How to Get a Driver's License in Florida

What You Need Before You Go to the DMV

Florida's Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) issues driver's licenses. You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number — all three, in person, to a local DHSMV office. You cannot mail in the process or do it online.

For proof of identity, bring your passport, birth certificate, or a state ID. For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement with your name and Florida address. For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you are not may be able to access.

If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must come with you and bring their own ID. You will also need to show proof that you have completed a traffic law and substance abuse course — this is called the Drug and Alcohol Awareness Program (DAAP). You can take this course online through any DHSMV-approved provider, and it takes about an hour.

Key Takeaways

You must bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number to an DHSMV office in person.
If you are under 18, you need a parent or guardian present and proof you completed the Drug and Alcohol Awareness Program online.
The written test covers Florida traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the official DHSMV handbook available free online.
The road test happens the same day as your written test if you pass, or you can schedule it separately at a later date.
A standard driver's license costs $48 and is valid for eight years; renewal can be done by mail or online.

The Written Test and What It Covers

The written test has 50 questions about Florida traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You need to answer at least 40 questions correctly to pass. The test is given on a computer at the DHSMV office, and you get the results when ready.

Study material is free. read the Florida Driver's Handbook from the DHSMV website, or pick up a printed copy at any DHSMV office. The handbook covers everything on the test: speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking laws, what different road signs mean, and how to handle emergencies. Most people spend two to four hours studying before taking the test.

You can take the written test in English or Spanish. If English is not your first language, you can bring a certified translator to the office, though the translator cannot help you answer questions — they are there only to help you understand the test format.

The Road Test: What Happens and When

If you pass the written test, you can take the road test the same day or schedule it for another time. The road test takes about 20 minutes. An DHSMV examiner sits in the car with you while you drive a set route in your neighborhood. They watch how you handle turns, stops, parking, and how you respond to traffic.

You must bring the car you will use for the test, and it must be registered and insured. Bring your temporary permit (which you get after passing the written test), proof of insurance, and the car's registration. The car's lights, brakes, wipers, and horn must all work. If anything is broken, the examiner will fail you before you even start driving.

You get three chances to pass the road test before you have to pay the fee again and retake the written test. If you fail, the examiner tells you what you did wrong, and you can schedule another attempt within 30 days.

Costs and How Long It Takes

A standard eight-year driver's license costs $48. The written test is included in that fee. If you need to retake the road test, each attempt after the first three costs $10. If you fail the written test and need to retake it, that is another $10.

The whole process — from walking into the DHSMV office to leaving with your temporary permit — usually takes one to three hours, depending on how busy the office is. You get a temporary paper permit the same day you pass the written test, and you can drive with it while you wait for your plastic card to arrive by mail. The card usually arrives within two weeks.

Wait times at DHSMV offices vary by location and time of day. Offices are usually busiest on Saturdays and between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on weekdays. You can check wait times online before you go, and some offices let you schedule an appointment in advance.

Special Rules for Drivers Under 18

If you are under 18, Florida requires you to get a learner's permit first. You must hold the permit for at least three months and have 50 hours of supervised driving — 10 of those hours at night — before you can take the road test. A parent or guardian must be in the car with you during all supervised driving.

Once you have completed the 50 hours and held the permit for three months, you can take the road test. You still need to pass the written test first. After you pass the road test, you get a restricted license until you turn 18. The restrictions are: you cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. unless you are driving to work or school, and you cannot have passengers under 20 unless a parent or guardian is in the car.

The Drug and Alcohol Awareness Program is required for all drivers under 18. You take it online before your first visit to the DHSMV office, and it takes about an hour. You get a certificate when you finish, and you bring that certificate with you.

Renewing Your License and Changing Your Address

Your Florida driver's license is valid for eight years. You can renew it online, by mail, or in person at an DHSMV office. Online renewal costs $47.50 and takes about 10 minutes. By mail, it costs $48 and takes two to three weeks. In person, it costs $48 and you get your new card the same day.

You can renew online only if your license is not expired and you have not had any major changes — like a new address or name change. If your address has changed, you must renew in person or by mail and bring proof of your new address.

If you move to a new address in Florida, you do not have to get a new license, but you should update your address with the DHSMV. You can do this online, by mail, or in person. It is free and takes a few minutes.

What to Do If You Lose Your License or It Gets Damaged

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at any DHSMV office. Bring your proof of identity and proof of residency, just like when you first got your license. A replacement costs $25 and you get it the same day.

If your license was stolen, you can report it to the DHSMV office when you explore for the replacement. They will note it in the system. You do not have to file a police report unless you think someone might use it for fraud.

If your name has changed — because of marriage, divorce, or a legal name change — you need to get a new license. Bring your proof of identity (which should show your new name), proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. A name change license costs $48.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online from home?

No. You must go to an DHSMV office in person to take the written test. You cannot take it online or by mail. However, you can study the material online using the free Florida Driver's Handbook on the DHSMV website before you go.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake it the same day or come back another time. There is a $10 fee for each retake. You get as many attempts as you need, but you must wait at least one day between attempts.

Do I need to take a driver's education course?

Not if you are 18 or older. You only need to pass the written test and road test. If you are under 18, you must take the Drug and Alcohol Awareness Program online, which is different from driver's education and takes about an hour.

How do I schedule a road test appointment?

You can schedule it when you pass the written test, or you can call your local DHSMV office to book a time. Some offices let you schedule online. You can take the road test the same day as your written test if you pass, or wait and come back later.

What happens if I move out of Florida?

Your Florida license remains valid until it expires. If you move to another state, you will need to get a license from that state. Most states will let you transfer your Florida license without retaking the written test, but rules vary by state.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.