What you'll pay for a Florida driver's license

A Florida driver's license costs $75 for an eight-year license if you're 21 or older. If you're under 21, the cost is $60 for a four-year license. These are the standard fees charged by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) when you pass your road test and are ready to receive your full license.

The fee covers the physical card itself, the background check, and the processing of your process. You pay this amount once at the end of the licensing process — after you've passed both your written and road tests. If you renew your license before it expires, you'll pay the same renewal fee.

There are other costs along the way to getting your first license, though. A learner's permit costs $7.50, and if you need to take the written test more than once, each retake costs $10. Road test retakes cost $20 each. These smaller fees add up only if you don't pass on your first try.

Key Takeaways

  • A full Florida driver's license costs $75 if you're 21 or older, or $60 if you're under 21.
  • A learner's permit costs $7.50 and is a separate transaction from your final license fee.
  • Each written test retake costs $10, and each road test retake costs $20.
  • You pay the full license fee only once, at the end of the process when you pass your road test.
  • Renewal fees are the same as the original license fee and are due every four or eight years depending on your age.

Learner's permit and written test costs

Before you take a road test, you need a learner's permit. In Florida, a learner's permit costs $7.50 and is valid for one year. You get this permit after you pass the written knowledge test at a DHSMV office.

The written test itself is included in the permit fee — you don't pay separately to take it. However, if you don't pass the first time, each retake costs $10. You can retake the written test the same day if you fail, or you can come back another day. There's no waiting period between attempts in Florida.

Some people take a driver education course before testing. These courses are not required by Florida law for adults, but they may lower your insurance rates. A driver education course typically costs between $150 and $300 depending on the provider, but that's a separate expense from the permit and license fees.

Road test retake fees

Once you have your learner's permit, you can schedule a road test. The road test itself is free — you don't pay to take it the first time. However, if you don't pass, each retake costs $20.

You must wait at least one business day before retaking the road test after a failure. Many people schedule their retake for a few days later to give themselves time to practice. The $20 fee is due each time you come back to test again.

When and where you pay

You pay the learner's permit fee ($7.50) at a DHSMV office when you explore for the permit and take your written test. Bring cash, a debit card, or a credit card — most offices accept all three.

You pay the road test retake fee ($20 per attempt) at the same DHSMV office where you're taking the test, before you get behind the wheel. If you pass the road test, you pay the full license fee ($75 or $60) at that same time, and you receive your license card before you leave.

If you're renewing an expired license, you can renew by mail, online, or in person. Online and mail renewals cost the same as in-person renewals. You'll need to pay the full renewal fee again, even though you've already held a license before.

Costs if you need to replace a lost or damaged license

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement. A replacement license costs $25 and is processed faster than a new license process. You can order a replacement online, by mail, or in person at a DHSMV office.

If you order online or by mail, the replacement card will arrive in about 7 to 10 business days. If you need it sooner, you can go to an office in person and sometimes receive it the same day, though this depends on how busy the office is.

Additional costs you might encounter

Some people need to take a vision test or a hearing test before they can get a license. These tests are performed at DHSMV offices and are included in your permit or license fee — you don't pay extra for them.

If you need to take a driving school course (sometimes required after certain traffic violations or for younger drivers), that's a separate cost not included in the license fee. Driving school courses in Florida typically cost $150 to $400 depending on the provider and type of course.

If you're getting a license with a special endorsement — such as a motorcycle endorsement or a commercial driver's license (CDL) — there may be additional fees. A motorcycle endorsement costs $10 extra, and a CDL involves separate testing and higher fees that vary by license class.

How license costs compare to other states

Florida's license fees are moderate compared to other states. Some states charge as little as $30 for a license, while others charge $150 or more. The eight-year validity period for adults in Florida is also longer than many states, which means you renew less often.

If you're moving to Florida from another state, your out-of-state license is not valid in Florida once you become a resident. You'll need to get a Florida license within 30 days of establishing residency, and you'll pay the full Florida fee. You cannot transfer or convert an out-of-state license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay the full $75 license fee if I fail my road test?

No. You only pay the $20 retake fee when you come back to test again. You pay the full $75 (or $60 if under 21) only when you pass the road test and are issued your license.

Can I pay for my license online?

You cannot pay for a new license online in Florida. You must go to a DHSMV office in person to take your written and road tests and pay the fees. However, you can renew an existing license online and pay the renewal fee through the DHSMV website.

What if I'm a military member stationed in Florida?

Military members and their dependents can get a Florida license without establishing residency. You'll still pay the standard $75 or $60 fee. Bring your military ID and orders showing your Florida assignment to a DHSMV office.

Is there a discount if I take a defensive driving course?

A defensive driving course does not reduce the license fee itself. However, it may lower your car insurance rates, which can save you money over time. Some insurance companies offer discounts of 5 to 10 percent for completing an approved course.

How much does it cost to change my name or address on my license?

Changing your name or address costs $25 for a replacement license. You can do this in person at a DHSMV office or by mail. You'll need to bring proof of your new name or address, such as a marriage certificate or utility bill.