What You Need to Do to Get a Florida License
To change to a Florida driver's license, you must visit a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pass a vision test, and pay the license fee. You do not need to retake the written or road test if you hold a valid license from another state — Florida honors out-of-state licenses and will not require you to prove driving knowledge again.
The process takes about 30 minutes at the office, and your temporary license is issued on the spot. Your permanent card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You must complete this change within 30 days of establishing residency in Florida; after that, driving on an out-of-state license becomes illegal.
Key Takeaways
- You have 30 days from the date you become a Florida resident to exchange your out-of-state license for a Florida license.
- Bring your current valid out-of-state license, proof of Florida residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and proof of Social Security number to your appointment.
- You will pass a vision test at the DHSMV office but will not retake written or road tests if your out-of-state license is valid.
- The standard license fee is $75 for an eight-year license, and you pay at the office before leaving.
- Book your appointment online through the Florida DHSMV website; walk-ins are accepted but wait times are longer.
Documents You Must Bring to the DHSMV Office
Florida requires specific documents in original form or certified copies. Bring your current valid driver's license from your previous state, your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number (W-2, tax return, or 1099 form), and one proof of Florida residency dated within 30 days of your visit.
Acceptable residency documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, homeowner's insurance policy, or a government letter addressed to you at your Florida address. A bank or credit card statement does not count. If you do not have a residency document in your name, you can bring a notarized affidavit of residency signed by a Florida resident who lives with you, along with their ID and proof of their residency.
You will also need to provide your date of birth, current address, and contact information. Bring your Social Security card itself if you have it; if not, the DHSMV will accept a W-2, tax return, or 1099 in your name as proof of your number.
How to Schedule Your DHSMV Appointment
Book your appointment online at www.flhsmv.gov by selecting "License and ID Services" and then "Driver License Exchange." The website shows available dates and times at offices near your address. Most offices have appointments available within 3 to 7 days, though this varies by location and season.
If you cannot book online or prefer to call, contact the DHSMV Customer Service line at 1-844-DL-FLOR1 (1-844-355-3671). Walk-ins are permitted at all DHSMV offices, but you may wait 1 to 3 hours depending on the time of day and office location. Arriving early in the morning or on weekday mornings typically means shorter waits.
Bring all required documents to your appointment. If any document is missing, the office will not process your license exchange, and you will need to reschedule.
The Vision Test and What Happens at Your Appointment
At your appointment, a DHSMV staff member will review your documents, verify your identity, and confirm your Social Security number. You will then take a vision test using a machine that checks your ability to see clearly at different distances. The test takes about two minutes. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the test.
If you fail the vision test, you will be asked to see an eye care professional and return with a vision correction form signed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. You will not be denied a license, but you cannot leave the office that day without passing or providing a plan to correct your vision.
After the vision test, you will have your photograph taken for your license card. The photo is taken at the office and cannot be retaken. You will then pay the license fee, receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days, and leave. Your permanent plastic card is mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days.
License Fees and How Long Your License Is Valid
A standard Florida driver's license costs $75 and is valid for eight years from the date of issue. If you are age 80 or older, your license costs $25 and is valid for five years. If you are age 21 to 79, you pay the full $75 for eight years.
The fee is paid in cash, check, or card at the DHSMV office. If you need a duplicate license (for example, if your card is lost or damaged before it arrives), the replacement fee is $25. If you want a Real ID-compliant license — required for federal air travel and entry to federal buildings — there is no additional fee; all Florida licenses issued after 2017 are Real ID-compliant by default.
What to Do If Your Out-of-State License Is Expired or Suspended
If your out-of-state license is expired, you cannot exchange it directly. You must first renew it in your previous state or obtain a new one before coming to Florida. Contact your previous state's DMV to renew by mail or in person, then bring the renewed license to your Florida DHSMV appointment.
If your out-of-state license is suspended or revoked, Florida will not issue you a new license until the suspension is lifted. You must contact your previous state's DMV, pay any fines or fees, and complete any required waiting period. Once the suspension is cleared, you can proceed with the exchange in Florida. Bring documentation from your previous state showing the suspension has been resolved.
If you are unsure whether your license is suspended, call your previous state's DMV or check their online license status tool before scheduling your Florida appointment. This prevents a wasted trip to the DHSMV office.
Common Mistakes That Delay Your License Exchange
The most frequent error is bringing a residency document that is too old or not in your name. Utility bills and lease agreements must be dated within 30 days of your DHSMV visit and show your name and current Florida address. A bill addressed to "Resident" or to a spouse's name alone will not be accepted.
Another common mistake is forgetting your Social Security card or proof of your Social Security number. Without it, the office cannot verify your number and will not process your exchange. A driver's license from your previous state does not count as proof of your Social Security number in Florida.
Some people also arrive without their current out-of-state license, thinking they can exchange it by mail or through a third party. Florida requires you to present your original license in person. If your license is lost or damaged, you must obtain a replacement from your previous state first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to take a written test or road test to get a Florida license?
No. If your out-of-state license is valid and not suspended, Florida will not require you to take either test. You only pass a vision test. If your out-of-state license is expired or suspended, you must resolve that first before exchanging it in Florida.
Can I drive on my out-of-state license while I wait for my Florida license to arrive?
Yes, for 30 days from the date you become a Florida resident. After 30 days, you must have a Florida license. Your temporary paper license issued at the DHSMV office is valid when ready and counts as your Florida license while you wait for the plastic card.
What if I move to Florida but keep my out-of-state address on my license?
You are required by law to update your license to your Florida address within 30 days of moving. Driving with an out-of-state address after that period is a violation. The DHSMV can also suspend your license if you do not update it.
Can I renew my out-of-state license by mail instead of exchanging it for a Florida license?
No. Once you are a Florida resident, you must obtain a Florida license within 30 days. You cannot renew an out-of-state license while living in Florida. Your previous state's DMV will also refuse to renew if your address is now in Florida.
What if my name has changed since my out-of-state license was issued?
Bring your out-of-state license and a document proving your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DHSMV will update your name on your Florida license at no extra cost. You will need to provide this document at your appointment.