The documents and steps to get your first Florida license

To get your first Florida driver's license, you need to bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of Florida residency, and pass a written test and a driving test. You'll also need to pay a fee — currently $75 for an eight-year license — though the exact amount depends on which type of license you're getting and how long you want it to last. The whole process takes a few hours at a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office, and you can't skip any of these steps or use substitutes.

The order matters: you must pass the written test before you can take the road test, and you can't get your license without passing both. If you fail either test, you can retake it the same day at most locations, though you may have to pay a retest fee.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring four types of documents to the DHSMV office: one form of identity, proof of your Social Security number, two forms of Florida residency proof, and your Social Security card or a document showing your number.
  • The written test covers Florida traffic laws and road signs; you must score at least 80 percent to pass.
  • The road test happens in your own vehicle or a DHSMV vehicle, and the examiner watches you drive for about 20 minutes.
  • Fees start at $75 for an eight-year license, but cost more if you want a REAL ID or a commercial license.
  • You can schedule your appointment online through the DHSMV website or call your local office, and walk-ins are accepted at most locations but may have longer wait times.

Proof of identity documents Florida accepts

Florida accepts a narrow list of identity documents. The most common are a U.S. passport, a passport card, a military ID, or a state ID from another state. If you don't have any of those, you can use a certified copy of your birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Naturalization. A school ID, a work ID, or a library card will not work on their own.

Your identity document must not be expired, though some documents like a passport can be expired and still count as long as it was not expired when you first used it to prove your identity to Florida. Bring the original document, not a photocopy. If your name has changed since your identity document was issued — through marriage, divorce, or court order — bring the document that proves the change, such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree.

Proof of Social Security number and residency

You must prove your Social Security number. The easiest way is to bring your Social Security card itself. If you don't 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. The document must show your full name and full Social Security number.

For residency, you need two documents that show your current Florida address. Utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, insurance policies, and vehicle registration all count. They must be dated within the last 60 days and show your name and address. A piece of mail from a government agency — such as a tax notice or voter registration card — also works. You cannot use a P.O. box address; it must be a street address.

The written test: what to study and how to pass

The written test has 50 questions about Florida traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 40 questions correctly — an 80 percent score — to pass. The test is multiple choice, and you take it on a computer at the DHSMV office. You have one hour to finish.

The DHSMV publishes a free study guide called the Florida Driver's Handbook, available on their website and in print at any DHSMV office. Most questions come directly from this handbook. Common topics include speed limits, right-of-way rules, what different road signs mean, when you can and cannot pass another vehicle, and what to do at a red light or stop sign. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day at most offices, though you may have to pay a retest fee of around $10.

The road test: what the examiner watches for

The road test lasts about 20 minutes. You drive your own vehicle or a DHSMV vehicle, and an examiner sits in the passenger seat and watches how you handle the car. The examiner is looking for whether you can start the car safely, steer smoothly, brake without jerking, obey traffic signs and signals, check your mirrors and blind spots, and respond correctly to other traffic.

Common reasons people fail the road test include hitting the curb, failing to come to a complete stop at a stop sign, speeding, not signaling before turning, and not checking mirrors before changing lanes. The examiner will tell you if you fail and why. You can retake the test the same day at most locations, though you may have to pay a retest fee. You must bring your own vehicle or arrange to use a DHSMV vehicle in advance; you cannot borrow someone else's car on the day of the test unless you have already told the DHSMV office.

Fees and payment methods

A standard eight-year Florida driver's license costs $75. A four-year license costs $45. A REAL ID-compliant license — which you can use to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building — costs $78 for eight years or $48 for four years. A commercial driver's license (CDL) costs more and requires additional tests.

The DHSMV accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at most offices. Some offices may accept checks. Call your local office ahead of time if you want to confirm which payment methods they take. The fee is non-refundable if you fail the test, so you will have to pay again if you retake it.

How to schedule your appointment

You can schedule an appointment online through the DHSMV website by selecting your county and choosing an available date and time. You can also call your local DHSMV office directly. Walk-ins are accepted at most locations, but you may wait one to three hours depending on how busy the office is. If you schedule an appointment, you will usually be seen within 15 minutes of your scheduled time.

Bring all your documents with you, even if you scheduled an appointment. If you're missing any document, the office will not let you test that day. Some offices are busier than others; if your local office has a long wait, you may be able to drive to a less busy office in a nearby county, though you should call ahead to confirm they can see you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test without taking the road test the same day?

Yes. You can pass the written test and come back another day to take the road test. However, you must pass the written test before you can schedule or take the road test. Some people prefer to study for the written test first, pass it, then spend time practicing driving before attempting the road test.

What if I fail the road test — can I retake it right away?

Most DHSMV offices allow you to retake the road test the same day if you fail, though you will have to pay the retest fee again. Call your local office to confirm they offer same-day retests. If you wait and come back another day, you do not have to retake the written test.

Do I need to bring my own car for the road test?

You can use your own vehicle or a DHSMV vehicle. If you want to use a DHSMV vehicle, you must arrange this in advance when you schedule your appointment or call your local office. The DHSMV vehicle must have working brakes, steering, and lights, and you must be able to reach the pedals comfortably.

What happens if I don't have a Social Security number?

You must have a Social Security number to get a Florida driver's license. If you do not have one, you will need to explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you can get a license. Bring your proof of identity and residency to a Social Security office to explore.

Can I get a license if I'm not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. Florida issues driver's licenses to lawful permanent residents and certain visa holders. You will need to bring proof of your immigration status along with the other required documents. Call your local DHSMV office or check their website to confirm which immigration documents they accept.