Transferring Your Driver’s License to Florida: A Complete Guide

Home to lovely weather year-round, dozens of sandy beaches, and world-renowned amusement parks, Florida is becoming one of the most visited and inhabited states in America. According to studies, over 1,000 people are moving to the state every single day. Americans cite affordable housing, new job opportunities, and retirement as some of the top reasons for leaving their hometowns. 

New residents in the state of Florida must transfer their out-of-state license to a valid Florida driver’s license within 30 days after establishing residency. The DHSMV defines this as starting employment, registering to vote, starting school/work, or having lived in the state for more than six consecutive months.

There is no need to worry, this article will provide you with actionable tips and information about transferring your license to Florida. As long as you have a valid US license from another state, it will be no problem.    

Schedule an Appointment to Transfer Your License to Florida

Scheduling an appointment at the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles is the very first step. You can schedule online using the Online Appointment Service and Information System (OASIS). Appointments fill fairly quickly, especially in high traffic locations, so you’ll want to book about a week or two in advance.

You can also walk-in to your local DHSMV and attempt to complete your Florida driver’s license transfer on the same day. As you may know, many of these offices can see long wait times. If you choose to go this route, you’ll want to know the most optimal times to head to the DHSMV to avoid having to wait there all day.

Documents Needed for Florida Driver's License Transfer

Having the proper documents and fees ready when you head to the DHSMV for license transfer will help you avoid headaches and delays at the office. After scheduling your appointment, or deciding when you would like to walk in, be sure you are able to quickly locate these items:

Proof of Primary Identification

• Valid US Passport
• Birth Certificate
• Certificate of Citizenship and/or Naturalization

Proof of Social Security Number

• Social security card
• W-2 form
• Paycheck or paystub
• SSA-1099 (or any 1099, not handwritten)

Proof of Residential Address

• Utility bill
• Residential lease agreement
• House deed
• Florida voter registration card
• Homeowner insurance policy or bill
• Vehicle insurance policy or bill

Valid Out of State Driver License

• A valid, unexpired license from one of the 50 United States

$48 Driver License Fee

• Payable by cash, check, or credit/debit

Passing the Vision Test

The vision test is the only test you will be required to take when transferring your driver’s license to Florida. New residents are not required to take the knowledge or driving tests, making this process super simple for anybody looking to get a new driver’s license.

The vision test can be taken at the DHSMV, at a licensed Florida doctor’s office, or at a federally established veterans’ hospital. If taken outside the DHSMV, the test must be administered by a medical doctor, osteopathic physician, or an optometrist. You must pass with a vision of 20/40 or better. The DHSMV will not accept exam results from doctors licensed out of state. 

Receiving a Temporary License

After the DHSMV has accepted your documents, fees, vision test results, you will be ready to get your new driver’s license! However, the Department must take time to create your new physical card and include information such as your name, new address, weight, height, and more.

Your permanent physical driver’s license will arrive within 7 to 10 business days at the address you provided at the DHSMV. However, your temporary license is a perfectly valid credential to use while operating motor vehicles or simply identifying yourself whenever necessary.

That's It!

That’s everything you need to know about transferring your out-of-state driver’s license to Florida when moving to the state. We hope that this guide has helped you out and that you now feel comfortable with the process. 

We highly recommend that you take a Florida refresher course to learn about the specific driving laws throughout your new state. A great way to do that is through our popular course which goes through everything you need to know.