What you need to bring to the DMV

Florida's Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) requires you to bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Florida residency. You cannot complete this in one visit without the right documents, so gathering them first saves time.

For identity, bring a valid passport, a birth certificate with a raised seal, or a consular report of birth abroad. A school ID or work ID alone will not work. For Social Security, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government check showing your current Florida address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.

If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must be present with their own ID. If you are renewing a license that expired more than six months ago, you will be treated as a new applicant and must bring all these documents again.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring proof of identity (passport or birth certificate), proof of Social Security number (Social Security card or tax form), and proof of Florida residency (utility bill or lease dated within 60 days).
  • The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices; you can study using the official DHSMV handbook available free online.
  • The driving test requires you to bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and has working lights and wipers; the examiner will watch you perform basic maneuvers and drive on public roads.
  • Processing takes one to two weeks for a standard license mailed to your address; you receive a temporary paper license at the office that day.
  • You can visit any DHSMV office, but scheduling an appointment online reduces wait time from hours to minutes.

How to schedule your visit and what to expect

Visit the DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov and click "Schedule an Appointment" to book a time at your nearest office. You can also walk in without an appointment, but you may wait two to four hours depending on the office and time of day. Appointments typically have you in and out within 30 minutes.

When you arrive, bring all your documents and your current out-of-state license if you have one. Tell the clerk you are a new Florida resident or a first-time driver. They will verify your documents, take your photo and fingerprints, and collect your fee. The fee for a standard eight-year license is $75 for drivers 21 and older; it is $30 for drivers 16 to 20.

You will receive a temporary paper license that day, valid for 30 days while your plastic card is printed and mailed. The plastic license arrives in one to two weeks. If you need to drive before your appointment, you cannot use an expired out-of-state license; you must have the temporary paper license from Florida.

Passing the written test

The written test has 50 questions covering traffic signs, right-of-way rules, parking laws, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 40 correctly to pass. The test is given on a computer at the DHSMV office, and you can take it the same day as your appointment if you schedule it that way.

Study using the official DHSMV Handbook, available free as a PDF on flhsmv.gov. The handbook covers every topic on the test. Read it twice and take the practice test on the website; most people who study the handbook pass on their first try. You can request the test in Spanish, Creole, or several other languages if English is not your first language.

If you fail, you can retake the test the same day at no extra cost. If you fail twice, you must wait one week before your third attempt. Most people pass within two tries.

Scheduling and passing the driving test

After you pass the written test, the clerk will schedule your driving test for a separate appointment, usually within one to three weeks. You will receive a notice with the date, time, and location. The test takes about 20 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, parking, turning, and driving on public roads.

Bring a vehicle that is registered in Florida, has current insurance, and has working headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, windshield wipers, and mirrors. The examiner will inspect these before the test begins. The vehicle must have a valid inspection sticker if it is more than two years old. Bring your temporary paper license and the notice the clerk gave you.

The examiner will ask you to perform a three-point turn, back into a space, and drive on local roads while following traffic laws. Common reasons people fail are rolling through stop signs, not checking mirrors, and improper lane changes. If you fail, you can retake the test after one week. Most people pass within two tries.

What happens after you pass the driving test

Once you pass the driving test, the examiner will tell you that day. You do not need to return to the office. Your plastic license will be mailed within one to two weeks to the address you provided. Your temporary paper license remains valid during this time.

If you do not receive your license within three weeks, call the DHSMV at 1-844-DL-FLOR1 (1-844-353-5671) to check the status. Have your temporary license number ready. If your address changes before the license arrives, you can update it on the DHSMV website or at any office.

Renewing or replacing a lost license

If your Florida license is still valid and you are renewing it before it expires, you can renew online at flhsmv.gov without visiting an office. You will pay the renewal fee and receive a new license by mail within two weeks. You do not need to retake the written or driving test.

If your license is lost or stolen, visit any DHSMV office with your ID and proof of residency. You will pay a $25 replacement fee and receive a temporary paper license that day. Your replacement license arrives by mail within one to two weeks. If you need to drive before the replacement arrives, the temporary license is valid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my out-of-state license while I wait for my Florida license?

No. Once you explore for a Florida license, your out-of-state license is no longer valid in Florida. You must use the temporary paper license the DHSMV gives you that day. The temporary license is valid for 30 days while your plastic card is mailed.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test after one week at no extra cost. Schedule your next attempt through the DHSMV office or online. Most people pass within two tries. Focus on the areas where you made mistakes — rolling stops and mirror checks are the most common failures.

Do I need to take the written test again if I already have a valid license from another state?

Yes. Florida requires all new residents to pass the written test, even if you have a valid out-of-state license. You do not need to retake the driving test if your out-of-state license is current and you have held it for at least one year.

How much does a Florida license cost?

A standard eight-year license costs $75 for drivers 21 and older and $30 for drivers 16 to 20. A replacement for a lost or stolen license costs $25. Renewal of an existing license costs $75 for eight years or $48 for four years.

What if I move to a different address in Florida?

You must update your address within 30 days of moving. You can do this online at flhsmv.gov, by mail, or at any DHSMV office. If you update online, you do not need to visit an office. Your license remains valid at your old address until you update it.