Standard document requirements must be met for all applicants, even if you already hold a Real ID compliant out-of-state driver license.
If you surrender a valid (may be expired but cannot be suspended/revoked/cancelled) non-commercial driver license from any US state, territory, or possession, or the US Armed Forces you are not required to take the knowledge or driving skills exams to obtain a non-commercial Florida license.Â
If you surrender a valid learner’s permit from another state, you will receive a Florida learner’s permit (must be at least 15 years old.) A driving skills (road test) exam will be required to upgrade the permit to a full Class E driver license (must be at least 16 years old).Â
Out of state commercial driver license (CDL) holders, please view our commercial driver license page for information on obtaining a CDL in Florida.
If you have lost the physical copy of your out of state driver license, we will most likely be able to use our national database search to locate your driving record (within the other 49 U.S. states or D.C.) and transfer your license to Florida without testing.
If out database search is not successful, you will need to provide a record of your license information on the official letterhead of your previous state’s driver license agency; the letter must include your full name, date of birth, class of license, and issuance/expiration dates.
Note: You cannot hold a license or ID in two states at once. Obtaining a Florida driver license or ID card will cancel any other state-issued license or ID.
If you are a visitor holding a valid out-of-country license you are not required to obtain a Florida driver license unless you are becoming a permanent Florida resident.
Standard document requirements must be met for all applicants, even if you hold an out-of-country license.
Customers presenting a license from Germany will need to take the knowledge exam but are not required to take the driving skills exam.
Customers presenting a license from any foreign country not named above will need to complete the Class E General Knowledge exam (available in English, Spanish, Haitian Creole, French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Portuguese, and Vietnamese) and Driving Skills exam. Booking an appointment is required for all driver license testing.
Non-US Citizens applying for a license may be issued a temporary driving permit (en español) (an kreyòl). This permit should be carried with valid photo identification until the hard card comes in the mail within 30-60 days. No additional license, ID card, or testing will be available until your card is received.
You may access FLHSMV’s Driver License Check to determine if your card has been printed and mailed. If you have not received your card and your temporary driving permit is expiring within one week, you may visit a service center to check your application status and request a second permit.
Canadian citizens have the option of retaining their Canadian driver license in addition to a Florida driver license. However, if you choose to retain your Canadian driver license you must take and pass both the written and driving skill exams.
If you choose to surrender your license, all exams will be exempted. View our first-time drivers page for more information on testing requirements.
