Frequently Asked Questions

It is recommended to report these incidents to the police to avoid identify theft. When you obtain a Florida duplicate drivers license, make sure to provide the police report at the DMV office to have the replacement fee waived.

To find a DMV near you, use the DMV locator.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Florida Driver’s License or ID Card

If while preparing for your drivers license application you decide that you would like to review the driver manual, then you can view it on the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website. Once there, you will be able to download an English or Spanish version for your convenience.

To further prepare for the written exam that you will have to pass to get your drivers license, it is recommended to use the Driver s Study Guide, as well as the Driver s Practice Test.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Florida

In the state of Florida, you can complete your drivers license renewal online, in person and by mail. However, some factors may require you to renew your license in person if, for example, your last renewal was completed online.

Online

You can avoid lines renewing your FL drivers license online with the GoRenew website. To renew online, you should be able to pay with a debit or credit card.

In person

Visit the closest FL DHSMV office, you can find one using the convenient DHSMV locator, and bring:

• Proof of identification, like your U.S. passport or birth certificate.
• Proof of Social Security Number, such as your Social Security card.
• Proof of residential address, like a utility bill or mail from government agencies.

If you recently changed your address, bring proper documentation as proof of the change, such as a utility bill, mail from a financial institution or a W-2 form. For a change of name, you can bring your marriage certificate or divorce decree, Social Security card or a courts document as proof.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Florida

First, you need to check if you are eligible to get a Florida drivers license. You qualify if:

• You are least 18 years of age
• You passed a Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education course.
  • For information about an online traffic school course, click here.
• You passed a vision and hearing tests.
  • These are usually administered at the DHSMV. For local listing of DHSMVs near you, click here.
• You passed a road exam.
  • This is also typically done at a DHSMV near you.

For the driving test, make sure the vehicle you will use has car insurance as well as passed the safety requirements. When you schedule the appointment with the DHSMV, select Driving Test Class E License.

After verifying you comply with the requirements above, go to the DHSMV and take with you:

• One document as proof of your identity, such as a birth certificate, or a U.S. passport
• Proof of Social Security Number, such as your Social Security card
• Two proofs of residential address, like utility bills or medical bill
• $48 drivers license fee (fee may vary).

You will get your drivers license once you complete and pass the tests, comply with the requirements and pay the fee.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Florida

To apply for a hardship license, you need to visit the Administrative Reviews office. Based on the type of offense you were charged with, you will need to complete a part of your drivers license suspension or the entire suspension time. If you were charged with a DUI, you will need to complete a DUI program and treatment if required. The DUI revocation period will depend on the severity of the offense you committed.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Florida

You can apply for a FL duplicate drivers license online by accessing the GoRenew website. There, you will be required to input your information in order to replace your FL drivers license. Alternatively, you can place a request to replace your FL drivers license by calling 850-617-2000 or by mail. Send your request to:

Bureau of Records 2900 Apalachee Parkway, MS 92 Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0575

You can also request a temporary permit that will be valid until you come back to Florida by calling 850-617-2000.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Florida Driver’s License or ID Card

If you have a lost drivers license, there are two methods to request a license replacement: in person and online. The fastest way to get your replacement is by visiting a Florida DHSMV office.

In Person

You can visit the closest FL DHSMV office, but first, get an appointment online at the FL DMV website to avoid waiting in long lines. On the day of the appointment, bring:

• Proof of identification, like your U.S. passport or birth certificate.
• Proof of Social Security Number, such as your Social Security card.
• Proof of residential address, like a utility bill or mail from government agencies.
• Proof of legal presence, such as your green card, if you are not a U.S. citizen.

Online

You can apply directly online through the GoRenew website. You will be asked a few questions to confirm your identity, and after you complete the process, you will be mailed your replacement drivers license to the address you registered with the DHSMV and it will arrive approximately in two weeks.

Out-of-State

If you need a replacement and are currently out-of-state, you can also request a temporary permit that will be valid until you come back to Florida. Mail your request to:

Bureau of Records

2900 Apalachee Parkway, MS 92

Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0575

You can also call 850-617-2000 or send an email through the DMV webpage. Once you return to Florida, you will have to follow the process described above to replace your license.

Report It

You can get your replacement fee waived if you have a stolen drivers license, but you have to report it to the police first. With your police report at hand, you won’t have to pay a penny for your license replacement.

If you replace your drivers license in person, you will get the replacement the same day. The online replacement will take longer as it takes about two weeks to receive a drivers license by mail.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Florida Driver’s License or ID Card

If you have a FL suspended driving license as a Habitual Traffic Offender and it is not related to DUI, you will need to take an advanced driver improvement course. There are course providers you can contact to start the program with them. Visit the Suspended License page for more information.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Florida

The process of reinstating suspended drivers license credentials first requires you to comply with your suspension period, then you can reinstate your FL drivers license by visiting the closest FL DHSMV office and paying the fee according to the offense you committed. Take into account that there may be additional fees to pay. To find a DHSMV close to you, use the DHSMV locator.

If your license got suspended due to DUI, you may need to complete a DUI treatment before reinstating.

For suspensions related to your vision, you will need to visit a specialist and get an eye report to send to the address below in order to show proof that you comply with the DHSMV vision acuity standards.

The Bureau of Motorist Compliance Vision Section 2900 Apalachee Parkway, MS 87 Tallahassee, FL 32399-0570

If you lost your Florida drivers license due to accumulation of traffic points, then you will have to complete a course called “Advanced Driver Improvement.â€

You may want to have an attorney help you through the process of reinstating your license and limiting your penalties.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Florida

If you are actively serving out of Florida in the U.S. army, you can renew license credentials online through the GoRenew website from the FLDHSMV. Alternatively you can renew your license at the DHSMV. To find a DHSMV near you, use the DHSMV locator.

You can also request a Military Extension Request by calling 850-617-2000. The DHSMV will process your request and send you an extension card that will remain valid for 90 days after being discharged from military service. You will have to keep the card and your license with you at all times. There is no cost to get a military extension, and it is available to your dependents as well these include your spouse and your children or step-children under 21 years of age and living with you at your residence.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Florida

You will be required to visit a Florida DHSMV office. Find one near you using the DHSMV locator tool. When you go to the DHSMV, make sure to take with you:

• Proof of identification, such as:
  • An employment authorization card (Form I688B or I-766). It must be issued by the United States Department of Homeland Security.
  • Form I-94 accompanied by a valid passport with a date of entry stamp on it.
  • An I-571 Travel Document or a Refugee Travel Permit.
  • An order from an Immigration Judge granting Asylum or Cancellation of Removal.
• Proof of Social Security, such as:
  • A Social Security card
  • A printed W-2 form.
  • Your pay check or pay stub with your name and SSN on it.
• Two proofs of residence, such as:
  • Utility hook up or bill not older than 60 days.
  • Insurance policy documents.
  • W-2 form
  • Mail from government agencies.
• Proof of legal presence such as:
  • Green card
  • Form I-551.

If you have a stolen drivers license, you can report it to the police and get the replacement fee waived.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Florida Driver’s License or ID Card

If you need to replace drivers license credentials and are currently out-of-state, you can apply for a replacement online through the FL DHSMV website.

You can also request a temporary permit that will be valid until you come back to Florida. You can call 850-617-2000 or mail your request to:

Bureau of Records2900 Apalachee Parkway, MS 92Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0575

If you prefer to get the replacement in person at a DMV, you will have to follow the regular process to replace your license when you return to Florida, as described on the Replace License page. To find a conveniently located DMV in Florida, use the DMV locator.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Florida Driver’s License or ID Card

A vision test is part of the standard procedure when you apply for driving license credentials in Florida. An eye-testing machine is found at every physical DMV location. To find a DMV location near you, use our DMV locator. If your vision is deemed to be worse than 20/40, then the driver licensing agent will require you to see a specialist before returning to the DMV for another exam.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Florida

When you refuse to take the chemical test and it is your first offense, your license will be suspended for a year. For every subsequent offense, the drivers license suspension period will be 18 months. You can find out more when you visit the Tickets & Violations page.

Visit the Florida DUI and DWI page to learn how to defend your case. You can fill out the form found on that page to get you more personalized guidance from a legal attorney.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Florida

You can renew your Florida drivers license up to 18 months before it expires. Renewing drivers license early is always recommended to avoid paying late fees.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Florida

Yes, your drivers license replacement fee will be waived. When visiting your local authorities and reporting the incident, they will provide you with a form to present at the FL DHSMV office. Read more on the Replace License page.

To find a FL DHSMV office near you, use the DHSMV locator.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Florida Driver’s License or ID Card

You can have your Florida drivers license flagged by alerting the fraud department of the DMV. You can even reach them directly by phone by calling 850-488-4760. For more information, take a look at the Replace License page.

There is no age limit to renew your Florida drivers license, but if you are 80 years of age or older, you will have to pass a vision test when you renew drivers license credentials. This test is typically done at a local DMV. If you need to find a DMV office near you, use the DMV locator.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Florida

Your FL drivers license copy will be sent to the address on file with the DMV. If you wish to change this address, you will need to contact the DMV ahead of time. To find contact or location information of a local DMV, use the DMV locator.

If you are in the process of changing addresses, visit the Address Change page to help advise you how to change your address on legal documents and help you keep track of the legal documentation you ll need to update to continue driving legally.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Florida Driver’s License or ID Card

If you are a senior driver who is 80 or older, then you will be required to renew your drivers license more frequently. Instead of renewing drivers license credentials every eight years, which is the standard, you will have to get a new one every six years. You will also be required to pass a vision test. This is typically administered at a DMV office. To find a DMV office near you, use our DMV locator. If you prefer to have the test administered by your doctor, he or she must have license to practice in FL as a medical doctor, optometrist, or osteopathic physician. To verify the test, a Mature Driver Vision Test Form (HSMV 72119) will have to be completed.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Florida

Florida drivers can have a suspended drivers license for a certain amount of time depending on the infraction. Some of these infractions may be due to driving under the influence, failing to pay a fine, having accumulated several traffic violation points, or lack of insurance. If you would like more information, visit the Suspended License page. On that page you will also find a form you can fill out to get legal guidance from an attorney who can help you defend your case and lessen the charges against you.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Florida

If you have a Florida drivers license suspension, you can get even higher fines than the ones you already have to pay. Jail time, community service, extra points on your FL drivers record, extended suspension period, completion of safe driving courses and even a revocation of your driving privilege can be some of the consequences you face.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Florida

Once you arrive at the FL DHSMV office, there will be a $25 fee to pay for the drivers license replacement. Keep in mind that fees may vary. You can also make this payment online if you apply for a drivers license replacement online. In cases where the license was stolen or lost, you can waive that fee by contacting the police department and reporting what happened. They will give you a form called “Identity Theft/Driver License Fraud Report,†which you need to present to the Florida DHSMV office to get your replacement for free.

Use the DHSMV locator to find a DHSMV office near you.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Florida Driver’s License or ID Card

To have your suspended driving license in Florida reinstated, you may have to pay any of the fees below:

Suspensions: $45

DUI Program fee: $15

Administrative Fee for alcohol and drug related offenses: $130

You could also be asked to have an interlock device installed in your vehicle if you get your hardship license. There is a $15 fee, plus any other cost from the vendor. DUI programs may also charge you additional fees as well. Keep in mind that fees may vary.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Florida

You can get a hardship license if you have a suspended drivers license as a result of the following:

• Accumulating several points on your FL license
• Being a habitual traffic offender
• DUI. For DUI suspensions, you always need to go to DUI School and get your treatment before applying for a hardship license.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Florida

If you are applying for drivers license credentials and fail the test, then you will be required to retake it; the fee for which is $10. Keep in mind that fees may vary. Before scheduling a new appointing to take your driving test, you will need to pass a drivers ed course.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Florida

To get a new license to drive, you will need to go to an office of the FL Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, which you can find using our DHSMV locator, and bring with you the following documents:

• Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education course completion certificate.
• Your primary form of identification, such as a U.S. passport or birth certificate.
• Your Social Security card, a pay check with your Social Security Number, a W-2 form or any 1099 form.
• Two documents to prove that you reside in Florida, such as a deed, a Florida Voter Registration Card, a utility hook up or mail from any government agency.

You will also have to take a knowledge and a road test, as well as a hearing and a vision exam. These are usually administered at the DHSMV. For local listing of DHSMVs near you, click here.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Florida

If you renew drivers license credentials in person, take with you:

• Proof of identification, like your U.S. passport or birth certificate.
• Proof of Social Security Number, such as your Social Security card.
• Proof of residential address, like a utility bill or mail from government agencies.

If you recently changed your address, bring proper documentation as proof of the change, such as a utility bill, mail from a financial institution or a W-2 form. For a change of name, you can bring your marriage certificate or divorce decree, Social Security card or a courts document as proof.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, take with you proof of legal presence, such as a green card.

If you need help finding a local DHSMV office to go renew your drivers license in person, use the DHSMV locator.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Florida

For a drivers license replacement, you will need to present the following:

• Proof of identification, like your U.S. passport or birth certificate.
• Proof of Social Security Number, such as your Social Security card.
• Proof of residential address, like a utility bill or mail from government agencies.
• Proof of legal presence, such as your green card, if you are not a U.S. citizen.

If you intend to present these documents in person, use the DMV locator to help you find the closest DMV office.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Florida Driver’s License or ID Card

You can take the written test to get your drivers license can be taken online or in person. If you choose to take your knowledge test in person, you can take it in English, Spanish or Haitian-Creole. You cannot use dictionaries or electronic devices to translate the test. Some Department of Highway and Safety Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) offices may offer an interpreter to help you. Call your local agency in advance to find out about interpreter availability.

To prepare for the test in English, it is recommended to use the Drivers Study Guide, as well as the Drivers Practice Test.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Florida

If you miss the renewal date of your Florida expired drivers license, you will have to pay a $15 late renewal fee. If you drive with your expired license, you may get charged $30 for a non-moving traffic violation, which will also go on your driver record.

If you get a traffic charge, there are attorneys that might be able to help you. But it is highly recommended that you renew your drivers license on time.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Florida

If you have not received your renewed license within two weeks, you can call 850-617-2000 and verify the status of your FL drivers license renewal application. There is also an email response form at the official FLDHSMV website that you can use to communicate with the DHSMV.

You can also go directly to a DHSMV in person if you d prefer. Use the DHSMV locator to find the DHSMV office closest to you.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Florida

To get a FL driving license you are required to take:

• A vision and hearing test.
• A written exam.
• A road test.

All of the above tests are typically administered at the DHSMV. In order to take them at the DHSMV, it is essential to schedule an appointment in advance with the DHSMV office. To find a DHSMV office near you, use our DHSMV locator.

The written exam can actually be taken online through an approved drivers ed course. To prepare for the written test, it is recommended to use the Drivers Study Guide, as well as the Drivers Practice Test.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Florida

The FL DMV offers Class E or Class E-Learner driving licenses for drivers of non-commercial vehicles. Class E licenses cover vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of less than 26,001 pounds. Some of the types of vehicles that a person with Class E license can drive are: trucks or recreational vehicles, 15-passenger vans, regular passenger cars. A Class E-Learner license covers vehicles that weigh less than 8,000 lbs.

If you are looking to buy a non-commercial car, you can find out more by visiting our Buying a Car page.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Florida

In order to reinstate your license, you will need to have completed all of the required time of your suspension period. For more information, take a look at the Suspended License page. On that page, you will also see a case evaluation form you can fill out if you are in need of legal consultation or representation for any DUI or traffic related incidences that resulted in suspension of your license.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Florida

It is recommended to renew your drivers license before your it expires. The Florida DHSMV allows you to renew your valid FL drivers license up to 18 months prior the expiration date. If you do not renew driving license credentials on time, you will have to pay a $15 late fee (fee may vary), and you wont be allowed to drive with your expired license. Keep in mind that fees may vary.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Florida

If you replace license credentials in person at a DMV, you will get the replacement the same day. To find a DMV near you, use the DMV locator. The online replacement will take longer since your drivers license will arrive by mail roughly two weeks after you ordered it. You can get more information by visiting the Replace License page.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Florida Driver’s License or ID Card

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles has a free license check tool where you can enter your driver license number to check its current status. The system will let you know of any tickets you may have, the courts you may need to contact and the status of your license.

You can also request your driving record and verify the current status of your license. You may purchase it from any driver license office or tax collector that offers licensing services. You may also purchase it at the court clerks that offer that service.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Florida

Please follow the link below for your nearest DMV location:

Florida DMV Office Contact Information

You can get drivers license credentials at the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. To find a location near you, use our DHSMV locator. But first, make sure you have complied with the following requirements to obtain a Florida new drivers license:

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Complete a Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education course. (Online options are available, to find out more visit our online traffic course page.)
• Pass a vision and a hearing test. (Typically administered at a DHSMV near you.)
• Pass a written road exam. (Available online, see online traffic course page.)
• Successfully complete a driving test. (Typically administered at a DHSMV near you.)

If you havent already taken your written exam, it is recommended to use the Drivers Study Guide, as well as the Drivers Practice Test to prepare.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Florida

Whenever you renew your drivers license in person at an office, you may be asked to pass a vision test. If you qualify to renew by mail or online, you wont have to take a vision test.

Drivers who are 80 years of age or older can only renew in person and must have their vision tested upon every drivers license renewal.

The vision tests are generally administered at DMV offices. To find a local DMV office, use the DMV locator.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Florida

Most people receive a drivers license renewal notice in the mail 30 days before their driver license expiration date. If you dont receive a renewal notice, you still have to follow the appropriate procedure to renew driving license credentials.

Also, if you are eligible to renew by mail, you will receive a mail-in renewal packet. If you do not receive it, you will have to renew your license using other available methods such as going to the DHSMV office in person or online. To find a DHSMV office near you, use the DHSMV locator.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Florida