Bring These Documents to the DMV

Florida requires six categories of documents before you can get a learner's permit. You must bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of Florida residency, a completed process form, parental consent if you are under 18, and proof of your legal name if it differs from your birth certificate. The DMV will not issue a permit without all six, so check this list before you go to the office.

You cannot use photocopies or digital images on a phone screen for most documents. The DMV examiner will look at originals and may make copies in the office. Bring the actual documents, not pictures of them.

Key Takeaways

  • You need an original government-issued ID, a Social Security card or tax document, a utility bill or lease in your name, a signed Form HSMV 680, and parental consent if under 18.
  • Florida accepts a passport, military ID, or state ID as proof of identity, but a school ID or work badge does not count.
  • Proof of residency must show your current address and be dated within 90 days of your DMV visit.
  • If your name on documents does not match, bring a certified copy of the legal document showing the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
  • The DMV office will not accept faxed, photocopied, or phone-screen images of any required document.

Proof of Identity: What the DMV Accepts

You must bring one original government-issued photo ID. Florida accepts a U.S. passport, a military ID card, a state ID card from another state, a tribal ID, or a permanent resident card (green card). A school ID, work badge, or library card does not count, even if it has your photo.

If you have a passport, bring the physical passport book. If you have a military ID, bring the actual card. The DMV will not accept expired IDs, so check the expiration date before you leave home. If your ID is expired, you will need to renew it first or bring a different form of ID.

Proof of Social Security Number

Bring your original Social Security card, or bring a tax document that shows your full Social Security number. Acceptable tax documents include a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. The document must be an original or a certified copy from the IRS or your employer.

If you do not have a Social Security card and cannot find a tax document, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration showing your number. You can request this letter online at ssa.gov or by calling the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213. The letter takes about two weeks to arrive by mail.

Proof of Florida Residency

Bring one document that shows your current Florida address and was issued within 90 days of your DMV visit. The DMV accepts a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, an insurance policy, or a bank or credit card statement. The document must have your name and your current address printed on it.

A post office change-of-address form does not count as proof of residency. If you just moved to Florida and do not yet have a utility bill in your name, a lease signed by you and your landlord works. If you live with a parent or guardian and are not on the lease, ask them to bring a utility bill or mortgage statement in their name along with a notarized letter stating that you live at that address.

The process Form and Parental Consent

Complete Form HSMV 680, the process for Florida Driving License or ID Card, before you go to the DMV. You can read it from the Florida DMV website (flhsmv.gov) or pick up a copy at any DMV office. Fill in all sections that explore to you. Do not leave blank lines; write "N/A" if a section does not explore.

If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign the form in front of the DMV examiner. The parent or guardian does not have to be present the entire time, but they must be there when you sign. If both parents have custody, both must sign. If only one parent has custody, bring the custody order or court document showing that. If a guardian has custody instead of a parent, bring the guardianship papers.

Name Change Documents

If your name on your identity document does not match your name on your Social Security card or other documents, bring proof of the legal name change. Acceptable documents include an original or certified copy of a marriage certificate, a divorce decree, a court order for name change, or an adoption decree. The document must be an official copy from the court or the vital records office, not a photocopy you made yourself.

If you were born outside the United States and your name appears differently on different documents due to translation or spelling variations, bring all the documents that show your name. The DMV examiner will review them together and determine which name to use on your permit.

What to Bring on the Day of Your Visit

Make a checklist and check off each item before you leave home. Bring your original identity document, your original Social Security card or tax document, your proof of residency, your completed Form HSMV 680, and any parental consent or name change documents. Bring all originals in a folder so they do not get bent or lost.

Arrive at the DMV office at least 15 minutes early. Bring a pen in case you need to make corrections to your form. If you are under 18, remind your parent or guardian to bring their ID as well, because the DMV may ask to see it when they sign your form.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a digital copy of my documents on my phone?

No. The DMV requires original documents or certified copies. You cannot show a photo or PDF of a document on your phone screen. Bring the physical documents with you to the office.

What if I do not have a Social Security card?

Bring a tax document that shows your Social Security number, such as a W-2 or 1099 form. If you do not have either, request a letter from the Social Security Administration by calling 1-800-772-1213 or visiting ssa.gov. The letter takes about two weeks to arrive.

Can my school ID count as proof of identity?

No. The DMV only accepts government-issued photo IDs: a passport, military ID, state ID from another state, tribal ID, or green card. A school ID, work badge, or other non-government ID does not count.

My parents are divorced. Do both of them need to sign the form?

Only the parent with custody needs to sign. Bring the custody order or court document showing which parent has custody. If both parents share custody equally, both must sign the form.

How old does my proof of residency document need to be?

It must be dated within 90 days of your DMV visit. A utility bill from three months ago counts. A bill from four months ago does not. Check the date on the document before you go to the office.