What Florida requires to get and keep a driver's license

Florida issues several types of driver's licenses depending on your age, residency status, and what you plan to drive. The state requires you to pass a written knowledge test, a vision screening, and a driving test before you receive a license. You must also provide proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Florida residency — and these documents must be original or certified copies, not photocopies.

Florida's licensing laws differ significantly from other states in how they handle age-based restrictions, commercial licenses, and renewal timelines. The state also has specific rules about when you must renew, what happens if your license expires, and whether you can renew by mail or online. Understanding these rules before you visit a Driver License office saves time and prevents rejected applications.

Key Takeaways

  • Florida requires proof of identity, Social Security number, and residency — all original or certified documents — before you can receive any driver's license.
  • The written test covers traffic laws and road signs; you must score at least 80 percent to pass, and you get three attempts within 12 months.
  • Florida licenses expire every six years for most adults, but you can renew online or by mail if you meet specific conditions and have not had certain violations.
  • Drivers under 18 face restrictions on passengers, driving hours, and phone use that differ from adult licenses and remain in effect until age 18 or 21 depending on the restriction.
  • Commercial driver's licenses require a separate written test, a skills test with a vehicle, and proof of medical certification that must be renewed every two years.

Document requirements for your first Florida license

You must bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or consular report of birth to prove your identity. A photocopy is not acceptable. If you were born outside the United States, you need a valid passport or an unexpired travel document issued by your country of origin.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. The document must show your full nine-digit number. For proof of Florida residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill in your name dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail also works if it shows your current Florida address.

If you are under 18, your parent or legal guardian must sign your process in person at the Driver License office. Bring their ID as well. If you are 18 or older and explore for the first time, you do not need a parent present, but you must sign the process yourself.

Written test, vision screening, and driving test

The written knowledge test covers Florida traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You answer 50 multiple-choice questions on a computer at the Driver License office. You must score at least 80 percent (40 correct answers) to pass. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day or return another day. You have three attempts within 12 months; if you fail all three, you must wait 12 months before trying again.

The vision screening checks whether you can see 20/40 or better in each eye, with or without corrective lenses. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them to the test. If you fail the vision screening, you cannot proceed to the driving test that day.

The driving test takes place in your own vehicle or a rental vehicle you bring to the office. A Florida examiner sits with you and observes your ability to start the car, control steering, brake smoothly, turn, park, and follow traffic laws. The test lasts about 20 minutes and covers both city streets and highway driving. You must pass the driving test to receive your license. If you fail, you can schedule another test, but you must wait at least one day.

License types and age-based restrictions in Florida

Florida issues a Class E license for regular passenger vehicles. This is the standard license most people receive. A Class D license is for drivers with certain medical conditions that require periodic review; it expires every two years instead of six and requires a medical certification form signed by your doctor.

Drivers under 18 receive a learner's permit first, which allows you to drive only with a licensed adult age 21 or older in the front passenger seat. You must hold the permit for at least 12 months and one day before you can take the driving test for a full license. Once you pass the driving test, you receive a junior license, which restricts passengers (no more than one passenger under 21 unless a parent is present), limits driving between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m., and bans handheld phone use. These restrictions lift when you turn 18, except the phone restriction, which remains until age 21.

A commercial driver's license (CDL) is required if you drive a truck over 26,000 pounds, a bus carrying passengers, or a vehicle carrying hazardous materials. You must pass a separate written test for your class of vehicle, a pre-trip inspection test, a basic control skills test, and a road test. You also need a medical certification card (MEDICAL certificate) issued by a certified medical examiner. This card expires every two years.

Renewal timelines and methods in Florida

Florida driver's licenses expire six years after the date of issue for most adults. The expiration date is printed on your license. You can renew your license up to 18 months before it expires, so you have a wide window to complete the process.

You can renew online through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) website if you meet all of these conditions: your license is not suspended or revoked, you have not had any violations in the past five years, you are not changing your address, and your license was not issued for a medical condition. Online renewal costs less than in-person renewal and takes about 10 minutes. Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

You can also renew by mail if you are 65 or older, or if you are a member of the military stationed outside Florida. Mail renewal requires you to complete a form, include a check or money order, and mail everything to the DHSMV. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks.

If you do not meet the conditions for online or mail renewal, you must renew in person at a Driver License office. Bring your current license, proof of residency (if you moved), and payment. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes and your new license is issued on the spot.

Fees for licenses and renewals

A Class E license (first-time or replacement) costs $48. A junior license costs $48. A learner's permit costs $12. A Class D license (medical) costs $48. A commercial driver's license costs $75 for a three-year license or $100 for a five-year license.

Renewal fees depend on the method. Online renewal costs $47.50 and is valid for six years. Mail renewal costs $47.50 and is valid for six years. In-person renewal at a Driver License office costs $48 and is valid for six years. If you renew in person and need a new photo, the cost is the same.

If your license is suspended or revoked, you must pay a reinstatement fee of $150 to $500 depending on the reason for suspension. This fee is separate from any fines or court costs you may owe.

What happens if your license expires or is suspended

If your license expires, you cannot legally drive in Florida. Driving with an expired license is a traffic violation. If you are pulled over, you face a fine and points on your driving record. If your license has been expired for more than six months, you may need to retake the written test and driving test to renew it, rather than straightforward renewing by mail or online.

A license can be suspended for unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, DUI convictions, accumulating too many points, or medical reasons. If your license is suspended, you receive a notice by mail explaining the reason and the steps to reinstate it. You cannot drive during a suspension. To reinstate your license, you must resolve the underlying issue (pay fines, complete a DUI program, etc.) and pay the reinstatement fee.

If you are convicted of a DUI in Florida, your license is suspended for a minimum of six months for a first offense. You may be able to request a hardship license that allows you to drive to work, school, or medical appointments during the suspension period. A hardship license requires a separate process and approval from the DHSMV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Florida license online if I have a suspended license?

No. You cannot renew online if your license is suspended or revoked. You must first resolve the issue that caused the suspension (pay fines, complete a required program, etc.), pay the reinstatement fee, and then renew in person at a Driver License office.

What happens if I fail the written test three times?

You must wait 12 months from the date of your third failed attempt before you can take the test again. You can use that time to study. When you return after 12 months, you start with three new attempts.

Do I need to renew my medical certification card if I have a Class D license?

Yes. A Class D license requires a valid medical certification card. Your license expires every two years, and you must have a current medical certification signed by a certified medical examiner to renew it. If your card expires before your license does, your license becomes invalid.

Can I drive with a learner's permit if I am 18 years old?

Yes, but only with a licensed adult age 21 or older in the front passenger seat. A learner's permit has no age limit — you can hold one at any age. However, most people complete the permit-to-license process before turning 18.

What is the difference between a junior license and a regular Class E license?

A junior license is issued to drivers under 18 and includes restrictions on passengers, driving hours (no driving between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.), and phone use. A Class E license has no restrictions. You automatically receive a Class E license when you turn 18, even if your junior license has not expired yet.