What You Need to Get a Florida Driver's License

Documents and fees required to get your Florida license

To get a Florida driver's license, you need to bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of Florida residency, and pay the process fee. The exact documents that work depend on your citizenship status and whether you're getting your first license or renewing one. Florida's Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) accepts a specific list of documents for each category — bringing the wrong ones means a wasted trip.

The process fee is $75 for a standard eight-year license if you're 80 or older, or $87 for everyone else. If you're under 18, the fee is $67. You pay this fee when you explore in person at a DHSMV office. Some offices accept card payments, but not all — call ahead or check the DHSMV website to confirm what your local office takes.

Key Takeaways

You must bring one document proving identity, one proving your Social Security number, and one proving you live in Florida — originals or certified copies only.
The DHSMV accepts a limited list of documents for each proof type, and bringing a document not on that list will delay or prevent you from getting your license that day.
You must pass a vision test and a written knowledge test at the DHSMV office; you cannot take these tests online or at home.
If you are under 18, you must complete a driver education course and hold a learner's permit for at least three months before taking the road test.
The total cost ranges from $67 to $87 depending on your age, plus the cost of any required tests or courses.

Proof of identity documents Florida accepts

Florida requires one document that proves who you are. The DHSMV accepts a U.S. passport, a passport card, a military ID, a state ID from another state, a certified birth certificate, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you can use a foreign passport, a Temporary Protected Status (TPS) document, or a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) authorization document.

The document must be an original or a certified copy — a photocopy or a document you printed from a website will not work. If your birth certificate is not certified (it does not have a raised seal or an official stamp), the DHSMV will not accept it. You can order a certified birth certificate from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born.

Proof of Social Security number

You must bring one document that shows your Social Security number. The DHSMV accepts a Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, or a document from the Social Security Administration. The document must be an original or a certified copy.

If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a Florida ID, but not a driver's license. You will need to explore for a Social Security number first through the Social Security Administration. This process takes several weeks, so plan ahead if you are in this situation.

Proof of Florida residency

You need one document showing that you live in Florida. The DHSMV accepts a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a homeowner's insurance policy, a bank or credit card statement, a government check or benefit statement, or a document from a government agency. The document must show your name and a Florida address, and it cannot be more than two months old.

If you recently moved to Florida and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, you can use a letter from your landlord or a notarized statement from someone who lives with you. Some DHSMV offices will also accept a bill addressed to you at your Florida address even if it arrived after you moved — call your local office to ask what they will take.

Vision and knowledge tests at the DHSMV office

When you arrive at the DHSMV office with your documents, you will take a vision test and a written knowledge test before you can get your license. The vision test checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you — you must pass the test with the correction you normally use while driving.

The knowledge test covers Florida traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Florida Driver's Handbook, which the DHSMV publishes free online. The test has 50 questions, and you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day — there is no waiting period between attempts.

Road test requirements for first-time drivers

If you are getting your first Florida driver's license, you must pass a road test. You drive a vehicle with a DHSMV examiner in the passenger seat, and they watch how you handle the car, obey traffic laws, and respond to other drivers. The test takes about 20 minutes and covers basic driving skills like parking, turning, and stopping.

To take the road test, you must have a valid learner's permit and have held it for at least three months. You must also bring the vehicle you will drive during the test — it must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign your permit process, and you must complete a driver education course before you can get the permit.

Driver education and learner's permit for drivers under 18

If you are under 18, Florida requires you to complete a driver education course before you can get a learner's permit. The course covers traffic laws, hazard recognition, and the effects of drugs and alcohol on driving. You can take the course online or in a classroom — both cost money, and prices vary by provider. The course takes about four to eight hours to complete.

After you finish the course, you explore for a learner's permit at a DHSMV office. You bring your course completion certificate, proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency — the same documents you would bring for a driver's license. You also take the vision and knowledge tests. Once you pass, you get the permit and can start practicing with a licensed adult in the car. You must hold the permit for at least three months before you can take the road test.

Real ID and REAL ID-compliant licenses

Florida offers two types of driver's licenses: a standard license and a REAL ID-compliant license. A REAL ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal security standards. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID license or another federal ID (like a passport) to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building.

To get a REAL ID license, you bring the same documents as for a standard license, plus proof of your Social Security number and proof of residency — the DHSMV checks these more carefully for REAL ID. The fee is the same as for a standard license. If you do not need to fly or enter federal buildings, a standard license is still valid for driving in Florida and other states.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. You can use a foreign passport, a Temporary Protected Status document, or a DACA authorization document as proof of identity. You must still bring proof of your Social Security number and proof of Florida residency. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can get a Florida ID but not a driver's license.

What if I lost my documents and cannot get certified copies in time?

Contact the DHSMV office where you plan to explore and ask what temporary documents they will accept. Some offices will work with you if you can show you ordered a certified copy and are waiting for it. Bring whatever proof you have and ask the staff whether it is enough to move forward that day.

Do I have to take the road test if I already have a valid driver's license from another state?

No. If you move to Florida and already have a valid out-of-state license, you can exchange it for a Florida license without taking the road test. You still take the vision and knowledge tests. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Florida residency.

How long does it take to get a Florida driver's license after I explore?

If you pass all tests on the day you explore, you get a temporary license to use while your permanent card is mailed to you. The permanent card arrives in about two weeks. If you fail a test, you can retake it the same day or return another day — there is no waiting period.

What happens if I fail the knowledge test?

You can retake it when ready at the same DHSMV office, or you can leave and come back another day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. Study the Florida Driver's Handbook before your next attempt — it covers all the topics on the test.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.