How to Get and Renew Your Florida Driver's License

What you need to get a Florida driver's license

Florida issues driver's licenses through the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). To get your first license or renew an expired one, you will need to visit a DHSMV office in person — you cannot complete the entire process online or by mail, though you can renew some licenses by mail if they expired fewer than five years ago.

Before you go to an office, gather these documents: proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or foreign national ID), proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return), and proof of Florida residency (a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 90 days). If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must come with you and bring their own ID.

You will also need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test at the office. If you are getting your first license and you are under 18, you must also pass a driving test with an examiner. Adults 18 and older can sometimes skip the driving test if they hold a valid license from another state, but Florida will still require the written test.

Key Takeaways

You must visit a DHSMV office in person to get your first Florida license or renew an expired one, unless your license expired fewer than five years ago and you meet mail-renewal rules.
Bring proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of Florida residency (all dated documents within 90 days for residency proof).
You will take a vision test and written knowledge test at the office; drivers under 18 must also pass a road test with an examiner.
A Florida driver's license is valid for eight years, and you can renew it online if it has not been expired for more than five years.
DHSMV offices accept walk-ins, but wait times vary by location and time of day — checking the office's current wait time online before you go saves time.

Finding a DHSMV office and scheduling your visit

DHSMV has offices in every county across Florida. You can find the office nearest you and check its current wait time on the DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov. The site shows real-time wait estimates for each location, updated throughout the day. Most offices accept walk-ins, but some locations in larger cities also offer appointment scheduling through the website.

If you book an appointment, you will receive a confirmation with your date, time, and the specific office address. Walk-ins are served on a first-come, first-served basis. Wait times are typically shortest on weekday mornings and longest on Friday afternoons and Saturdays. If you are renewing by mail (which is only an option if your license expired fewer than five years ago and you have no medical conditions or restrictions that changed), you can mail your renewal process directly to DHSMV without visiting an office.

The written knowledge test and vision screening

The written test covers Florida traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. It has 50 questions, and you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish, and DHSMV can provide readers or interpreters if you need one — request this when you arrive at the office.

You can study for the test using the Florida Driver's Handbook, which is free and available on the DHSMV website. The handbook covers everything the test covers. Many people study it for a few days before their visit and pass on the first try. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day at most offices, though you may have to wait and pay the test fee again.

The vision test is brief: you will read letters or numbers on a chart from a set distance. You must have at least 20/40 vision in each eye (with or without glasses or contacts). If you wear corrective lenses, bring them with you and wear them during the test. If you fail the vision test, you cannot get your license that day and will need to see an eye doctor first.

The road test for new drivers under 18

If you are under 18 and getting your first license, you must pass a road test with a DHSMV examiner. The test takes about 20 minutes and covers basic driving skills: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws. The examiner sits in the passenger seat and watches you drive on public roads near the office.

You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle's registration and insurance documents must be current. You cannot use a vehicle that belongs to the testing office or the examiner. If you fail the road test, you can retake it, but you will need to schedule another appointment or wait in line as a walk-in and pay the test fee again.

Costs and how long your license lasts

A Florida driver's license costs $75 for an eight-year license (the standard term). If you are 65 or older, you can get a four-year license for $25. If you are renewing by mail, the cost is the same. Payment is made at the DHSMV office by cash, debit card, or credit card — bring one of these payment methods with you.

Your license is valid for eight years from the date it is issued. You can renew it online through the DHSMV website if it has not been expired for more than five years and you have no medical conditions or restrictions that have changed. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you will need to visit an office and take the written test again. If you lose your license or it is damaged, you can get a replacement at an office for $25.

What to do if you move or change your name

If you move to a new address in Florida, you must update your address with DHSMV within 30 days. You can do this online through the DHSMV website without visiting an office. If you change your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must visit an office in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The address change is free; a name change costs $25.

You do not need a new license photo when you change your address or name — your current photo will stay on your license. However, if you want a new photo, you can request one at an office for an additional fee.

Renewing your license by mail or online

If your Florida license expired fewer than five years ago, you may be able to renew it by mail without visiting an office. To renew by mail, you must have no medical conditions or restrictions that have changed, and you must not have any unpaid traffic violations or suspensions. You can check whether you are may be able to access to renew by mail on the DHSMV website.

If you are may be able to access, you can mail your renewal process (Form HSMV 82101) along with your current license and payment to the address provided on the form. Processing takes about two weeks. You can also renew online if your license expired fewer than five years ago and you meet the same conditions. Online renewal is faster — your new license will be mailed to you within one week.

If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew by mail or online. You will need to visit an office, take the written test again, and pass a vision screening. If you are under 18, you will also need to pass the road test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Florida license if I do not have a Social Security number?

No. Florida requires proof of a Social Security number to issue a driver's license. If you are a non-citizen without a Social Security number, you may be able to get an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) from the IRS, which some DHSMV offices accept as proof. Contact your local DHSMV office to ask whether they accept an ITIN before you visit.

What happens if I fail the written test?

You can retake the test the same day at most offices. You will pay the test fee again (usually $10 to $15, depending on the office). Most people pass on the second attempt after studying the handbook for a few more days. If you fail multiple times, take a break, study longer, and try again at your next visit.

Do I need to take the written test if I already have a license from another state?

Yes. Florida requires all new residents to take the written knowledge test, even if you hold a valid license from another state. You may not need to take the road test if you are 18 or older and your out-of-state license is current, but the written test is required. Bring your out-of-state license with you to the office.

How long does it take to get my license after I pass the tests?

Your license is printed at the office while you wait. You will receive it before you leave, usually within 30 minutes of passing all tests. If the printer is down, DHSMV will mail it to you within one week. You can drive with a temporary paper license while you wait for the card to arrive.

What if I cannot read English well enough to take the written test?

DHSMV offers the written test in Spanish and can provide readers or interpreters for other languages. Tell the office staff when you arrive that you need an interpreter, and they will help you. You can also request the handbook in Spanish or other languages on the DHSMV website before your visit.

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.