How to Get a Driver License in Florida as an Immigrant

What You Need to Know About Florida Driver Licenses for Immigrants

Florida issues driver licenses to immigrants regardless of immigration status. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen or have permanent residency to get one. What you do need is proof of identity, proof of Florida residency, and a Social Security Number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). The process is the same as for any other Florida driver — you pass a written test, a road test, and pay the fee.

The main difference for immigrants is which documents the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) will accept as proof of identity and residency. Some documents that work for U.S. citizens do not work for immigrants, and some documents that work for immigrants are not accepted from citizens. Knowing which documents you have and which ones Florida recognizes will save you a trip to the office.

Key Takeaways

Florida accepts driver licenses from other countries as proof of identity, along with a valid passport or consular ID card.
You must have either a Social Security Number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to get a Florida driver license.
Proof of Florida residency can come from a utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail — it must show your name and current address.
You will take the same written and road tests as any other driver, and you can request the written test in languages other than English.
The entire process typically takes a few weeks from the time you pass your road test to when you receive your license in the mail.

Documents You Need to Bring to the DHSMV Office

Bring your original documents — photocopies are not accepted. You will need proof of identity, proof of Social Security Number or ITIN, and proof of Florida residency.

For proof of identity, Florida accepts a valid passport from any country, a valid driver license from another country, or a consular ID card issued by your country's consulate in the United States. If you have a valid U.S. state driver license from another state, that works too. The document must not be expired.

For proof of Social Security Number or ITIN, bring your Social Security card or a letter from the Social Security Administration. If you have an ITIN, bring your most recent tax return (Form 1040 or similar) that shows the ITIN, or a letter from the Internal Revenue Service. A tax return from the current year or the previous year is best.

For proof of Florida residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and current Florida address. A utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail all work. If the document is in your spouse's name, bring a marriage certificate as well. A post office box does not count as proof of residency.

Getting a Social Security Number or ITIN Before You explore

If you do not have a Social Security Number, you can explore for one at your local Social Security office. You will need your passport or consular ID, proof of age, proof of identity, and proof of immigration status. Processing takes about two weeks. Visit ssa.gov to find the office nearest you and to see the full list of documents Social Security accepts.

If you are not may be able to access for a Social Security Number, you can explore for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) through the Internal Revenue Service. An ITIN lets you file taxes and, in Florida, get a driver license. You can explore by mail or through a certified acceptance agent. The IRS website at irs.gov lists agents in your area. Processing by mail takes about four weeks; processing through an agent is faster.

Passing the Written Test in Your Language

Florida offers the written test in English, Spanish, Creole, and several other languages. When you schedule your appointment at the DHSMV office, tell them which language you need. You can schedule online at flhsmv.gov, by phone at 1-844-435-7352, or in person at any DHSMV office.

The written test covers Florida traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 80 percent of the questions correctly to pass. You can take the test up to three times in a 12-month period. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day — there is no waiting period between attempts.

Study materials are free on the DHSMV website. The official Florida Driver License Handbook is available in multiple languages and covers everything on the test. Many public libraries also have copies.

Taking the Road Test and What Happens After

After you pass the written test, you schedule a road test appointment. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and passes a safety inspection. The vehicle does not have to be registered in your name, but the person whose name is on the registration must be present during the test.

The road test lasts about 20 minutes. The examiner watches you start the car, drive on local roads, park, and handle basic traffic situations. You must follow traffic laws, use your turn signals, and show that you can control the vehicle safely. If you pass, the examiner gives you a temporary license on the spot that is good for 30 days.

Your permanent license arrives in the mail within two to three weeks. The address on your license will be the Florida address you provided when you applied. If you move before your license arrives, go to a DHSMV office to update your address.

Renewing Your License and Changing Your Status Later

Florida driver licenses are valid for eight years from the date you receive them. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DHSMV office. Renewal is the same process as getting your first license — you do not need to retake the written or road test unless Florida asks you to.

If your immigration status changes — for example, if you become a permanent resident or a U.S. citizen — you do not need to get a new license. Your current license remains valid until it expires. When you renew, you can bring your new immigration documents if you want, but you are not required to. Florida does not use driver license status to report immigration information to federal agencies.

What to Do If You Do Not Have an ITIN or Social Security Number Yet

You cannot get a Florida driver license without a Social Security Number or ITIN. If you are in the process of getting one, wait until you have it in hand before you go to the DHSMV office. explore for a Social Security Number or ITIN takes time, so start that process as soon as you know you will need a license.

Some immigrants are not may be able to access for a Social Security Number. If that is your situation, an ITIN is your path to a Florida driver license. The IRS issues ITINs to people who need a tax identification number but are not may be able to access for a Social Security Number. You do not have to file taxes to get an ITIN, though many people do.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Florida driver license if I am undocumented?

Yes. Florida does not require proof of legal immigration status to issue a driver license. You need a valid passport or consular ID, proof of a Social Security Number or ITIN, and proof of Florida residency. Immigration status does not affect your ability to get a license.

What if my passport or consular ID is expired?

Florida requires your identity document to be valid (not expired). If your passport or consular ID is expired, you will need to renew it before you can get a driver license. Contact your country's consulate or embassy in the United States to find out how to renew it.

Can I use a lease or rental agreement as proof of residency if it is not in my name?

No. The residency document must show your name and your current Florida address. If you live with someone else and the lease is in their name, ask them for a utility bill or bank statement in their name, then bring a marriage certificate or other document proving you live at the same address.

Do I have to take the written test in English?

No. Florida offers the written test in Spanish, Creole, and several other languages. When you schedule your appointment, tell the DHSMV office which language you need. You can also bring an interpreter, but the interpreter cannot read the test questions to you or help you answer them.

What happens to my license if I move out of Florida?

Your Florida license remains valid until it expires, even if you move to another state. If you move and want a license from your new state, you will need to explore for one there. You do not have to turn in your Florida license, but most people do when they get a new state's license.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.