Bring These Documents to the DMV

Florida requires you to bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Florida residency to get a driver license. You do not need all of these from a single source — the state accepts a range of documents, and you pick which ones work for your situation. The specific documents you bring depend on whether you are a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident, or here on a visa.

You must bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies. The DMV will not accept a photo of a document on your phone. If a document is in a language other than English, bring the original plus an English translation certified by a translator.

Key Takeaways

  • You need one document proving who you are, one proving your Social Security number, and one proving you live in Florida — these can be three separate documents.
  • A U.S. passport or passport card counts as proof of identity, Social Security number, and citizenship all at once, so you may only need one document if you have one.
  • A birth certificate counts as proof of identity and citizenship but does not prove your Social Security number, so you will need a second document for that.
  • Proof of residency must show your current name and current Florida address — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works.
  • If you do not have a Social Security number, you can request a tax identification number (ITIN) from the IRS and bring that instead.

Proof of Identity and Citizenship

A U.S. passport or passport card is the easiest single document because it proves identity, citizenship, and Social Security number may be able to access all at once. If you have one, bring it and you are done with this part.

If you do not have a passport, bring a birth certificate (original or certified copy). Florida accepts birth certificates from any U.S. state or territory. The certificate must show your name and date of birth. If your name has changed since the birth certificate was issued — through marriage, divorce, or court order — bring the document that shows the change (marriage license, divorce decree, or court order) along with the birth certificate.

Other documents that count as proof of identity and citizenship include a certificate of naturalization, permanent resident card (green card), or consular report of birth abroad. If you are not a U.S. citizen, bring your visa or employment authorization document (EAD) instead of a citizenship document.

Proof of Social Security Number

You must bring a document that shows your Social Security number. A Social Security card is the most straightforward option. If you have lost your card, you can order a replacement from the Social Security Administration before you go to the DMV, or you can explore for a new one at the same time you explore for your driver license — the DMV will give you a form to request it.

Other documents that show your Social Security number include a W-2 form, 1099 form, or tax return from the past three years. If you have a U.S. passport or passport card, that also counts as proof of your Social Security number.

If you do not have a Social Security number, you can get a tax identification number (ITIN) from the IRS. Bring your ITIN letter from the IRS instead. You will need to fill out Form W-7 and send it to the IRS with supporting documents; the process takes several weeks. Once you receive your ITIN, bring the IRS letter to the DMV.

Proof of Florida Residency

You need one document showing your current name and current Florida address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), lease agreement, or mortgage statement all work. If the document shows only a partial name or an old address, it will not be accepted.

Other documents that count include a property tax bill, homeowners insurance policy, auto insurance policy, bank or credit card statement, or government check (such as unemployment or Social Security). A cell phone bill does not count. If you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, you can bring a letter from a shelter, social service agency, or other organization on their letterhead stating your situation and the address where you are staying.

If you recently moved to Florida and do not yet have a document in your name at your new address, bring a document from your old state showing your name and old address, plus a new document (such as a lease or utility bill) showing your new Florida address. The new document does not have to be in your name if it shows the address where you are living.

What to Bring If You Are Not a U.S. Citizen

If you are a permanent resident, bring your green card (permanent resident card) as proof of identity and immigration status. You still need proof of Social Security number and proof of residency.

If you are on a visa or work authorization, bring your visa, employment authorization document (EAD), or I-94 arrival/departure record. You also need proof of identity — a passport from your home country works. Bring proof of Social Security number and proof of residency as well.

If you are undocumented, Florida does not issue a standard driver license to you. However, Florida does issue a driving privilege card, which allows you to drive legally but is not accepted as proof of citizenship or legal presence. The documents needed for a driving privilege card are different; check the Florida DMV website or visit your local office for that list.

Name Changes and Document Corrections

If your name has changed since your birth certificate or other identity document was issued, bring the document that proves the change. A marriage license proves a name change through marriage. A divorce decree or dissolution of marriage judgment proves a name change through divorce. A court order proves a name change through a legal name change petition.

If a document has your name spelled wrong or contains an error, contact the issuing agency to request a corrected version. The DMV will not accept a document with errors. For a birth certificate, contact the vital records office in the state or territory where you were born. For a Social Security card, contact the Social Security Administration.

What Happens at the DMV

Bring all your documents to your appointment or walk-in visit. A DMV staff member will review them and tell you if anything is missing or unacceptable. If a document does not meet the requirements, you will not be able to complete your process that day — you will need to go home, get the correct document, and come back.

Once your documents are accepted, you will take a written test, an eye test, and a driving test (unless you are renewing). You will also have your photo taken. Bring your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost or damaged while you wait.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photocopy or a photo of my document on my phone?

No. The DMV requires original documents or certified copies. A certified copy is a photocopy stamped and signed by the agency that issued the original. Photocopies you make yourself and photos on your phone are not accepted.

What if my document is in another language?

Bring the original document plus an English translation certified by a professional translator. The translator must sign and date the translation and state that it is accurate. Some documents, such as a passport, may not need translation if they are already in English or have English text.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card if I have a passport?

No. A U.S. passport counts as proof of Social Security number, so you do not need to bring your card. If you have a passport, you only need to bring proof of residency as well.

What if I lost my Social Security card and do not have a W-2 or tax return?

You can order a replacement Social Security card from the Social Security Administration online or by mail before you go to the DMV. If you want to get it at the same time as your driver license, ask the DMV for Form SS-5 and submit it there — they will give you a receipt, and the Social Security Administration will mail your card to you later.

Can I use a cell phone bill as proof of residency?

No. Cell phone bills do not count because they do not reliably show your physical address. Use a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement instead.