What You Need to Do to Get a Florida Driver's License
To get a Florida driver's license, you must visit a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office in person, pass a written knowledge test and a driving skills test, and provide proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number. The entire process typically takes two to four weeks from the time you submit your process to the time you receive your license in the mail, though you will receive a temporary paper license when ready after passing both tests.
Florida does not issue licenses by mail or online. You cannot renew a new license remotely, and you cannot transfer a license from another state without appearing at a DHSMV office. The state charges a fee for the written test, the driving test, and the license itself; the total cost is $87.50 for a standard five-year license if you are 21 or older.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or visa; a Social Security card or tax document showing your number; and two documents proving your current Florida address.
- The written knowledge test covers Florida traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the official DHSMV handbook available free on the state website.
- The driving skills test is conducted by a DHSMV examiner and includes a pre-drive vehicle inspection, basic maneuvers, and on-road driving; you must bring a vehicle that is registered and insured.
- You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days when ready after passing both tests; your permanent license arrives by mail within two to four weeks.
- If you are under 18, you must complete a driver education course and hold a learner's permit for a minimum of one year before you can take the driving test.
Documents You Must Bring to the DHSMV Office
Florida requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of current Florida residency. You cannot substitute one type for another, and documents must be originals or certified copies—photocopies are not accepted.
For proof of identity, bring one of the following: a U.S. passport, a certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid visa, a valid foreign passport, a valid consular ID card, or a valid military ID. If you bring a birth certificate, it must be certified by the vital records office that issued it; hospital-issued birth certificates are not accepted.
For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, or a pay stub showing your full name and Social Security number. A Social Security card is the fastest option.
For proof of Florida residency, bring two documents from this list: a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a homeowner's insurance policy, a bank or credit card statement, a property tax bill, a vehicle registration, or a recent mail from a government agency. Both documents must show your current name and address and must be dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill and a lease together satisfy this requirement.
The Written Knowledge Test: What to Study and How to Pass
The written test covers Florida traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 50 multiple-choice questions, and you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass. You have one hour to complete it. The test is offered in English and in several other languages; ask at the DHSMV office about language options when you arrive.
The official study material is the Florida Driver's Handbook, available free as a PDF on the DHSMV website (flhsmv.gov). The handbook covers right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, traffic signals, pedestrian laws, and what different road signs mean. Most questions on the test come directly from the handbook, so reading it thoroughly is the most effective way to prepare.
You can take the written test as many times as you need. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or return on another day; each attempt costs $10. Many people pass on the first try after reading the handbook once. The test is administered at DHSMV offices on a walk-in basis during business hours.
The Driving Skills Test: Vehicle Requirements and What the Examiner Will Check
After you pass the written test, you schedule an appointment for the driving skills test. The test takes about 20 to 30 minutes and is conducted by a DHSMV examiner who rides in the vehicle with you. The examiner will ask you to perform basic maneuvers such as parking, backing up, and turning, and will then drive with you on public roads to assess your ability to follow traffic laws and respond to road conditions.
You must bring a vehicle that is registered in Florida, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have valid license plates, working headlights and taillights, functioning windshield wipers, a working horn, and a valid inspection sticker. The examiner will perform a pre-drive inspection of the vehicle before the test begins; if the vehicle fails inspection, the test will not proceed and you will need to reschedule.
You must also bring a licensed driver who is at least 18 years old to the test appointment. This person will sit in the back seat during the test. If you do not bring a licensed driver, you cannot take the test. The cost of the driving test is $25.
Common reasons people fail the driving test include failing to come to a complete stop at stop signs, speeding, improper lane changes, hitting the curb while parking, and not checking mirrors or blind spots. If you fail, you can retake the test after waiting at least one week; you will pay the $25 fee again.
Scheduling Your Test Appointments and DHSMV Office Locations
You can schedule both the written test and the driving test online through the DHSMV website or by calling 1-844-33-DHSMV (1-844-333-4768). Online scheduling is faster and allows you to choose your preferred date and time. Walk-in testing is also available at most DHSMV offices, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
Florida has DHSMV offices in every county. To find the office nearest you, use the office locator on flhsmv.gov and enter your county or city. Each office has different hours; most are open Monday through Friday, and some are open on Saturday mornings. Call ahead or check the website to confirm hours before you visit.
If you schedule online, you will receive a confirmation number and instructions via email. Bring this confirmation number and your documents to your appointment. If you miss your appointment, you can reschedule online or by phone without penalty, but you will need to book a new time slot.
What Happens After You Pass Both Tests
Once you pass the written test and the driving test, the DHSMV examiner will issue you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. This temporary license allows you to drive when ready while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail. The temporary license is not a real ID document and cannot be used for air travel or federal building access.
Your permanent license will be mailed to the address you provided on your process within two to four weeks. The license is valid for five years if you are 21 or older, and for four years if you are under 21. Check the expiration date on your temporary license to know when to expect your permanent license to arrive.
If your permanent license does not arrive within four weeks, contact the DHSMV by phone or visit an office in person. Bring your temporary license and your process confirmation number. The DHSMV can reissue your license or investigate whether it was lost in the mail.
Fees and Payment Methods
The total cost to obtain a Florida driver's license is $87.50 for a standard five-year license if you are 21 or older. This breaks down as follows: $10 for the written knowledge test, $25 for the driving skills test, and $52.50 for the license itself. Fees are the same whether you are a first-time applicant or renewing.
The DHSMV accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at all offices. If you pay online to schedule your test, you will pay the test fees at that time using a credit or debit card. If you pay in person at the office, you can use any of these payment methods.
If you are a Florida resident over 65 or a person with a disability, you may be may have access to to a reduced fee. Ask at the DHSMV office about discounts when you arrive. Military members and veterans may also have fee reductions; bring a military ID or discharge papers to confirm your status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my passport as proof of identity instead of a birth certificate?
Yes. A valid U.S. passport or foreign passport satisfies the identity requirement. You do not need a birth certificate if you have a passport. A passport is often faster because it is a single document that proves both identity and citizenship.
What if I fail the driving test—how long do I have to wait to retake it?
You must wait at least one week before retaking the driving test. You can schedule your next attempt online or by phone. You will pay the $25 test fee again. There is no limit on the number of times you can retake the test.
Do I need to take a driver education course to get a Florida license?
Only if you are under 18. Drivers under 18 must complete an approved driver education course and hold a learner's permit for a minimum of one year before taking the driving test. Adults 18 and older do not need a driver education course; they can go directly to the written and driving tests.
Can I use a temporary license to fly on an airplane?
No. A temporary paper license is not a Real ID document and cannot be used for federal purposes such as air travel or entry to federal buildings. You must wait for your permanent license to arrive in the mail. If you need to fly before your permanent license arrives, bring a passport instead.
What if I move to a different Florida address after I get my license?
You must update your address with the DHSMV within 30 days of moving. You can update your address online through the DHSMV website, by mail, or in person at a DHSMV office. There is no fee to change your address. You do not need to retake the written or driving test.