How to Get a Florida Driver’s License
To get a license in Florida, you must pass a series of tests, pay a fee, and provide proof of identity.
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Written byTaylor Milam-Samuel
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8+ years writing for major outlets, including MarketWatch and Business Insider
Master’s in Education
Taylor Mlam-Samuel is a personal finance writer and credentialed educator. When she’s not helping readers better save and spend money, she can be found teaching.
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Edited bySara Getman
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Sara Getman is an Associate Editor at Insurify and has been with the company since 2022. Prior to joining Insurify, Sara completed her undergraduate degree in English Literature at Simmons University in Boston. At Simmons, she was the Editor-in-Chief for Sidelines Magazine (a literary and art publication), and wrote creative non-fiction.
Outside of work, Sara is an avid reader, and loves rock climbing, yoga and crocheting.
Updated July 26, 2024
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Table of contents
You need a license to drive a vehicle in Florida. The exact steps vary depending on the type of license you need. Drivers age 18 and older must pass a series of tests, including a vision screening, multiple-choice exam, and behind-the-wheel driving test.
Teenage drivers must complete additional steps to get a license. Drivers with valid out-of-state licenses can skip the written exam and driving tests when transferring their licenses.[1] Regardless of age and license status, the process is easy to understand. Here’s how to get a Florida driver’s license, including how to get it as quickly as possible.
Quick Facts
New drivers must provide proof of identity, Social Security number, and address.
It costs $48 to get or renew a license in Florida, including a learner’s license.[2]
Most drivers can renew an existing license online to save time.
How to get a license in Florida
You must be at least 16 years old to get a driver’s license in Florida. Regardless of age, new drivers have to pass multiple tests. You can schedule appointments for the tests at driver’s license service centers throughout the state.
New Florida drivers must meet the following requirements to get a license:
Be a resident of the state: You must be a Florida resident to qualify for a state license.
Complete the vision exam: Drivers must pass an in-person vision test. If your eyesight is below 20/40, you’ll need to visit a specialist before you can get a license.
Pass the knowledge exam: Drivers must complete an in-person multiple-choice exam with questions about traffic laws.
Complete a behind-the-wheel driving test: You must pass a driving test using your vehicle. An examiner will sit in the car with you to assess your driving skills and ability to follow traffic laws.
Finish the Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course: Drivers who’ve never had a license must complete a four-hour TLSAE course online or in person.[3]
Get your photo taken: Drivers must have a photo that meets the requirements. Get your photo at the Division of Motorist Vehicles.
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What are the required documents?
When you apply for a new license as a first-time driver, you must bring the following documents when you visit the DMV. The document requirements are slightly different if you’re not a U.S. citizen.[4]
Primary identification card
You must bring one of the following original documents showing your birth year: a U.S. birth certificate, passport, Certificate of Naturalization, or Certificate of Citizenship.
Proof of Social Security
You also need one of the following original documents: Social Security card, W-2 form, paystub, or 1099 form.
Proof of address
Drivers must also bring two of the following documents as proof of address: mortgage statement, Florida voter registration card, Florida title or vehicle registration, utility bill, medical or health card with address, homeowners insurance bill, auto insurance bill, transcript for the current school year, W-2 form or 1099 form, a letter from a homeless shelter, or mail from financial or government institutions.
You have a lot of options for meeting the document requirements. But it’s essential to ensure you have every document you need, including two documents for proof of address. For example, you could bring your passport, Social Security card, W-2 form, and a utility bill.
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Skills the driving test covers
The driving test is a behind-the-wheel exam with an examiner in the car. While you drive, you need to demonstrate the following skills:
Three-point turn
Approach of crossing
Yield and right-of-way
General parking
Parking uphill or downhill
Quick stop
Backing up
Follow stop signs and traffic signals
Signals and turns
Pass safely
Proper posture
How much does a Florida license cost?
A standard driver’s license, including a learner’s license and license renewal, costs $48 in Florida. If you need to retake the written exam, it costs $10. Retaking the driver’s test costs an additional $20. The TLSAE Course costs vary depending on the company, but it’s usually around $25.[2]
How to get a teen driver’s license in Florida
In Florida, you need to be at least 16 years old to get a driver’s license, but you can get a learner’s license at age 15. Teens must have a learner’s permit for at least 12 months or become 18, whichever comes first, to get a driver’s license.
If you start the licensing process at age 18 or 19, you can apply for a regular driver’s license and skip the learner’s license. But if you’re younger than 18, you must start with a learner’s permit. You must meet the following requirements to earn a license:[5]
Sign and notarize the Parental Consent Form if you’re under 18
Complete the Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course
Pass the vision and hearing test
Pass the written permit test
Provide proof of identity, Social Security number, and residential address
If you want to transfer your learner’s permit to a driver’s license, complete the following steps:
Be at least 16 years old
Have a parent or legal guardian older than 21 certify you have 50 hours of driving experience, including 10 hours at night
Have no driving violations
Pass the driving test
If you’re younger than 18, your license comes with restrictions. Here’s what you can expect.[5]
License Type ▲▼ | Hours Allowed to Drive ▲▼ | Additional Requirements ▲▼ |
|---|---|---|
| Learner’s license | Daylight hours for three months, and until 10 p.m. after that |
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| Driver’s license — 16 year olds | 6 a.m.–11 p.m. |
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| Driver’s license — 17 year olds | 5 a.m.–1 a.m. |
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How to renew your license in Florida
You must renew your Florida license every eight years. But you might have to renew it earlier if you experience one of the following situations:
Move or change addresses
Change your name
Driver’s license is lost or stolen
Add a license
For most people, renewing their license or ID card online through the MyDMV Portal is the quickest. You pay a $2 processing fee, and it usually takes two or three weeks to receive the new license in the mail.
But you can’t always renew online and must visit a local office if the following apply:
Renewed online last time
You don’t have a REAL ID
Want to update your photo
First time getting a license
Current license says “temporary”
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Read More: How to Get Car Insurance With a Suspended License
How to transfer your out-of-state license
Drivers can transfer their out-of-state license if they recently moved to Florida or are new residents. Florida residents include if you work in the state, enroll your children in public school, register to vote, or live in the state for more than six consecutive months.[6]
A license transfer is quicker and has fewer steps since you can usually skip the written exam and driving test. But you’ll still need to make an in-person appointment, pass the vision test, and provide additional information. When you attend the appointment, you must bring original documents that provide proof of identification and address, and your Social Security number.
Florida driver’s license FAQs
Figuring out how to get a license in Florida might feel overwhelming. Here’s some additional information that may help.
How do I transfer my driver’s license to Florida?
You can transfer your out-of-state license by making an appointment at the Florida DMV. You need to pass the vision test and bring proof of identification, address, and your Social Security number. But you can usually skip the road test and written exam.
What are two proofs of residency in Florida?
When applying for a Florida driver’s license or transferring an out-of-state license, you must bring two original documents that provide proof of address. Your mortgage statement, voter registration card, title or vehicle registration, utility bill, medical or health card with address, and auto insurance bill are examples of documents that meet the requirement.
Can a non-U.S. citizen get a driver’s license in Florida?
Yes. Florida allows non-U.S. citizens to get a driver’s license. Both immigrants and non-immigrants must provide proof of identity and address and a Social Security number.
What are the fees for getting a Florida driver’s license?
It costs $48 to get or renew a driver’s license in Florida, and a learner’s license costs the same. If you don’t pass the first time, you’ll have to pay $10 to retake the written exam and $20 to retake the driving test.
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Popular articles
Sources
- Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. "General Information."
- Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. "Fees."
- Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. "What is Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) and how do I find the approved listing of TLSAE course providers?."
- Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. "What to Bring."
- Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. "Licensing Requirements for Teens, Graduated Driver License Laws and Driving Curfews."
- Welcome to Florida!. "New Resident."
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Taylor Milam-Samuel
Taylor Milam-Samuel is a writer and credentialed educator who is fascinated by how people earn, save, and spend their money. When she's not researching financial terms and conditions, she can be found in the classroom teaching.
Sara Getman is an Associate Editor at Insurify and has been with the company since 2022. Prior to joining Insurify, Sara completed her undergraduate degree in English Literature at Simmons University in Boston. At Simmons, she was the Editor-in-Chief for Sidelines Magazine (a literary and art publication), and wrote creative non-fiction.
Outside of work, Sara is an avid reader, and loves rock climbing, yoga and crocheting.
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