What You Need to Do to Switch to a Florida License

When you move to Florida, you do not have to exchange your out-of-state license right away — but you will need to do it eventually. Florida law requires you to get a Florida license within 30 days of establishing residency in the state. The process is straightforward: you visit a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office, pass a vision screening, and exchange your current license for a Florida one.

The good news is that if your out-of-state license is still valid, you will not have to retake the written test or the road test. Florida recognizes valid licenses from other states, so you skip straight to the exchange. You will get a new Florida license with a new number, and your old license becomes invalid once the exchange is complete.

Key Takeaways

  • You have 30 days from the date you become a Florida resident to exchange your out-of-state license for a Florida license.
  • You do not need to take the written or road test if your current out-of-state license is valid and you are at least 18 years old.
  • You must bring your valid out-of-state license, proof of Florida residency, and proof of your Social Security number to the DHSMV office.
  • The exchange takes about 15 to 30 minutes at the office, and your new Florida license is usually issued on the spot.

Documents You Need to Bring

Bring your valid out-of-state driver's license — this is your primary form of identification for the exchange. You will also need to prove you live in Florida now. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement or government mail with your name and Florida address also works.

You must also prove your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a birth certificate or passport along with a document showing your Social Security number, such as a medical record or insurance card.

If you are under 18, bring a parent or legal guardian with you, along with their valid ID. Minors cannot exchange licenses without a parent or guardian present.

Where to Go and How to Schedule

Visit any Florida DHSMV office to complete your license exchange. You can find the office nearest you on the DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov. The site lists all county offices with their hours and addresses.

You do not need an appointment for a license exchange in most counties, but some offices offer online scheduling to reduce wait times. Check your local office's page to see if scheduling is available. If you walk in without an appointment, arrive early in the day — offices tend to be busier in the afternoon.

What Happens at the DHSMV Office

When you arrive, check in at the front desk and tell the staff you are exchanging an out-of-state license. A staff member will review your documents to make sure everything is there. They will ask you to read a few lines on an eye chart to confirm your vision is acceptable — this is not a full eye exam, just a quick screening.

You will then have your photo taken for your new Florida license. Wear something you are comfortable with — the photo will be on your license for several years. After your photo is taken, you will pay the license fee (currently $48 for an eight-year license for drivers 21 and older, though fees can change). You will receive your new Florida license before you leave the office in most cases, though some offices mail it within a few days.

If Your Out-of-State License Is Expired or Suspended

If your out-of-state license has expired, you cannot straightforward exchange it. Instead, you will need to take the written test and the road test as if you were a new driver in Florida. You can study for the written test using the Florida Driver Handbook, available free on the DHSMV website.

If your out-of-state license is suspended or revoked, Florida will not issue you a new license until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the state that suspended your license to find out what you need to do to restore it. Once it is restored, you can return to Florida and complete the exchange.

Your New Florida License and What Changes

Your new Florida license will have a different number than your old one. The expiration date will be eight years from the date you receive it (for drivers 21 and older). Your old out-of-state license is no longer valid once you receive your Florida license, so keep your new one with you when you drive.

If you need to update your address later, you can do so online through the DHSMV website without visiting an office. You can also renew your license online when it is close to expiring, as long as you meet certain requirements — the DHSMV website explains which renewals can be done online and which require an office visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to exchange my license within 30 days, or can I wait longer?

Florida law requires you to exchange your license within 30 days of becoming a resident. Driving on an out-of-state license after that period can result in a traffic citation. It is best to complete the exchange as soon as you can after you move.

What if I moved to Florida but still have a valid out-of-state license — do I have to take any tests?

No. If your out-of-state license is valid and you are at least 18 years old, you do not take the written or road test. You only need to pass the vision screening at the DHSMV office. The exchange is a straightforward document swap.

Can I get a Real ID compliant Florida license during the exchange?

Yes. A Real ID compliant license costs a bit more (currently $68 instead of $48 for an eight-year license) but allows you to use your license for federal purposes like boarding domestic flights. You can request it when you visit the DHSMV office, or you can get a standard license now and upgrade later.

What if I lost my out-of-state license before I moved to Florida?

Contact the state that issued your license and request a replacement. You will need to complete that state's process to get a duplicate before you can exchange it in Florida. Once you have the replacement, you can visit a Florida DHSMV office to complete the exchange.

How long does it take to get my Florida license after the office visit?

Most drivers receive their new Florida license before leaving the DHSMV office. In some cases, the office may mail it to you within a few days. Ask the staff member before you leave whether your license will be issued on the spot or mailed.