What You Need to Do to Switch to a Florida Driver's License

To change your out-of-state driver's license to a Florida license, you must visit a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office in person, bring your current out-of-state license, and pass a vision screening. You do not need to retake the written or road test if your out-of-state license is valid and you meet Florida's residency requirements. Florida will issue you a new license with a Florida address, and your old license becomes invalid once the new one is issued.

The process takes about 30 minutes at the office, though wait times vary by location. Your new Florida license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive legally on your out-of-state license until your Florida license arrives, as long as it remains valid.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DHSMV office in person with your valid out-of-state license and proof of Florida residency to exchange it for a Florida license.
  • Florida does not require you to retake the written or road test if your current out-of-state license is valid and not suspended or revoked.
  • You will pay a license fee (the amount varies based on license type and duration) at the time of your visit.
  • Your new Florida license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days; you can continue driving on your out-of-state license until it arrives.
  • Proof of Florida residency, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days, is required at your visit.

Documents and Proof You Must Bring

Bring your valid out-of-state driver's license to every DHSMV visit. This is your primary form of identification and proof that you hold a valid license in another state. If your out-of-state license is expired or suspended, Florida will not exchange it; you will need to resolve that issue with the issuing state first.

You must also bring proof of Florida residency. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or homeowners insurance policy. The document must show your name and Florida address and be dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement or credit card statement with your Florida address also works. If you recently moved and do not yet have a document in your name, bring a signed letter from your landlord or property owner on their letterhead, along with a copy of your lease or rental agreement.

Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, such as a W-2 or tax return. You will also need to bring a document proving your date of birth if it is not on your out-of-state license — a birth certificate works. If you have changed your name since your out-of-state license was issued, bring a certified copy of the court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree that documents the change.

Steps to Complete Your License Exchange

Step 1: Gather your documents. Collect your valid out-of-state license, proof of Florida residency dated within 60 days, your Social Security card or number, and any name-change documents. Make copies of everything; you will submit originals, and copies help you keep records.

Step 2: Visit a DHSMV office. Find your nearest office on the DHSMV website (flhsmv.gov). Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to book an appointment online or by phone. Check your local office's policy before you go. Bring all documents listed above.

Step 3: Complete the process. At the office, you will fill out Form HSMV 82053 (process for Florida Driver License). The staff will help you if you have questions. You will also sign the form in front of an employee.

Step 4: Pass the vision screening. A DHSMV employee will test your vision using a machine. You must be able to read the chart at the required distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the test. If you fail, you may retake it when ready or return another day.

Step 5: Pay the fee and submit. Pay the license fee at the counter. Florida charges different amounts based on whether you want a standard license, a REAL ID license, or a commercial license, and whether you choose a 4-year, 6-year, or 8-year term. Ask the staff for the exact fee when you arrive. You will receive a receipt and a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed.

Step 6: Wait for your license by mail. Your new Florida license will arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within 15 days, contact the DHSMV to report it.

Fees and License Types

Florida charges a fee to issue a new driver's license. The amount depends on the license type you choose and how long you want it to be valid. A standard Florida driver's license costs less than a REAL ID license. REAL ID licenses meet federal requirements for air travel and entry to federal buildings and cost more but are valid for the same time period.

You can choose a license valid for 4, 6, or 8 years. Longer terms cost more upfront but spread the cost over more years. If you are under 21, your license will be a different color and will expire on your 21st birthday, regardless of the term you choose. Ask the DHSMV staff for the exact fee when you visit; fees change periodically and may vary slightly by office.

If you need a replacement license before your new one arrives (for example, if you need to fly), you can request a temporary REAL ID at the office for an additional fee. This temporary ID is valid for 30 days and can be used for air travel.

When You Cannot Exchange Your License Directly

If your out-of-state license is expired, suspended, or revoked, you cannot exchange it for a Florida license. You must first contact the state that issued your license and resolve the issue. Once your license is valid again, you can return to a Florida DHSMV office to exchange it.

If you have an outstanding traffic ticket or court fine in another state, Florida may place a hold on your license process. The DHSMV will tell you if this applies to you. You will need to pay the fine or resolve the ticket before your Florida license can be issued. Contact the court or traffic authority in the state where the ticket was issued to find out how to pay.

If you have been convicted of certain driving offenses (such as driving under the influence or reckless driving) in another state within a certain time period, Florida may impose restrictions on your new license or require you to retake the written test. The DHSMV will inform you of any restrictions when you explore.

REAL ID vs. Standard Florida License

A REAL ID license meets federal security standards and can be used for air travel within the United States and entry to federal buildings. A standard Florida license cannot be used for these purposes as of May 2025. If you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal facility, you should choose a REAL ID license.

To get a REAL ID license, you must bring one additional document: either a birth certificate, passport, or passport card. This document proves your citizenship or legal residency status. If you already have a valid REAL ID from another state, you can exchange it for a Florida REAL ID without bringing extra documents.

The REAL ID license costs more than a standard license but is valid for the same length of time. If you do not need it for federal purposes, a standard license is less expensive and works for all other driving situations in Florida.

What Happens to Your Out-of-State License

Once your new Florida license is issued, your out-of-state license is no longer valid for driving in Florida or any other state. You should not carry it as your primary license. Some people keep it as a record, but it has no legal standing.

You do not need to return your old license to Florida or to the state that issued it, unless that state has a specific requirement. Check the back of your out-of-state license or contact that state's DMV if you want to know whether to return it. Most states do not require it, and you can safely keep it or destroy it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to retake the written test or road test to get a Florida license?

No. If your out-of-state license is valid and not suspended or revoked, Florida will not require you to retake either test. You only need to pass the vision screening at the DHSMV office. If your out-of-state license is expired or suspended, you will need to resolve that before exchanging it.

Can I change my address on my license at the same time?

Your new Florida license will automatically have your current Florida address on it. If you move within Florida after you receive your license, you can update your address online through the DHSMV website or at any DHSMV office without getting a new license.

What if I do not have proof of residency dated within 60 days?

Contact your utility company, landlord, or bank and request a new statement or letter with your current address. If you recently moved and have no document in your name yet, ask your landlord or property owner for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your residency, along with a copy of your lease. This combination is usually accepted.

How long can I drive on my out-of-state license while waiting for my Florida license?

You can drive on your valid out-of-state license until your new Florida license arrives. Once your Florida license is issued, your out-of-state license is no longer valid. You will receive a temporary paper license at the DHSMV office that is valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed.

What if my new Florida license does not arrive within 10 days?

Contact the DHSMV by phone or through their website to report it. Provide your receipt number from your visit. The DHSMV can track your license and reissue it if it was lost in the mail. There may be a small fee for a replacement.