The documents Florida requires before you walk into the DMV

To get a Florida driver's license, you need to bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of Florida residency, and proof of lawful presence in the United States. You also need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test at the Department of Motor Vehicles office. The exact documents that satisfy each requirement depend on your citizenship status and whether you are getting your first license or renewing one.

Florida groups these requirements into four categories. You must bring at least one document from each category, and some documents count toward more than one requirement. Bringing extra documents does not hurt — the examiner will straightforward use what they need and return the rest.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring one document proving your identity, one proving your Social Security number, one proving you live in Florida, and one proving you are allowed to be in the United States.
  • A U.S. passport counts as proof of identity, Social Security number, and lawful presence all at once, so it is the fastest single document to bring.
  • If you do not have a Social Security number, you can bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, though this affects what type of license you receive.
  • Proof of residency must show your current name and current Florida address — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works.
  • You cannot use a document from another state's DMV as proof of residency; Florida needs documents that show you actually live here now.

Proof of identity documents Florida accepts

Florida accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, or enhanced driver's license from another state as proof of identity. You can also bring a certified copy of your birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Naturalization if you were born outside the United States.

If you do not have any of those, Florida will accept a military ID, a state ID card from another state, a tribal ID, or a school or work ID with a photo and signature. Some people bring multiple documents from this list to be safe, which is fine — the examiner will note which one they used and return the others.

Proof of Social Security number

The easiest way to prove your Social Security number is to bring your Social Security card itself. If you do not have it, you can bring a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, a pay stub, or a letter from the Social Security Administration.

If you do not have a Social Security number at all, you can bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. An ITIN is issued by the IRS to people who file taxes but are not may be able to access for a Social Security number. If you use an ITIN, Florida will issue you a driver's license marked "Not for Federal Identification" — this license works for driving and state ID purposes but cannot be used for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building.

Proof of Florida residency

Florida requires a document that shows your current name and your current Florida address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill dated within the last 60 days all work. You can also bring a homeowner's insurance policy, a rental agreement, a bank or credit card statement, or a government check or benefit statement showing your Florida address.

The document must be in your name. If you recently moved and the document is in a spouse's name or a parent's name, bring a second document — such as a marriage certificate or birth certificate — that connects you to that person, plus a signed statement from them saying you live at that address. A document from another state's DMV, such as an out-of-state driver's license, does not count as proof of residency in Florida, even if it shows a Florida address.

Proof of lawful presence in the United States

A U.S. passport, passport card, or birth certificate proves you are a U.S. citizen and therefore have lawful presence. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you can bring a Permanent Resident Card (green card), an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), a Refugee Travel Document, or an I-94 arrival/departure record.

If you are in the United States on a visa, bring your passport and the visa itself. If you have a pending immigration case or are waiting for a decision on asylum, you may still be able to get a Florida driver's license, but you will need to bring documentation of your case from USCIS or the immigration court. Call your local DMV office before you go to confirm what documents they will accept for your specific situation.

What to bring on test day

Gather all four categories of documents before you go to the DMV. Bring the originals — photocopies are not accepted. If a document is in a language other than English, bring a certified English translation along with the original.

You will also need to fill out Form HSMV 82053, the process for Florida Driver License or ID Card. You can read this form from the Florida DMV website and fill it out at home, or you can fill it out at the office. Bring a pen. You will also need to pay the fee — the cost varies depending on whether you are getting a standard license, a Real ID, or a commercial license, and how long you want it to be valid.

Wear clothing that allows your face to be photographed clearly for the license photo. You cannot wear a hat, sunglasses, or anything that covers your face, unless you have a religious or medical reason — if that applies to you, tell the examiner when you arrive.

If you are under 18

If you are under 18, you must bring all the same documents as an adult, plus written consent from a parent or legal guardian. The parent or guardian does not have to be present, but they must sign the consent form. Some DMV offices will accept a notarized signature; others require the parent to sign in front of the examiner. Call ahead to find out what your local office requires.

You will also need to show proof that you have completed a driver education course. This can be a certificate from a high school driver's education program, a private driving school, or an online course approved by Florida. Bring the original certificate or a certified copy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my passport card instead of my full passport?

Yes. A U.S. passport card counts as proof of identity, Social Security number, and lawful presence, just like a full passport. It is smaller and easier to carry, so many people prefer it. Make sure it is not expired.

What if my name on one document does not match my name on another?

Bring a document that explains the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will use this to connect the documents. If the names are very different, call your local office first to ask what they need.

Do I need to bring the original Social Security card or can I bring a copy?

Florida prefers the original, but if you do not have it, a W-2, tax return, or letter from the Social Security Administration works just as well. Bring whichever original document you have.

What if I do not have a current utility bill for proof of residency?

You can use a lease, mortgage statement, property tax bill, homeowner's insurance policy, bank statement, or government benefit statement instead. Any of these dated within the last 60 days and showing your current name and Florida address will work.

Can I get a Florida driver's license if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes, if you have lawful presence in the United States. This includes permanent residents, people with work visas, refugees, and people with pending asylum cases. Bring your immigration documents — green card, visa, EAD, or USCIS paperwork — along with your other required documents.