Where to get your Key West driver license

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) issues all driver licenses in Florida, including in Key West. You cannot get a license from the city or county — only from DHSMV. In Key West, the closest DHSMV office is in Key West itself, located at 3102 Overseas Highway. You can also visit offices in Marathon or on the mainland if that is more convenient.

You do not need an appointment at most DHSMV offices, but wait times vary. Key West's office tends to be busier during tourist season (November through April) and on weekday mornings. You can check current wait times on the DHSMV website before you go, or call ahead to ask about the least crowded times.

If you cannot visit in person, you can renew a license by mail or online if it is not expired by more than six months and you have no medical restrictions. New licenses and licenses expired longer than six months require an in-person visit.

Key Takeaways

  • The DHSMV office in Key West is at 3102 Overseas Highway, and this is the official place to get or renew your Florida driver license.
  • You will need a Social Security number, proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), and proof of Florida residency (such as a utility bill or lease) to explore.
  • A standard Florida driver license costs $75 for an eight-year license and is valid for driving throughout the United States.
  • If you are moving to Key West from another state, you have 30 days to get a Florida license before driving with an out-of-state license becomes illegal.
  • Real ID licenses cost $15 extra and are required for federal buildings and domestic flights starting May 2025, though standard licenses still work for driving.

What documents you need to bring

Florida requires three types of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Florida residency. You must bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.

For identity, bring a passport, birth certificate, or state ID from another state. For Social Security, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a tax return. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your Key West address. A driver license from another state counts as both identity and residency proof if it is not expired.

If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change. DHSMV staff can tell you on the spot if a document is acceptable, so bring anything you think might work.

Cost and license types in Key West

A standard Florida driver license costs $75 and is valid for eight years. This is the basic license that lets you drive anywhere in the United States. The cost is the same whether you explore in Key West or anywhere else in Florida.

A Real ID license costs $90 total ($75 plus a $15 Real ID fee). Real ID licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner and are required to enter federal buildings, military bases, and to board domestic flights. Starting May 7, 2025, a standard license will no longer work for these purposes. If you fly domestically or visit federal buildings, Real ID is worth the extra cost. If you only drive, a standard license is sufficient.

If you are under 21, your license will be marked as such and will expire on your 21st birthday. The cost is the same. If you are over 65, you can get a license valid for four years instead of eight, which costs $30.

Timeline and what happens after you explore

The DHSMV office in Key West will take your photo, run a background check, and issue a temporary license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and lets you drive legally while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail.

Your permanent license is mailed to the address you provide and usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the DHSMV to check the status. If you move before your license arrives, you can update your address at any DHSMV office or online.

If you are moving to Key West from another state, you have 30 days from the date you establish residency to get a Florida license. After 30 days, driving with an out-of-state license is illegal, even if that license is still valid. Establishing residency means living in Florida with the intent to stay — renting an apartment or buying a home counts.

Special situations: Suspensions, restrictions, and medical conditions

If your license is suspended or revoked in any state, you cannot get a Florida license until the suspension is lifted. DHSMV checks the national database, and the office staff will tell you when ready if there is a hold on your record. You must resolve the suspension in the state that issued it before Florida will issue you a new license.

If you have medical conditions that affect your ability to drive — such as vision problems, seizure disorders, or hearing loss — you may need a medical evaluation form signed by a doctor. The DHSMV will tell you if one is required based on your answers to health questions on the process. Some conditions result in restrictions on your license, such as "corrective lenses required" or "daylight driving only."

If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can request a license marked with a hearing impairment indicator. This alerts law enforcement if they pull you over. You can also request an interpreter at the DHSMV office if you need one.

Renewing your license in Key West

You can renew your Florida license up to six months before it expires. If your license is not expired by more than six months, you can renew by mail or online without visiting the office — you do not need to take a new photo or retake the written test.

To renew online, visit the DHSMV website and follow the renewal portal. You will need your license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Online renewal takes a few minutes and costs the same as in-person renewal.

If your license is expired by more than six months, or if you want to change your address, photo, or name, you must visit the DHSMV office in person. Bring the same documents you brought for your original license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a driver license in Key West if I do not have a permanent address yet?

No. DHSMV requires proof of Florida residency, which means a document showing your Key West address. If you are staying in a hotel or with a friend, ask the hotel or your friend for a letter on their letterhead stating your address and dates of stay. Some DHSMV offices accept this, but call ahead to confirm.

What if I lost my Social Security card?

You can bring a W-2 form, tax return, or bank statement instead. You do not need the card itself — DHSMV just needs to verify your number. If you do not have any of these documents, you can request a replacement Social Security card from the Social Security Administration office in Key West before you go to DHSMV.

Do I need a Real ID to drive in Key West?

No. A standard Florida driver license is all you need to drive anywhere in the state or country. Real ID is only required for federal buildings, military bases, and domestic flights. If you never fly or visit federal buildings, a standard license is sufficient.

How long does it take to get a license if I am moving to Key West from out of state?

The DHSMV office will issue a temporary license the day you explore, valid for 30 days. Your permanent license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You have 30 days from when you establish residency to get a Florida license, so plan to visit the office within your first month in Key West.

What if my out-of-state license is still valid — can I keep using it in Key West?

Only for 30 days after you move to Florida. After that, driving with an out-of-state license is illegal, even if the license itself has not expired. You must get a Florida license within 30 days of establishing residency.