of your Social Security number, not the full number. This is a security measure to make sure you are the person requesting the record. If you do not have your Social Security number available, you can request your record by mail or in person instead.