Getting Your Florida Driver's License: Step-by-Step Guide

Overview

Your Florida driver's license is one of the most important documents for establishing Florida residency. It serves as official proof of your domicile for banking, voting, and tax purposes. This guide walks you through the entire process from booking your appointment to driving away with your new license.

Before You Go to the DMV

1. Gather Required Documents

Make sure you have all required documents ready (see our Document Preparation Checklist):

• Primary identity document (passport, birth certificate, or SS card)
• Current out-of-state driver's license
• Social Security card (or proof of SSN)
• Two proofs of Florida residential address

2. Book Your Appointment

While walk-ins are accepted, appointments are strongly recommended to minimize wait times:

• Book online at FLHSMV.gov/make-an-appointment
• Schedule 1-2 weeks in advance (popular locations fill quickly)
• Choose a Tax Collector office if available - often faster than DMV offices

3. Check Vision Requirements

You'll take a vision test at the DMV. Requirements are:

• 20/40 vision or better in each eye (with or without corrective lenses)
• If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them
• If your vision doesn't meet requirements, you'll need a form from an eye doctor

At the DMV: What to Expect

Step 1: Check In

Arrive 10-15 minutes early. If you have an appointment, check in at the appointment desk. Walk-ins will take a number and wait to be called.

Step 2: Document Verification

The examiner will review all your documents and verify:

• Identity and legal name
• Social Security number (verified electronically)
• Florida residential address
• Current driving privilege (your out-of-state license)

Step 3: Vision Test

You'll look into a vision testing machine and read letters. This takes about 2 minutes. If the screening indicates you need correction, simply get an eye exam from an optometrist and return with the completed form—this is routine and quick.

Step 4: Surrender Out-of-State License

Florida requires you to surrender your current license to obtain a Florida license. The examiner will:

• Void your old license (hole punch or cut corner)
• Return it to you as a "voided" copy if you want to keep it as ID backup
• Enter your license transfer into the national system

Step 5: Photo and Fingerprint

You'll have your photo taken and provide a thumbprint for identification purposes.

Step 6: Written Test (Maybe)

Most new residents transferring a valid license from another state do not need to take the written test. Exceptions:

• Your out-of-state license has been expired for more than one year
• You have traffic violations or suspensions on record
• You're upgrading your license class

Step 7: Payment

Pay the license fee:

License Type	Cost	Valid For
Class E (standard)	$48.00	8 years
Class E with REAL ID	$48.00	8 years
Motorcycle endorsement	+$7.00	With license

Accepted payment methods: Cash, check, debit card, credit card (fees may apply to cards).

Step 8: Receive Temporary License

You'll receive a paper temporary license valid for 60 days. Your permanent card arrives by mail in 7-10 business days to your Florida address.

After Your DMV Visit

Check License Status

Track your license status online at FLHSMV Virtual Office.

Update Your Records

Once you have your Florida license, update the following with your new information:

• Auto insurance policy
• Vehicle registration (if applicable)
• Voter registration
• Bank and financial accounts
• Employer records

REAL ID Compliance

We strongly recommend getting a REAL ID compliant license. Benefits include:

• Required for domestic flights starting May 7, 2025
• Access to federal facilities and military bases
• Same cost as standard license ($48)
• Gold star symbol indicates compliance

For REAL ID, you'll need additional documents proving citizenship (passport or birth certificate) plus two proofs of Florida address.

Common Issues and Solutions

Name Mismatch

If your name differs across documents (e.g., maiden vs. married name), bring documentation of the change:

• Marriage certificate
• Divorce decree with name change
• Court order for legal name change

Failed Vision Test

If you don't pass the vision test:

1. Visit an optometrist or ophthalmologist
2. Get DL-11 form completed by the eye doctor
3. Return to DMV with the completed form

Electronic Verification Failure

If the DMV can't verify your Social Security number electronically, bring your physical Social Security card as backup documentation.

Typical Timeline

Activity	Time
With appointment	30-60 minutes total
Walk-in (varies)	1-3 hours
Temporary license	Issued same day
Permanent card by mail	7-10 business days