What you need to get a Florida driver license

To get a Florida driver license, you must visit a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pass a written test and a driving test, and pay the fee. Florida does not issue licenses by mail or online. You cannot renew in person for your first license — you must take both tests at an office.

The process takes about 30 to 45 minutes at the office if you have all documents ready. If you fail either test, you can retake it the same day or return another day; there is no waiting period between attempts. Your license is valid for eight years from the date you receive it.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring an original or certified birth certificate, a Social Security card or tax document, and proof of your current Florida address to the DHSMV office.
  • Florida requires you to pass a written knowledge test and a behind-the-wheel driving test before you receive your license.
  • The fee for a Florida driver license is $75 for an eight-year license, and payment is cash, check, or card at the office.
  • If you move to Florida from another state, you have 30 days to exchange your out-of-state license for a Florida license.
  • You can study for the written test using the official Florida Driver License Handbook, available free on the DHSMV website.

Documents you must bring to the DHSMV office

Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate. A photocopy is not accepted. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or permanent resident card (green card) instead.

Bring a Social Security card, or if you do not have one, bring a tax return, W-2 form, or 1099 form with your Social Security number on it. Bring proof of your current Florida address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works.

If you are under 18, bring a parent or legal guardian with you. They must sign your process in person. If you are 18 or older, you do not need anyone with you.

The written test and what it covers

The written test has 50 questions about Florida traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 40 questions correctly to pass. The test is given on a computer at the DHSMV office, and you can take it in English or Spanish.

The test covers right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, seat belt laws, what different road signs mean, and how to handle emergencies on the road. You can study using the official Florida Driver License Handbook, which is free on the DHSMV website. Many people also study using practice tests available online.

If you fail, you can retake the test when ready or come back another day. There is no fee to retake the test.

The driving test and what the examiner watches for

The driving test lasts about 20 minutes. You drive a route chosen by the examiner, who sits in the passenger seat and watches how you handle the vehicle. The examiner checks whether you can start the car, steer smoothly, brake safely, turn correctly, park, and follow traffic signs and signals.

You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle's headlights, brake lights, windshield wipers, and tires must all work. You must wear a seat belt, and the examiner will wear one too.

Common reasons people fail the driving test are running a stop sign or red light, speeding, hitting the curb while parking, not checking mirrors before turning, and not signaling. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or return another day.

Fees and how to pay

A Florida driver license costs $75 for an eight-year license. You pay at the DHSMV office when you pass both tests. The office accepts cash, check, or debit and credit cards.

If you are a Florida resident renewing a license you already have, the cost is lower — $48 for eight years — but that is a renewal, not a first license. First-time applicants always pay $75.

If you are moving to Florida from another state

If you hold a valid driver license from another state, you have 30 days from the date you move to Florida to exchange it for a Florida license. After 30 days, you cannot legally drive in Florida on an out-of-state license.

To exchange your license, visit a DHSMV office with your out-of-state license, proof of Florida residency, and your Social Security card or tax document. You do not have to take the written test or driving test if your out-of-state license is valid and you are not under suspension in any state. You pay $75 for the new Florida license.

If your out-of-state license is expired, suspended, or revoked, you must take both tests as if you were a first-time applicant.

Where to find a DHSMV office near you

Florida has DHSMV offices in every county. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the official DHSMV website. Some offices are busier than others — offices in large cities often have longer wait times than rural offices.

Many offices allow you to make an appointment online before you visit. Making an appointment can shorten your wait time, though walk-ins are also accepted. Check the website for your local office to see if appointments are available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online or by mail?

No. Florida requires you to take both the written test and the driving test in person at a DHSMV office. You cannot take either test remotely or by mail.

What if I fail the driving test — how long do I have to wait to retake it?

You can retake the driving test the same day if you want, or you can come back another day. There is no mandatory waiting period between attempts. You do not pay a fee to retake the test.

Do I need a Real ID compliant license, or is a regular Florida license enough?

A regular Florida driver license is enough to drive. However, if you want to use your license to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building, you need a Real ID compliant license. Real ID costs $15 extra and requires additional documents. Ask at the DHSMV office if you need it.

What happens if I move out of Florida — do I have to turn in my license?

No. Your Florida license remains valid until it expires, even if you move to another state. However, if you move to another state and plan to stay there, you should get a license from that state within the time frame that state requires.

Can I get a Florida license if I have been suspended or revoked in another state?

No. If your license is suspended or revoked in any state, you cannot get a Florida license until that suspension or revocation is lifted. You must contact the state that suspended or revoked your license to find out how to clear it.