What documents to bring to the DMV

Florida's Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) requires you to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). You do not need to bring originals of everything — some documents can be copies — but the office staff will tell you on the spot if something does not meet their standard.

For proof of identity, bring a valid passport, a birth certificate (long form, with the raised seal), a consular report of birth, or a military ID. If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must be present with their own ID. For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government letter with your current Florida address — it needs to be dated within the last 60 days.

You will also need to know your Social Security number or ITIN. If you do not have either, you can still get a license, but the process takes longer because DHSMV has to verify your identity through other means. Bring whatever identity documents you have and ask the office what additional steps they need.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring a valid passport, birth certificate with a raised seal, or military ID as proof of identity, plus a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days as proof of residency.
  • You must provide your Social Security number or ITIN, though you can still get a license without one if you bring extra identity documents.
  • If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must come with you and bring their own ID.
  • The written test covers Florida traffic laws and road signs; you can study the official handbook free on the DHSMV website before you go.
  • Processing takes about 30 minutes at the office, and your temporary license is valid when ready while you wait for the card in the mail.

The written test and what it covers

You will take a written test on Florida traffic laws and road signs. The test has 50 questions, and you need to answer at least 40 correctly to pass. Questions come from the official Florida Driver's Handbook, which DHSMV publishes free on its website — you can read it or read it before you go to the office.

The handbook covers right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, seat belt laws, what different road signs mean, and how to handle other drivers on the road. If you have driven in Florida before or have a license from another state, much of this will be familiar. If you are new to driving, spend an hour or two with the handbook and you will recognize most of the questions.

You can take the test on a computer at the DHSMV office. If you need the test in a language other than English, Spanish, Creole, or Vietnamese, call your local office ahead of time to arrange it. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at no extra cost.

The vision and road tests

Before you take the written test, the office will check your vision using a machine that reads your eyesight in seconds. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. If you fail the vision test, you cannot get a license that day, but you can come back after you have seen an eye doctor.

Florida does not require a road test for a regular driver's license — you pass the written test and the vision check, and you are done. The office will issue you a temporary license on paper that is valid when ready while your plastic card is printed and mailed to your address. The card usually arrives within two weeks.

If you are under 18, there are additional rules: you must hold a learner's permit for at least three months before you can get a full license, and you must pass a road test with a DHSMV examiner. The learner's permit itself requires the same documents and written test as a regular license.

Cost and how long it takes

A Florida driver's license costs $75 and is valid for eight years. If you are over 80, the license is valid for five years and costs the same amount. You pay at the office when you explore, and the fee covers the written test, vision check, and the card itself.

The whole process at the office takes about 30 minutes if you have all your documents and pass the vision and written tests on the first try. If you fail the written test, you can retake it when ready, which adds another 10 to 15 minutes. Bring the documents in a folder so you can hand them over quickly.

Where to go and how to schedule

You can find your nearest DHSMV office on the agency's website by entering your ZIP code. Some offices take walk-ins, but many now require you to book an appointment online through the DHSMV website. Check your local office's page to see whether you need an appointment or can show up during business hours.

If you book online, you will choose a date and time, and the system will tell you how long the wait is expected to be. Walk-in wait times vary — offices in busy areas can have lines of an hour or more, especially on Saturdays. Going on a weekday morning usually means a shorter wait.

Bring all your documents in originals or certified copies. Do not bring your children or other people who are not getting a license, because the office space is often crowded and you may not be able to bring them into the testing area.

If you have a license from another state

If you already have a valid driver's license from another state, you do not need to take the written test or the vision test. You can exchange it for a Florida license by bringing your out-of-state license, proof of residency in Florida, and proof of your Social Security number or ITIN. The fee is the same: $75.

The exchange takes about 15 minutes. You will get a temporary license on the spot and the plastic card in the mail within two weeks. Your out-of-state license will be returned to you or destroyed depending on the state's rules — ask the office staff what happens to it.

If your out-of-state license has expired, you will need to take the written test and vision test as if you were getting a license for the first time. Bring the same documents listed above.

Special situations: under 18, commercial, or motorcycle

If you are under 18, you must first get a learner's permit by passing the written test and vision check. You then hold the permit for at least three months, during which you can only drive with a licensed adult 21 or older in the car. After three months, you return to take a road test with a DHSMV examiner, and if you pass, you get your full license.

If you want a commercial driver's license (CDL) to drive a truck or bus, the process is longer and requires additional tests and medical certification. Start by calling your local DHSMV office to ask what documents and medical exams you need.

If you want to ride a motorcycle, you need a motorcycle endorsement on your license. You can add this at the same time you get your regular license, or later. It requires passing an additional written test and a road test on a motorcycle. Some riders take a motorcycle safety course, which can waive the road test requirement — ask your DHSMV office whether they recognize courses in your area.

What to do if you lose your license or it is damaged

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it at any DHSMV office. Bring proof of identity and proof of residency, just as you did for the original. You do not need to take any tests. The replacement costs $25 and takes about 15 minutes.

If your license was stolen, you can also report it to the police and ask for a case number. Bring that number to the DHSMV office — it may help if someone tries to use your stolen license fraudulently. You can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) if you are concerned about identity theft.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. DHSMV offers the test in Spanish, Creole, and Vietnamese at most offices. If you need the test in another language, call your local office at least a week ahead to arrange it. Some smaller offices may not have all languages available, so confirm before you go.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake it the same day at no extra cost. You have three attempts per visit. If you fail all three, you must wait one day before you can try again. Most people pass on the second attempt after reviewing the handbook for the questions they missed.

Do I need a road test to get a Florida license?

No, not for a regular driver's license. You only need to pass the written test and vision check. If you are under 18, you must pass a road test with a DHSMV examiner after holding a learner's permit for three months.

How long is a Florida driver's license valid?

A regular driver's license is valid for eight years. If you are over 80, it is valid for five years. You can renew it online, by mail, or in person at a DHSMV office, usually starting six months before it expires.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can still get a license if you have an ITIN or if you bring extra identity documents. Tell the office staff that you do not have a Social Security number, and they will walk you through what documents they need instead. The process may take longer because they have to verify your identity through other means.