What You Need to Do to Transfer Your License to Florida

To transfer an out-of-state driver's license to Florida, you visit your local Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office, bring your current out-of-state license and proof of residency, pass a vision test, and pay a fee. You do not take a written test or road test unless Florida has reason to suspect your out-of-state license was obtained fraudulently or you have certain medical conditions. The process takes about 30 minutes on the day you visit, and your new Florida license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Florida recognizes valid licenses from all U.S. states and territories, so you can transfer without retesting as long as your current license is not suspended, revoked, or expired. If your license has expired, you will need to renew it in your home state first, or Florida may require you to take the written test. The fee for a Florida driver's license is the same whether you are transferring or getting your first one in the state.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring your valid out-of-state license, proof of Florida residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number to a DHSMV office.
  • You will pass a vision test and have your photo taken, but you will not retake the written or road test if your out-of-state license is valid and current.
  • The fee varies depending on the length of your license (four, six, or eight years), so confirm the exact amount before you visit.
  • Your new Florida license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days; you can drive legally with your receipt until it arrives.
  • If your out-of-state license is expired, suspended, or revoked, contact your local DHSMV office before visiting to learn what documents you will need.

Documents to Bring to the DHSMV Office

You must bring your current out-of-state driver's license and one document proving your Florida residency. Acceptable residency documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, homeowner's insurance policy, or a letter from a government agency dated within the past 60 days. A bank statement or credit card statement does not count as proof of residency in Florida.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a document from the Social Security Administration stating you are not may be able to access for a number. Bring your original documents or certified copies—Florida does not accept photocopies of your license or residency proof.

If you have changed your name since your out-of-state license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Without it, your Florida license will be issued under your current legal name, but the DHSMV may flag a mismatch with your out-of-state record.

The Vision Test and Photo Requirements

At the DHSMV office, you will take a vision screening. This is not a full eye exam—the staff member will check whether you can read a chart at a specific distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the test. If you fail the vision screening, the DHSMV may require you to bring a letter from an eye doctor stating your vision meets Florida's standards before they issue your license.

You will also have a new photo taken for your Florida license. Wear clothing that contrasts with the background, avoid sunglasses and hats, and do not smile (Florida licenses require a neutral expression). The photo is taken on the spot, so you cannot bring your own.

Fees and License Validity Periods

Florida driver's licenses are valid for four, six, or eight years depending on your age and the option you choose. The fee increases with the length of validity. As of 2024, a four-year license costs less than a six-year license, which costs less than an eight-year license. Exact fees change annually, so contact your local DHSMV office or check the DHSMV website before you visit to confirm the current price.

You can choose the length of validity when you transfer, so if you plan to move out of Florida within a few years, a shorter license may make sense. If you want to keep your Florida license for as long as possible, choose the eight-year option. The fee is paid at the DHSMV office when you submit your documents.

Finding Your Local DHSMV Office and Making an Appointment

Florida has DHSMV offices in every county. You can visit any office in the state, not just the one in your county, though your local office may have shorter wait times. To find the office nearest you, visit the DHSMV website and search by county or city, or call 1-844-DL-FLORIDA (1-844-353-5762).

Most DHSMV offices accept walk-ins, but many now offer online appointment scheduling. Scheduling an appointment ahead of time can reduce your wait from 30 minutes to an hour or more down to 15 minutes or less. Check your local office's website to see if appointments are available. If you cannot visit during regular business hours, some offices offer extended hours on certain days.

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

If your out-of-state license expired more than six months ago, Florida will not transfer it. You will need to renew it in your home state first, then transfer it to Florida. If your license expired fewer than six months ago, Florida may still transfer it, but call your local DHSMV office to confirm before you visit.

If your out-of-state license is suspended or revoked, you cannot transfer it to Florida. You must resolve the suspension or revocation in your home state first. Contact the motor vehicle agency in the state that suspended or revoked your license to learn what you need to do. Once the suspension or revocation is lifted and your license is valid again, you can transfer it to Florida.

If you are unsure whether your out-of-state license is suspended or revoked, contact the motor vehicle agency in your home state or call the Florida DHSMV at 1-844-353-5762. They can check your driving record and tell you whether you are may be able to access to transfer.

Driving Legally While You Wait for Your New License

When you complete your transfer at the DHSMV office, you receive a receipt. This receipt is a valid temporary driving permit and allows you to drive legally in Florida while your new license is being mailed to you. Keep the receipt with you whenever you drive. If you are stopped by law enforcement, show them the receipt and your out-of-state license together.

Your new Florida license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within two weeks, contact the DHSMV to report it. Once your new license arrives, destroy your out-of-state license or return it to your home state's motor vehicle agency if they request it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to take a written test to transfer my license to Florida?

No, you do not take a written test if your out-of-state license is valid and current. You only take a vision test. However, if your license is expired, suspended, or revoked, or if the DHSMV suspects fraud, you may be required to take the written test and road test.

Can I transfer my license online or by mail?

No, you must visit a DHSMV office in person. Florida does not offer online or mail-in transfers for out-of-state licenses. You must bring your original documents and have your photo taken and vision test completed at the office.

What if I do not have proof of Florida residency yet?

You need a document dated within the past 60 days showing your Florida address. If you just moved and do not have a utility bill or lease yet, ask your landlord for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your residency, or bring a copy of your lease with a recent piece of mail showing your new address. Some DHSMV offices may accept a combination of documents if a single 60-day document is not available.

Can I renew my out-of-state license by mail and then transfer it to Florida?

It depends on your home state's rules. Some states allow mail-in renewals; others do not. If your home state allows it, you can renew by mail and then transfer the renewed license to Florida. Contact your home state's motor vehicle agency to learn whether mail-in renewal is an option for you.

What if my name on my out-of-state license does not match my current legal name?

Bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The DHSMV will issue your Florida license under your current legal name. Without the name-change document, the DHSMV may delay your transfer or issue your license under the name on your out-of-state license.