The Documents and Steps You'll Need

To get a Florida driver's license, you need to bring specific documents to a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office, pass a written test, and pass a road test. The exact documents depend on whether you're getting your first license, renewing an expired one, or moving to Florida from another state.

Florida requires proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Florida residency. You'll also need to show that you've completed a driver education course if you're under 18. The DHSMV publishes a checklist for each situation, and bringing the wrong documents means a wasted trip.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring an original or certified birth certificate, passport, or other government-issued ID that shows your full legal name and date of birth.
  • Proof of your Social Security number can be your Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return — the document must show your full number.
  • Proof of Florida residency requires a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and current address.
  • If you're under 18, you must show proof that you completed a state-approved driver education course before you can take the road test.
  • You will take a written test on road rules and signs, then a separate road test with a DHSMV examiner in your own vehicle.

Proof of Identity: What Documents Work

Florida accepts several forms of government-issued identification as proof of your identity. An original or certified copy of your birth certificate is the most common choice. A U.S. passport, passport card, or enhanced driver's license from another state also works. If you're not a U.S. citizen, a valid visa, employment authorization document, or permanent resident card (green card) will be accepted.

The document must show your full legal name and date of birth. If your name has changed since the document was issued — through marriage, divorce, or court order — bring the original document plus the court order or marriage certificate that shows the change. Photocopies are not accepted; the DHSMV needs the original or a certified copy from the issuing agency.

Proof of Social Security Number and Residency

You must show your Social Security number. Your Social Security card is the easiest proof, but the DHSMV also accepts a W-2 form, 1099 form, or tax return that displays your full number. If you don't have a Social Security number, you'll need to bring a letter from the Social Security Administration explaining why.

For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and your current Florida address. Utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, and government mail (such as tax notices or voter registration cards) all work. If you've just moved to Florida and don't have a 60-day-old document yet, bring what you have plus a signed affidavit of residency, which you can get at the DHSMV office.

Driver Education Requirements for Drivers Under 18

If you're under 18, Florida law requires you to complete a state-approved driver education course before you can take the road test. This course covers traffic laws, safe driving practices, and the consequences of impaired driving. You can take the course online, in a classroom, or through a combination of both, depending on the provider.

When you finish the course, the provider will give you a completion certificate. Bring this certificate to the DHSMV office when you take your road test. Without it, you cannot test. The course takes several hours to complete, so plan to finish it before you schedule your road test appointment.

The Written Test and Road Test

The written test covers Florida traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving rules. You'll answer 50 multiple-choice questions on a computer at the DHSMV office. You need to score at least 80 percent to pass. The test is offered in English and several other languages. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day.

After you pass the written test, you'll schedule a road test with a DHSMV examiner. You must bring your own vehicle, and it must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will watch you drive for about 20 minutes, testing your ability to handle turns, stops, parking, and traffic situations. You need to pass this test to receive your license.

Fees and Processing Time

Florida charges a fee for a new driver's license. The amount varies depending on the type of license and how long it's valid for. An eight-year license costs more than a four-year license. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the DHSMV office.

After you pass both tests, the DHSMV will issue your license on the spot or mail it to you within a few days, depending on the office. You'll receive a temporary paper license to use while you wait for the plastic card. If you need your license for a specific date — such as for a job or travel — call ahead to ask about processing times at your local office.

What Happens If You Move to Florida From Another State

If you already have a valid driver's license from another state, you don't have to take the written and road tests again. You can exchange it for a Florida license by bringing your out-of-state license, proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Florida residency to a DHSMV office. You'll still pay a fee, and the DHSMV will issue your new Florida license.

If your out-of-state license is expired, you'll need to take the written and road tests. Bring the same documents as a first-time driver, plus your expired license. The DHSMV office can tell you whether your specific situation requires testing when you call or visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test before I complete driver education?

No. If you're under 18, you must show proof of driver education completion before you can take either the written or road test. If you're 18 or older, you can take the written test without driver education, but you still need to pass it before scheduling your road test.

What if I don't have a birth certificate?

You can use a U.S. passport, passport card, or enhanced driver's license from another state instead. If you don't have any of these, contact the vital records office in the state or country where you were born to request a certified copy of your birth certificate. This can take several weeks, so plan ahead.

Do I need to schedule an appointment at the DHSMV office?

Many DHSMV offices allow walk-ins, but some require appointments. Check the DHSMV website or call your local office to find out. Scheduling an appointment usually means a shorter wait, especially if you're taking a road test.

What if I fail the road test?

You can retake the road test. There's usually a waiting period of a few days between attempts, and you'll pay another fee each time you test. The examiner will tell you what you did wrong so you can practice those skills before your next attempt.

Can I use a temporary license to drive while I wait for my plastic card?

Yes. The DHSMV issues a temporary paper license that's valid for driving until your plastic license arrives in the mail. Keep it with you whenever you drive, as it's your proof of licensure.