How to Get a Florida Driver’s License: A Complete Guide

If you’re considering moving to Florida, a big part of settling into your new life in the Sunshine State is getting a driver’s license. Like all states, Florida requires drivers to be licensed in the state, but the requirements vary depending on your age, whether you’re transferring a license from out of state, or whether you’re getting licensed for the first time.

Here’s what you should know about getting a Florida driver’s license.

What are Florida’s driver’s license requirements?

The state of Florida requires all drivers to obtain a valid driver’s license to operate a motor vehicle. Generally, to get a Florida driver’s license you’ll need to:^[1]

• Be a resident of Florida

• Be at least 16 years old

• Provide documents that prove your identity, Social Security number, and home address

• Pay the required fee

Learn More: How to Get Car Insurance with No License

What documents do you need to get a Florida driver’s license?

The documents you need to get a driver’s license in Florida depend on your age and residency status.

U.S. citizens should bring:

• An original primary identification document, such as a U.S. birth certificate or valid U.S. passport

• Proof of your legal name and Social Security number (SSN), such as your Social Security card, a W-2, pay stub, or a 1099 tax form

• Two documents proving your residential address, such as your mortgage statement, lease agreement, Florida voter registration card, or utility bill

You can find more examples of acceptable documents on the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) website.

You can apply for a driver’s license at any local office. Check out the FLHSMV’s list of locations by county to find one near you. You’ll also have to take a vision test when you apply for a license, although you may not need to take a written or road test if you’re transferring a valid license from out of state.^[2]

How much does a Florida driver’s license cost?

In Florida, getting a driver’s license is relatively affordable. A standard Class E license or learner’s permit fee is $48, and you’ll pay the same price to renew your driver’s license. Many local tax authorities also tack on a $6.25 service fee, although veterans are exempt from the extra fee.^[3]

How to get a teen driver’s license in Florida

Florida has graduated driver’s license laws that help new teen drivers gain skills under lower-risk conditions.

The process starts by applying for a Florida learner’s license. To qualify for a learner’s license, you must:

• Be at least 15 years old

• Have a signed and notarized Parental Consent Form (if under age 18)

• Provide proof of completing a Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education course

• Pass a vision and hearing test and written exam

• Bring proof of your identity, SSN, and address

After you turn 16 and have your learner’s license for at least one year, you can apply for a regular driver’s license. Your parent, legal guardian, or another responsible adult over the age of 21 must complete a form certifying you’ve had 50 hours of driving experience, including at least 10 hours of night driving.

You’ll also need to:

• Have no moving violations on your record

• Pass a driving skills test using a vehicle that’s registered and insured and passes a basic inspection to confirm it’s safe for a driving test

• Provide proof of your identity, Social Security number, and address

While you have your learner’s license or are under age 18, you’ll have additional restrictions on your driving privileges. The table below summarizes those restrictions.

When licensed drivers reach age 18, they’ll no longer have restrictions on their driving privileges.

How to transfer your out-of-state license to Florida

If you’re new to the state, you have 30 days from the date you establish residency to get a Florida driver’s license.

You’re considered a Florida resident if you:^[4]

• Start working at a job or start a business in Florida

• Enroll your child(ren) in a Florida public school

• Register to vote in the state

• File for a homestead tax exemption on property located in Florida

• Have lived in the state for more than six consecutive months

To transfer your out-of-state license to Florida, you must bring documentation proving your identification, Social Security number, and address. Florida doesn’t accept an out-of-state license as proof of your identity.

If you don’t have the necessary documentation, you can get a 60-day temporary permit, as long as your out-of-state license is valid or has been expired for 60 days or less. This temporary permit allows you to drive legally in Florida for 60 days while you gather the necessary paperwork.^[5]

Once you have the necessary documents, the FLHSMV recommends making an appointment at a local office. You must pass a vision test and pay the $48 fee (plus any applicable local taxes) to get your Florida license.

Check Out: What Is the Difference Between a REAL ID and a Driver’s License?

How to renew a Florida driver’s license

Florida driver’s licenses are valid for eight years, and you can renew your license up to 18 months before the expiration date. You can renew online or in person at an FLHSMV office.

To renew your license online:

1. Visit MyDMVPortal.flhsmv.gov.

2. The FLHSMV will verify that the name on your driver’s license matches your Social Security number. If you’ve changed your name, you’ll need to renew your license in person.

3. Pay the $48 renewal fee (plus any local service fee and a $2 convenience fee).

Once you renew your license online, you should receive it in the mail within two to three weeks. You can only renew your license online every other renewal period.

To renew your driver’s license in person:

1. Make an appointment at a local office.

2. Bring proof of your identity, SSN, and residence address. If your name has changed since you last renewed your license, make sure you change your name with the SSA before visiting the FLHSMV.

3. Pass a vision test.

4. Pay the $48 renewal fee and any local service fee.

What are Florida’s minimum liability insurance requirements?

In Florida, drivers must carry a minimum amount of liability insurance to operate a vehicle legally. This requires all drivers to have at least $10,000 of personal injury protection (PIP) and $10,000 of property damage liability coverage.^[6]

Florida doesn’t accept out-of-state insurance policies, so all drivers must obtain a policy from an insurance company licensed in Florida.

If you lease or finance your vehicle, your leasing company or lender will likely require you to carry full-coverage car insurance. Comprehensive and collision coverages protect your car from damage, while liability protects the other vehicle, driver, and passengers in a crash you cause.

Florida driver’s license FAQs