How to apply for a FL driver's license:
Applying for a new Florida Driver's License or Passenger Permit The State of Florida requires you renew your driver’s license upon expiration. Click here to simplify and find all the details for your renewal in the step-by-step process. Renewing your Florida Driver's License In Florida, anyone who has never been issued a driver's license must. Florida’s NEW Driver License and ID Card Starting in August 2017, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles began issuing a new, more secure Florida driver license and ID card. By December 2017, the new credential became available at all service centers throughout Florida and online.
- Visit a Florida DHSMV office.
- Provide proof of passing a Traffic Law & Substance Abuse Education Course if you've never held a driver's license.
- Provide the required identity and residency documents.
- Pass the written knowledge test and the driving test.
- Pay the $48 Florida driver's license fee.
For more details, keep reading!
Ready to obtain your driver's license from the Florida Division of Driver Licenses? Then we're ready to help you along with the process! We'll guide you through the steps to take and documents to bring.
NOTE: If you're a teenager, you will need to meet the requirements of the graduated driver licensing (GDL) program before you will be eligible for a Florida driver's license. Please visit our Applying for a New License (Teen Drivers) for more information.
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FL REAL ID Driver's Licenses
Florida issues REAL ID driver's licenses and IDs, which means Florida identifications may be used to board domestic flights and enter federal facilities.
New to Florida?
Florida Driver's License New Design
If you're new to Florida and have a valid driver's license from your previous state, you must have it converted to a FL license as soon as you become a resident. If you are a non-resident you must have a FL driver's license within 30 days of accepting employment or enrolling your children in public school.
Follow the instructions listed below to apply for your FL driver's license. In addition to submitting the required documents and fees, you will need to surrender your out-of-state driver's license.
Your hearing, written, and driving tests may be waived if you have a valid driver's license from another U.S. state, U.S. Territories, and other countries. Testing is done at the discretion of the Division of Driver Licenses.
NOTE: If you are younger than 18 years old, your parent or guardian will need to sign your application (unless you are married).
Types of FL Driver's Licenses
The Florida DHSMV offers various types of driver's licenses depending on your age and type of vehicle you wish to drive.
- Non-commercial (Class E): Allows the operation of non-commercial motor vehicles without restrictions.
- Non-commercial (Class E) learner's permit: Allows teenagers to learn to drive under certain restrictions.
- Motorcycle endorsement.
- Commercial driver's license (CDL) (Class A, B, or C): Allows the operation of commercial motor vehicles.
License Eligibility Requirements in FL
If you're younger than 18 years old, you'll need to complete the graduated driver's licensing (GDL) program before you will be eligible for a driver's license.
This requires obtaining a learner's license first and practicing supervised driving for the required amount of time. More information can be found on our Applying for a New License (Teen Drivers) in Florida page.
If you're 18 years old or older, you will be able to apply for your FL driver's license.
Apply for a FL Driver's License
Florida is compliant with the federal REAL ID Act. This means you will automatically receive a REAL ID when you apply for your Florida driver's license. These IDs allow you to board domestic flights and enter federal facilities.
REAL ID Compliance in Florida
Florida is compliant with the federal REAL ID Act. This means you will automatically receive a REAL ID when you apply for your Florida driver's license.
REAL IDs are federally approved identity documents that allow you to use your license for domestic travel and entry into federal and military buildings.
When you are ready to apply for your driver's license, you will need to visit your local Division of Driver Licenses office and:
- Present documents* proving your:
- Identity.
- Social Security number.
- FL residential address (2 documents).
- Name change (if applicable.)
- Completed Traffic Law & Substance Abuse Education Course.
- Only required if you've never held a driver's license.
- Pass the DMV tests:
- Vision.
- Hearing.
- Knowledge.
- Driving.
- Pay the $48 fee.
Once you've passed the exams, you will be issued your new FL driver's license.
*NOTE:The Florida HSMV website has lists of acceptable documents to bring in for each requirement based on your citizenship status:
- U.S. Citizen.
DHSMV Driver's License Tests
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Before you will be issued your Florida driver's license, you will need to pass both written and driving tests.
Details for each are outlined below!
Written Exam
Your written exam will consist of 50 questions (multiple choice) about road signs and local traffic rules.
Questions will be based on information found in the Florida Driver Manual, which is available for download.
If you fail the exam, you will need to pay a $10 fee to re-take it. Contact a Division of Driver Licenses office for more information about re-testing.
Prepare to Pass the Written Test
To help you prepare for the written exam, the DHSMV suggests that you study the Florida Driver Handbook. In addition, we recommend studying with an online practice test to give you a feel for how the actual test format will be on the day of your exam. These study helpers are designed to help you pass the exam on your first attempt.
Driving Test
You will need to provide your own vehicle for your road test. It will need to:- Have valid registration.
- Be covered by the minimum insurance required (you will need to show proof of coverage).
- Pass a vehicle inspection.
Your driving exam will test your ability to safely operate your vehicle and obey traffic laws. You will need to perform various maneuvers, including:
- 3-point turn.
- Parking.
- Passing a vehicle.
- Backing.
- Giving right-of-way.
If you fail your driving test, you will need to return to the DHSMV office another day to retake the exam and pay a $20 fee.
FL License Status Check
Your Florida driver's license should generally take a couple weeks to be delivered. To check drivers license status, please go to the Florida Online Drivers License Status Check.
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