Documents required depend on which type of license you're getting

Florida requires different documents based on whether you're getting your first license, renewing an expired one, or switching from another state. The state groups these into three main paths: new residents, first-time drivers, and renewals. Each path has its own document list, and missing even one can delay your appointment or force you to reschedule.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) publishes the exact list for your situation on their website, but the core documents fall into a few categories: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of Florida residency, and proof of lawful presence in the United States. Some documents can satisfy more than one requirement, which is why knowing what you have before you go matters.

Key Takeaways

  • You need four types of proof: identity, Social Security number, Florida residency, and lawful presence — but one document can sometimes cover two categories.
  • A valid passport or passport card covers identity and lawful presence at the same time, which is why many people bring it first.
  • Proof of residency must show your current Florida address and be dated within 90 days; utility bills, lease agreements, and mortgage statements all work.
  • If you don't have a Social Security number, you can bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, but you'll need to bring the IRS letter that issued it.
  • DHSMV accepts documents in person only — you cannot mail them or upload them online before your appointment.

Proof of identity documents Florida accepts

A valid U.S. passport or passport card is the single strongest document you can bring because it proves both identity and lawful presence. If you have one, bring it. You do not need anything else for those two categories.

If you don't have a passport, Florida accepts a certified birth certificate (the official copy with a raised seal, not a photocopy), a valid military ID, a valid state ID from another state, or a valid foreign passport. A driver's license from another state counts as identity proof but not as proof of lawful presence, so you'd still need a second document for that.

School IDs, work IDs, and expired documents do not work for identity. If your birth certificate is not certified or does not have a raised seal, DHSMV will not accept it — contact the county clerk's office in the county where you were born to order a certified copy.

Proof of Social Security number

Bring your Social Security card if you have it. That is the fastest route. If you've lost it, you can order a replacement from the Social Security Administration online or by phone at 1-800-772-1213, though it takes one to two weeks to arrive by mail.

If you don't have a Social Security number, you can bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. You'll need the IRS letter that issued your ITIN — the number alone is not enough. If you've lost that letter, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to request a replacement.

If you have neither a Social Security number nor an ITIN, you cannot get a standard Florida driver's license. You may be able to get a license without a Social Security number only in very specific circumstances; contact your local DHSMV office to ask whether your situation qualifies.

Proof of Florida residency

Your residency document must show your current Florida address and be dated within the last 90 days. DHSMV accepts utility bills (electric, gas, water, or internet), lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax bills, homeowner's insurance declarations, or a letter from a government agency with your name and address.

A bank or credit card statement with your address works, as does a cell phone bill. If you're renting and don't have a lease, a signed letter from your landlord on their letterhead stating your address and move-in date is acceptable. If you're living with family and have no document in your name, ask the homeowner for a notarized letter confirming you live there.

Documents older than 90 days will not work, even if they're otherwise valid. If you just moved to Florida, bring whatever residency document you have that's dated most recently. If none of your documents are dated within 90 days, you may need to wait until one is (such as a utility bill from the next billing cycle) or bring a notarized affidavit of residency from a Florida notary public.

Proof of lawful presence in the United States

A valid U.S. passport, passport card, valid military ID, or valid state driver's license or ID from another state all prove lawful presence. If you brought a passport for identity, you've already covered this requirement.

If you have a valid foreign passport, it proves identity but not lawful presence — you'll need a second document. Acceptable second documents include a valid visa, a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), or a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) approval notice. These must be valid (not expired) and you must bring the original, not a photocopy.

If you're a non-citizen without one of these documents, you cannot get a standard Florida driver's license. You may be able to get a Florida ID card instead, which has different requirements; contact DHSMV to learn whether you may have access to.

What to bring if you're a new Florida resident

If you've just moved to Florida from another state, bring your valid out-of-state driver's license (it covers identity and lawful presence), your Social Security card, and proof of Florida residency dated within 90 days. You do not need your birth certificate if your out-of-state license is still valid.

If your out-of-state license is expired, bring a certified birth certificate instead of the license. The residency requirement is the same: a document dated within 90 days showing your current Florida address.

If you're moving from outside the United States, bring a valid passport, Social Security card or ITIN letter, and proof of Florida residency. You'll also need proof of lawful presence; a valid visa or Green Card works.

Documents you'll need to bring in person

DHSMV does not accept documents by mail or email before your appointment. You must bring originals (or certified copies, in the case of birth certificates) to your appointment in person. Photocopies, photos of documents, or digital scans will not work.

If you're under 18, a parent or legal guardian must also be present with a valid ID. If you're getting a Real ID-compliant license (marked with a gold star), the document requirements are the same, but DHSMV will verify your information more thoroughly and may ask follow-up questions about your residency or identity.

Bring the originals in a folder or envelope so they don't get damaged. DHSMV will not return documents to you — they keep them on file. If you need your birth certificate or passport for other purposes, bring a certified copy of the birth certificate instead of the original, or bring your passport and be prepared to leave it with DHSMV for a few days while they verify it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photo from my phone instead of bringing my passport?

No. DHSMV requires original documents or certified copies. A photo of a document is not accepted. You must bring the actual document to your appointment.

What if my residency document is dated 91 days ago?

It will not work. The 90-day window is strict. You'll need a more recent document, or you can ask a notary public in Florida to create a notarized affidavit of residency, which has no age limit.

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

A passport proves identity and lawful presence, but not Social Security number. You still need to bring your Social Security card or IRS ITIN letter, even if you have a passport.

What happens if I show up without one of the required documents?

DHSMV will not process your process. You'll have to reschedule your appointment and return with the missing document. Bring a checklist from the DHSMV website for your specific situation before you go.

Can my lease agreement be a screenshot from my phone?

No. Bring a printed or original copy. Digital screenshots are not accepted as proof of residency.