What You Need Before You Go to the DMV

Florida's Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) requires specific documents before you can get a driver's license. You will need proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Florida residency. The documents must be originals or certified copies — photocopies do not work.

For proof of identity, bring a valid passport, a birth certificate, or a consular report of birth. For Social Security, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form. For Florida residency, bring a utility bill, a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, or a bank statement dated within 90 days. If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must sign your process in person.

You do not need to bring your old out-of-state license, but having it speeds up the process. If you are renewing rather than getting your first Florida license, bring your current license instead of the identity documents.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring original documents proving your identity, Social Security number, and Florida residency — photocopies will not be accepted.
  • You must pass a written test on Florida traffic laws, a vision test, and a driving test unless you are renewing from another state.
  • The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices and is offered in English and 30 other languages.
  • Your first Florida license costs $75 for an eight-year license, and you can renew online or by mail if you have no violations.
  • Minors under 18 need parental consent, a learner's permit held for at least three months, and a driving test with a parent present.

The Written Test on Florida Traffic Laws

The written test has 50 questions and covers traffic signs, road rules, right-of-way, parking, and safe driving. You must answer at least 40 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and 30 other languages, including Spanish, Creole, and Portuguese. You can take the test on a computer at the DHSMV office or on paper if you request it.

Study materials are free on the DHSMV website. The official Florida Driver Handbook is available as a PDF read and covers everything on the test. Many people study for one to two weeks before taking the test. You can retake the test the same day if you fail, but you will pay the test fee again.

Vision and Driving Tests

After you pass the written test, you will take a vision screening at the DHSMV office. The screener checks whether you can read a chart at 20 feet and whether you have adequate peripheral vision. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. If you fail the vision test, you must see an eye doctor and bring a certificate of vision correction before you can take the driving test.

The driving test lasts about 20 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, turns, parking, and following traffic laws. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner sits in the passenger seat and directs you through a route in your local area. You must demonstrate that you can steer, brake, and accelerate smoothly and that you obey traffic signs and signals. If you fail, you can retake the test after one week.

Getting Your License as a Minor

If you are under 18, you must first get a learner's permit. To get a permit, bring the same documents as an adult, pass the written test, and pass the vision test. Your parent or guardian must be present and sign your process. The permit costs $7.50 and is valid for one year.

You must hold the learner's permit for at least three months before you can take the driving test. During this time, you must drive with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old. When you are ready to take the driving test, your parent or guardian must be present in the vehicle. After you pass the driving test, you will receive a license valid until your 21st birthday.

Renewing or Replacing Your License

If you already have a valid Florida license, you can renew online through the DHSMV website if you have no violations, no medical conditions, and no address changes. Online renewal costs $47.50 and takes five to seven business days. You can also renew by mail by sending your current license and a check to the DHSMV office.

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at any DHSMV office. Bring your identity and Social Security documents and pay a $25 replacement fee. A replacement license is ready the same day. If you move to a new address in Florida, you must update your address at a DHSMV office or online within 30 days.

Costs and Processing Time

A new eight-year driver's license costs $75. A four-year license costs $50. A learner's permit costs $7.50. The written test costs $10, and the driving test costs $15. If you need to retake either test, you pay the fee again. Payment is accepted in cash, check, or card at DHSMV offices.

Processing time depends on how busy your local office is. Most people receive their license within one to two weeks if they pass all tests on the first attempt. If you need your license faster, some DHSMV offices offer expedited service for an additional fee, but this varies by location. Check your local office's website to see whether expedited service is available.

What Happens If You Fail a Test

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day by paying the $10 fee again. Most people pass on the second attempt after studying the handbook more carefully. If you fail the driving test, you must wait at least one week before retaking it and pay the $15 fee again. You do not need to retake the written test or vision test unless your vision has changed.

If you fail the driving test three times, DHSMV may require you to take a driver improvement course before you can test again. The course is offered online and in person and costs between $20 and $40. Taking the course does not may provide you will pass the driving test, but it covers common mistakes and safe driving practices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test in a language other than English?

Yes. The written test is offered in 31 languages, including Spanish, Creole, Portuguese, French, and Vietnamese. When you schedule your test or arrive at the DHSMV office, tell the staff which language you need. You do not need to request this in advance.

What if I move to Florida from another state?

You can transfer your out-of-state license without retaking the written and driving tests if your license is valid and you have been a Florida resident for at least 45 days. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of identity, proof of Social Security, and proof of Florida residency. The transfer costs $75 and takes one to two weeks.

Do I need to take the driving test if I already have a valid license from another state?

No. If you have held a valid license from another state for at least one year, you can transfer it without a driving test. You still need to pass the vision test and bring your documents. If your out-of-state license is less than one year old, you must take the driving test.

How long does a Florida driver's license last?

A standard Florida driver's license is valid for eight years. You can choose a four-year license instead, which costs less but expires sooner. Licenses expire on your birthday in the year they are due. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DHSMV office.

What should I bring to the driving test?

Bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in working condition. The vehicle must have valid license plates, working brakes, working headlights and taillights, and a working windshield wiper. Bring your learner's permit or written test pass receipt. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. Do not bring passengers other than the examiner and, if you are a minor, your parent or guardian.