How to Get a Florida Driver’s License

You need a license to drive a vehicle in Florida. The exact steps vary depending on the type of license you need. Drivers aged 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 and meet state regulations.

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 Division of Motorist Vehicles (DMV) offices 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-issued driver’s 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 the state’s 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 to verify your identity: 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.

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 permit 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 permit 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 permit. 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 permit	Daylight hours for three months, and until 10 p.m. after that	With a licensed driver at least 21 years old Hold the license for at least 12 months or until age 18, whichever comes first 50 hours of supervised driving, with at least 10 at night
Driver’s license — 16 year olds	6 a.m.–11 p.m.	You can drive earlier or later for work — or with a driver age 21 or older
Driver’s license — 17 year olds	5 a.m.–1 a.m.	You can drive earlier or later for work — or with a driver age 21 or older

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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”

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 residency requirements 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. If you’re a new Florida resident, you only have 30 days to surrender your our-of-state driver’s license in order to obtain a Florida license.

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