Documents You Must Bring to the DMV

Florida requires you to bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Florida residency before you can get a driver's license. You cannot complete the process without all three categories of documents — the DMV will not issue a license if any one is missing.

For proof of identity, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid passport, a valid military ID, or a consular report of birth. A photocopy of any of these will not work. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or immigration documents showing your legal status.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub with your full Social Security number printed on it. A tax return also works. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to explore for one before you can get a Florida license.

For proof of Florida residency, bring a recent utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a homeowner's insurance policy, or a bank or credit card statement. The document must show your name and current Florida address and be dated within the last 90 days. A cell phone bill counts only if it shows your service address.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring an original birth certificate or passport, proof of your Social Security number, and a recent utility bill or lease showing your Florida address.
  • The DMV will not issue a license without all three types of documents, so check what you have before you go to the office.
  • If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or immigration documents proving your legal status in addition to your birth certificate.
  • You will take a written test on traffic laws, a vision test, and a driving test on the road before the license is issued.
  • The fee for a Florida driver's license is set by the state and does not vary by county, but you can check the current amount on the Florida DMV website.

The Written Test and Vision Screening

After you submit your documents, you will take a written test covering Florida traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 50 questions, and you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass. You can take the test on a computer at the DMV office, and you will get your score when ready.

Before the written test, you will also have your vision screened. The DMV will check that you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision screening, you will not be able to take the driving test that day, and you may need to see an eye doctor and return with a vision correction form.

You are allowed to take the written test up to three times in a single visit if you do not pass on your first try. If you fail all three times, you will have to return on another day to try again.

The Road Test and What the Examiner Watches For

If you pass the written test and vision screening, you will take a driving test on actual roads near the DMV office. The examiner will sit in the passenger seat and watch how you handle the vehicle for about 20 minutes. You must use your own car or someone else's car — the DMV does not provide one.

The examiner is looking for safe driving habits: smooth acceleration and braking, proper use of turn signals, correct mirror checks, safe lane changes, and obedience to traffic signs and speed limits. Common reasons people fail include rolling through stop signs, not signaling lane changes, hitting the curb during parking, and driving too fast or too slow for the road.

Make sure the car you use has working brakes, headlights, taillights, turn signals, and windshield wipers. The car must be insured and registered. If the examiner finds a safety problem with the vehicle, you will not be allowed to take the test.

Age Requirements and Restrictions for New Drivers

If you are 16 or 17 years old, Florida has special rules for new drivers. You must hold a learner's permit for at least 12 months and pass a driver education course before you can take the road test. You also cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. for the first three months after you get your license, and you cannot have passengers under 20 years old in the car unless a parent or guardian is also in the vehicle.

If you are 18 or older, you can take the road test without holding a learner's permit first, though many people choose to get one for practice. There are no time-of-day or passenger restrictions for drivers 18 and up.

What Happens After You Pass the Road Test

Once you pass the road test, the DMV will issue your license on the spot or mail it to you within a few days, depending on the office. Your license will be valid for eight years if you are under 80 years old. You will receive a temporary paper license to use while you wait for the plastic card to arrive in the mail.

Your new license will show your photo, your full name, your date of birth, your address, any restrictions (such as glasses required), and an expiration date. Keep your license with you whenever you drive. If you lose it, you can get a replacement at any DMV office for a smaller fee than the original license cost.

Where to Find Your Local DMV Office and Hours

Florida has DMV offices in every county. You can find the address, phone number, and hours of the office nearest you on the Florida DMV website. Many offices allow you to make an appointment online, which can shorten your wait time. Some offices accept walk-ins, but wait times vary by location and time of day.

Call ahead or check online before you go, because some offices have limited hours or may be closed for training. If you go to an office that is far from your home, confirm that it offers the full range of services you need — some smaller offices do not issue licenses on-site.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. The Florida DMV offers the written test in Spanish and several other languages. When you go to the DMV office, tell the staff which language you need, and they will provide the test in that language. You still must pass with a score of at least 40 out of 50 questions.

What if I fail the road test?

You can retake the road test as many times as you need. There is a fee each time you take it. You do not have to retake the written test or vision screening unless your vision changes or your learner's permit expires. Schedule your next road test appointment at the DMV office or online.

Do I need a learner's permit before I take the road test?

If you are 18 or older, you do not need a learner's permit — you can go straight to the road test. If you are 16 or 17, you must hold a learner's permit for at least 12 months and complete a driver education course before you can take the road test. A learner's permit allows you to practice driving with a licensed adult in the car.

What if I was licensed in another state?

If you have a valid driver's license from another state and you move to Florida, you can exchange it for a Florida license without taking the written or road tests. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Florida residency to the DMV. You will still need to pay the Florida license fee.

How much does a Florida driver's license cost?

The fee for a Florida driver's license varies depending on how long the license is valid and whether you are a first-time applicant or renewing. Check the current fee on the Florida DMV website or call your local DMV office, because the amount may change. You can pay by cash, check, or card at most offices.