What you need to do to get a new Florida driver's license
To order a new Florida driver's license, you must visit a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office in person, pass a vision test, and provide proof of identity and residency. Florida does not allow you to order a license by mail or online — you cannot renew or replace a license without appearing at a driver's license office. The process takes about 30 minutes if you have all required documents, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while your plastic card is mailed to you.
The permanent card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before the plastic card arrives, the temporary license is your proof of licensure. You cannot extend or renew the temporary license, so if the plastic card does not arrive within 10 days, contact the DHSMV to request a replacement.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DHSMV office in person with original or certified copies of your identity and residency documents — no online or mail orders are available.
- Bring your Social Security number, proof of Florida residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and a valid form of ID such as a passport or birth certificate.
- You will pay a fee at the office (the amount varies by license type and whether you are a first-time applicant or replacing an existing license) and receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days.
- Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; if it does not arrive within that window, contact the DHSMV to request a replacement card.
- Vision and written tests are required only if you are a first-time applicant or if your previous license has been expired for more than 5 years.
Documents you must bring to the DHSMV office
Bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. You need one document from the identity column and one from the residency column in the table below. If you do not have documents in both categories, the DHSMV office can tell you which alternatives they accept, but calling ahead or checking the DHSMV website before you go saves a trip.
| Proof of Identity (one required) | Proof of Florida Residency (one required) |
|---|---|
| U.S. passport | Utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet) dated within 60 days |
| Birth certificate (certified copy) | Lease or rental agreement dated within 60 days |
| Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) | Mortgage statement or property tax bill dated within 60 days |
| Employment Authorization Document (EAD) | Bank or credit card statement dated within 60 days |
| Visa or travel document with photo | Insurance policy (home, auto, or renter's) dated within 60 days |
| Military ID | Homeowners association statement dated within 60 days |
| Tribal ID | Affidavit of residency (if you have no documents above; DHSMV provides the form) |
You also need your Social Security number. Bring it on a document such as a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return — the DHSMV will not accept it verbally. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a document from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security showing you are not required to have one.
If you are replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license, bring the police report number (if the license was stolen) or a written statement explaining what happened. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree that documents the change.
Fees and what type of license you are ordering
The fee depends on whether you are a first-time applicant, renewing an expired license, or replacing a lost or damaged one. First-time applicants pay more because the fee includes the written and vision tests. Replacement fees are lower because you have already passed those tests.
Florida offers three main license types: a standard Class D license (for regular passenger vehicles), a commercial Class A, B, or C license (for trucks or buses), and a motorcycle endorsement (which can be added to a Class D or commercial license). Each type has a different fee. The DHSMV website lists current fees by category, and the office staff will tell you the exact amount when you arrive. Fees are paid by cash, check, debit card, or credit card — not all offices accept all payment methods, so ask when you call to schedule your appointment.
If you are under 18, you must have a parent or legal guardian present at the office. If you are 18 or older, you do not need anyone with you, but you must sign the process in front of the DHSMV examiner.
How to find a DHSMV office and schedule an appointment
Visit the official DHSMV website and use the office locator tool to find the nearest driver's license office. The tool shows office hours, phone numbers, and whether the office requires an appointment. Some offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis, but many now require you to schedule a time slot online or by phone.
If your local office requires an appointment, book one through the DHSMV website or by calling the office directly. Appointment slots fill quickly, especially in urban areas, so book as soon as you know you need a new license. If no appointments are available at your nearest office, check offices in neighboring counties — you can order a license at any DHSMV office in Florida, not just the one in your home county.
Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early with all documents. If you arrive without an appointment at an office that requires one, you will be turned away. If you arrive late, the office may cancel your slot and you will have to reschedule.
Vision and written tests for first-time applicants
If you have never held a Florida driver's license, you must pass a vision test and a written knowledge test at the DHSMV office. The vision test checks that you can see at least 20/40 in each eye (with or without corrective lenses). If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you.
The written test covers Florida traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. It has 50 questions, and you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and several other languages. If you fail the test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no additional fee to retake the test.
If your previous Florida license expired more than 5 years ago, you must retake both the vision and written tests, even if you held a license before. If your license expired 5 years ago or less, you do not need to retake the tests.
What happens after you leave the office
You will receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This license is valid for 30 days and serves as proof that you are licensed to drive. Keep it with you while you drive — it has the same legal weight as a plastic license during those 30 days.
Your permanent plastic license is mailed to the address you provided at the office. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within 10 business days, contact the DHSMV by phone or through the website to report it and request a replacement. There is usually no additional fee for a replacement if the card was lost in the mail, but the DHSMV will confirm this when you call.
If you move before the card arrives, you do not need to update your address with the DHSMV before the card is mailed — it will be delivered to the address on file. However, you should update your address within 30 days of moving by visiting a DHSMV office or renewing your license online (if you are renewing, not ordering new).
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
The most common mistake is bringing photocopies instead of original documents or certified copies. The DHSMV will not accept them, and you will have to leave and return with the correct documents. Certified copies cost $5 to $15 from the county clerk's office or vital records office, so get them before your appointment if you do not have originals.
The second mistake is bringing a residency document dated more than 60 days ago. Utility bills, lease agreements, and bank statements must be current. If your documents are older, bring a newer one or contact the DHSMV office before your appointment to ask about alternatives.
The third mistake is not bringing proof of your Social Security number. Many people assume they can just state it, but the DHSMV requires a document. If you forget it, you will have to reschedule.
The fourth mistake is arriving without an appointment at an office that requires one. Check the DHSMV website before you go. If the office requires appointments and you show up without one, you will be turned away and will have to book a new slot, which may not be available for weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order a Florida driver's license online or by mail?
No. Florida requires you to appear in person at a DHSMV office to order a new license. You cannot complete the process online, by mail, or through a third-party service. You must visit an office, pass a vision test, and sign the process in front of an examiner.
How long does the temporary paper license last?
The temporary license is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued. After 30 days, you can only drive if your permanent plastic license has arrived. If it has not, contact the DHSMV to request a replacement card.
What if I do not have a Social Security number?
Bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a document from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services showing you are not required to have a Social Security number. The DHSMV office staff can tell you which documents they accept if you are unsure.
Can I order a license at any DHSMV office, or must I go to the one in my county?
You can order a license at any DHSMV office in Florida, regardless of which county you live in. If your local office has no appointments available, try offices in neighboring counties.
What if my permanent license does not arrive within 10 days?
Contact the DHSMV by phone or through the website to report the missing card and request a replacement. The DHSMV will investigate and remail the card or issue a new one. There is usually no additional fee if the card was lost in the mail.