Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) is where you go
You get a Florida driver's license at a Driver License Office run by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). These are physical locations where you take the written test, the road test, and hand over your documents. You cannot get a license by mail, online, or through a third party — you must appear in person.
Florida has about 70 Driver License Offices spread across the state. The DHSMV website has a location finder where you enter your county or city and see which offices serve your area, their hours, and whether they accept walk-ins or require an appointment. Some offices are open Monday through Friday only; others have Saturday hours. Hours vary by location.
You do not need to go to the office nearest your home. You can visit any Driver License Office in Florida, so if one location has shorter wait times or more convenient hours, you can go there instead.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DHSMV Driver License Office in person — there is no online or mail option for getting a Florida license.
- Florida has roughly 70 offices statewide; use the DHSMV location finder to see hours, appointment availability, and which office is closest to you.
- Bring your proof of identity, proof of residency, Social Security number, and any required documents for your license type before you go.
- You will take a written test and a road test at the office on the same day or across two visits, depending on the office and your schedule.
- Wait times range from 30 minutes to several hours depending on the office, day of the week, and whether you have an appointment.
How to find the right Driver License Office for you
Start at the official DHSMV website and use their office locator tool. Type in your county name or city, and the tool shows you every office that serves that area. Each listing includes the street address, phone number, hours of operation, and whether the office takes appointments or walk-ins.
Call ahead before you go. Ask whether the office is currently accepting new applicants, how long the typical wait is, and whether you need an appointment. Some offices fill up early in the day or on certain days of the week. A 10-minute phone call can save you a wasted trip.
If you have a choice of offices, pick one that offers appointments rather than walk-ins only. An appointment does not may provide you will be seen at that exact time, but it usually means a shorter wait than showing up without one. Some offices let you book appointments online; others require a phone call.
What documents to bring to the Driver License Office
Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. You need:
- Proof of identity: a valid passport, passport card, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license.
- Proof of Social Security number: your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form.
- Proof of Florida residency: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days with your name and Florida address on it.
- Proof of name change (if applicable): a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order if your name differs from your identity document.
If you are under 18, bring a parent or legal guardian with you. They must be present and sign consent forms. Bring their ID as well.
If you are renewing a license that expired more than 6 months ago, you may need to retake the written test and road test. Bring the same documents as a new applicant.
The written test and road test at the office
The written test covers Florida traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You take it on a computer at the office. You have 30 minutes to answer 50 questions. You must get at least 40 correct to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day — the office will tell you the policy.
The road test happens after you pass the written test. You drive a vehicle (usually your own, though some offices have test vehicles) with an examiner in the passenger seat. The test lasts about 20 minutes and covers basic driving skills: starting, stopping, turning, parking, and following traffic laws. You must pass both tests to get your license.
Some offices do the written and road tests on the same day. Others schedule the road test for a later appointment. Ask when you call or book your appointment.
Wait times and what to expect on the day
Wait times vary widely. A quiet office on a Tuesday morning might have a 30-minute wait. A busy office on a Friday afternoon might have a 2 to 3 hour wait. Offices do not always move at the same pace, and staffing changes throughout the day.
Arrive early. If your appointment is at 9 a.m., arrive by 8:45 a.m. Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they are organized and straightforward to hand over. Bring your glasses or contacts if you wear them — you will need them for the vision test and the road test.
The office will take your photo, run a background check, and process your process while you wait. If you pass both tests, you will get a temporary license on paper that day. Your plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Special situations: Real ID, CDL, and other license types
If you need a Real ID-compliant license, bring an extra document proving your citizenship or lawful presence in the U.S. — a birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or passport. A standard Florida license does not meet federal Real ID requirements for flying or entering federal buildings.
If you are getting a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), the process is longer. You take additional written tests for the type of vehicle you will drive (Class A, B, or C) and a longer road test. Some offices handle CDL testing; others do not. Call ahead to confirm.
If you are getting a motorcycle endorsement, you take a separate written test and road test on a motorcycle. Bring your own motorcycle or arrange to use one at the office.
If you cannot visit an office in person
Florida does not offer remote testing or mail-in licensing for new applicants. You must appear at a Driver License Office. If you are homebound or have a medical condition that prevents you from traveling, contact the DHSMV directly to ask about exceptions or accommodations. Call the main DHSMV customer service line or visit the website to find the phone number for your region.
If you are a Florida resident living out of state temporarily, you may be able to renew your license by mail if it has not expired more than 6 months. Check the DHSMV website for renewal-by-mail rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make an appointment online or do I have to call?
It depends on the office. Some DHSMV Driver License Offices let you book appointments through the website; others require a phone call. Check the office locator tool to see which method that office uses. If the website does not show an online booking option, call the office directly.
What if I fail the written test or road test?
You can retake the test the same day at most offices, though you may have to pay a retest fee. If you fail multiple times, you may need to wait a few days before trying again. Ask the examiner what the office policy is before you leave.
How long does it take to get the plastic license card after I pass the tests?
You receive a temporary paper license the day you pass. The plastic card is mailed to your Florida address and usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive after two weeks, contact the DHSMV to report it.
Do I need an appointment or can I just walk in?
Some offices accept walk-ins; others require appointments only. Check your local office's policy on the DHSMV website or call ahead. Even if walk-ins are allowed, making an appointment usually means a shorter wait.
What if I do not have a Social Security number?
You must provide a Social Security number to get a Florida driver's license. If you do not have one, contact the Social Security Administration to explore for one before you visit the Driver License Office. Bring proof of your process if you are in the process of getting one.