Yes, but you'll need a visa or residency status that allows you to stay in Florida

A foreigner can get a Florida driver's license, but the state requires proof that you are lawfully present in the United States. This means you need either a valid visa, a green card, a work permit, or another immigration document showing you have permission to be here. Florida does not issue licenses to people without lawful presence status, even if they have lived in the state for years.

The process itself is the same as for U.S. citizens: you pass a written test, a road test, and provide documents. The main difference is which documents you bring to prove who you are and where you live. If you are in the country on a temporary visa—such as an H-1B work visa, F-1 student visa, or tourist visa—you can still get a license as long as your visa is valid and you can show it to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV).

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a valid visa, green card, work permit, or other proof of lawful presence to get a Florida driver's license.
  • Bring your passport, visa or immigration document, proof of Florida residency (such as a lease or utility bill), and your Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to the DHSMV office.
  • You will take the same written and road tests as U.S. citizens, though you can request the written test in languages other than English.
  • A Florida driver's license is valid for eight years and can be renewed by mail or online if you remain in the state.

What documents you need to bring

When you go to a DHSMV office to get your license, bring your passport and the immigration document that proves you are lawfully present—your visa, green card, work permit, or other status document. The DHSMV will scan these and keep a copy on file. You will also need proof that you live in Florida, such as a lease, utility bill, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and a Florida address on it. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.

You will also need a Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you have an SSN, bring the card or a document showing it. If you have an ITIN instead—which the IRS issues to people who file taxes but do not have an SSN—bring your ITIN letter from the IRS. If you do not have either, you cannot get a Florida license at this time. Some visa holders, such as those on H-1B or L-1 visas, can obtain an SSN through their employer. Student visa holders (F-1) typically cannot get an SSN but may be able to get an ITIN.

Bring your passport even if your visa is in a separate document. The DHSMV needs to verify your identity and your immigration status, and your passport is the primary way to do that. If your passport is expired but your visa is still valid, bring both—the visa proves your status, and the passport proves your identity.

How the written and road tests work for non-citizens

You will take the same written test as any other person getting a Florida license. The test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. It is 50 questions, and you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass. However, Florida allows you to take the written test in languages other than English: Spanish, Creole, French, Portuguese, and several others are available. You can request your preferred language when you schedule your appointment or when you arrive at the DHSMV office.

The road test is also the same. An examiner will ride with you in your car (or a DHSMV vehicle if you prefer) and watch you drive for about 20 minutes. They will ask you to perform basic maneuvers—parking, turning, stopping—and will check that you follow traffic laws and road signs. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen to pass; you need to show you can drive safely. If you have a valid driver's license from another country, you do not have to take the road test, but you must still pass the written test and provide your documents.

Visa types that allow you to get a Florida license

Most visa types allow you to get a Florida driver's license as long as your visa is currently valid. H-1B visa holders (temporary workers), L-1 visa holders (intracompany transfers), and E-2 visa holders (treaty investors) can all get licenses. F-1 student visa holders can get licenses too. Even people on B-1/B-2 tourist visas can get a license if they have a Florida address and can show proof of residency, though this is less common because tourist visas are short-term.

If you are on a visa that is about to expire, you can still get a license, but it will expire when your visa expires or when you turn 65, whichever comes first. If your visa is already expired, you cannot get a new license, though you may be able to renew an existing one if you are in the process of extending your status. The safest approach is to check with DHSMV before you go: call 1-844-DL-FLORIDA (1-844-355-3567) or visit your local DHSMV office and ask whether your specific visa type and status allow you to get a license.

What happens if your visa expires or your status changes

If your visa expires while you hold a Florida driver's license, your license does not automatically become invalid. However, you cannot renew it unless you regain lawful presence status. If you leave Florida or the United States, your license remains valid as a Florida license, but it will not be recognized as proof of identity in other states or countries.

If you change your immigration status—for example, if you move from an H-1B visa to a green card—you can keep your current license and renew it normally. If your status changes to one that does not allow you to be in the country lawfully, you should not attempt to renew your license, and you should not use it as identification. If you are unsure whether your new status allows you to hold a license, contact DHSMV before attempting to renew.

How to schedule your DHSMV appointment

You can schedule an appointment at a DHSMV office online at www.flhsmv.gov or by calling 1-844-DL-FLORIDA. Online scheduling is faster and lets you choose your preferred date and time. When you schedule, you will be asked whether you are a first-time license holder or renewing, and whether you need a written test, a road test, or both. Tell them you are a first-time holder and that you will need both tests.

Bring all your documents to your appointment. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. The DHSMV office will take your photograph, scan your documents, and administer the written test on a computer. If you pass, you will schedule your road test for a later date—usually within a few weeks. Once you pass the road test, you will receive your license on the spot or by mail within a few days, depending on the office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my foreign driver's license instead of taking the Florida test?

No, you cannot use a foreign license to skip the written test. However, if you have a valid driver's license from another country, you may be able to skip the road test. You will still need to pass the written test and provide all required documents. Some countries have reciprocal agreements with Florida, but the safest approach is to ask DHSMV when you call to schedule your appointment.

What if I don't have a Social Security Number?

You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. If you do not have an ITIN, you may be able to obtain one from the IRS if you file taxes. Some visa holders cannot get either an SSN or an ITIN, in which case you cannot get a Florida license. Contact DHSMV to discuss your specific situation.

How long is a Florida driver's license valid?

A Florida driver's license is valid for eight years from the date it is issued. However, if your visa or immigration status expires before eight years, your license may expire sooner. When you renew, you will need to show current proof of lawful presence again.

Can I get a Florida license if I'm on a tourist visa?

Yes, if you have a valid B-1/B-2 tourist visa and can show proof of a Florida address. However, your license will expire when your visa expires, which is usually within a few months. Most people on tourist visas do not get a license because the process takes time and the license will not be valid for long.

What if my passport is expired but my visa is still valid?

Bring both documents. Your expired passport still proves your identity, and your valid visa proves your lawful presence status. The DHSMV will accept this combination. However, if your passport is expired, you should consider renewing it through your country's embassy or consulate, as you may need it for travel or other purposes.