Florida Driver’s License

Florida driver's license is a crucial identification document that grants individuals the legal privilege to operate a motor vehicle within the state. It proves one's driving skills and knowledge of traffic laws and regulations. Obtaining a driver's license in FL is a rite of passage and a responsibility that comes with rights and obligations.

Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) oversees the state's driver licensing matters, including issuing new licenses, renewing existing ones, addressing license suspensions or revocations, and more.

When obtaining or renewing a driver's license in Florida, not following the state regulations can lead to fines, license suspensions, and legal consequences. Thus, understanding and adhering to these regulations is crucial to ensure public safety, maintain driving privileges, and avoid unfavorable legal outcomes.

What Are the Types of Driver’s Licenses in Florida?

The FLHSMV issues two primary types of driver's licenses:

Non-Commercial Driver Licenses (Class E)

Non-Commercial Driver Licenses (Class E) in Florida demonstrate compliance with state regulations and ensure safe driving practices for individuals not engaged in commercial activities.

The Class E license encompasses non-commercial motor vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) below 26,001 pounds.

This category covers various vehicles, like 15-passenger vans (with the driver included), RVs, trucks, and small motor vehicles like mopeds or scooters with an engine size of 50 cc or less.

Individuals who are 15 years of age or learning to drive can obtain a Learner's License to operate any vehicle listed under Class E.

Commercial Driver Licenses

Commercial Driver Licenses (CDLs) are specialized credentials issued by the FLHSMV for operating commercial motor vehicles. They signify a commitment to safety and professionalism in the transportation and logistics industries.

These licenses are categorized into three classes:

• Class A - This license is for commercial motor vehicles such as trucks or truck combinations with 26,001 pounds GVWR or more. It specifically pertains to situations where the weight of the towed vehicle exceeds 10,000 pounds.
• Class B - Class B licenses are designed for commercial motor vehicles, such as straight trucks, with 26,001 GVWR pounds or more.
• Class C - This category covers vehicles transporting placardable amounts of hazardous materials or vehicles designed to transport more than 15 persons, including the driver, with a GVWR of less than 26,001 pounds.

How To Obtain a Driver’s License in Florida?

Obtaining a Florida driver's license varies depending on its type. Here are the common requirements for each license type in the state:

Class E Driver's License

To obtain a Class E driver's license in Florida, the applicant must be at least 16 years old and pass the following exams:

• Road rules
• Road signs
• Driving
• Hearing
• Vision

Class E Learner’s License

A learner’s license allows individuals 15 years old or older to drive certain vehicles under supervision. To obtain a Class E learner's license, applicants must pass:

• Road rules exam
• Road signs exam
• Hearing exam
• Vision exam

Furthermore, teens must not have any traffic convictions and have at least 50 hours of behind-the-wheel training with a minimum of 10 driving hours conducted at night certified by a parent or guardian.

Class A, B, and C Commercial Driver's Licenses

For Class A, B, and C CDLs in Florida, the minimum age is 18. The exams and requirements may vary based on the class of CDL but typically include the following:

• General Knowledge test
• Combinations vehicle test (Class A)
• Air brakes (if applicable)
• Applicable endorsement exams
• Vision and hearing tests
• Pre-trip inspection
• Basic skills
• Driving test

Note that drivers under 21 years old are restricted to intrastate operations only.

To gain comprehensive insights into commercial driver licenses, consult the handbook provided by the department. This valuable resource will provide interested individuals with detailed information and guidance on the requirements and processes of obtaining a commercial driver's license.

Generally, applications for driver’s licenses and ID cards must be in person at any local office offering driver's license services. To locate the nearest service center, visit the directory on the FDHSMV website and follow the instructions there.

The fee for an initial Florida Class E license (including a learner’s permit) is $48, while a commercial driver's license (Class A) costs $75. Many local tax collector offices also require a $6.25 service fee.

For a complete fee structure, check the current FL driver's license fees.

The required documentation generally varies based on residency status. Applicants should click on their applicable residency status below to view the list of documents needed:

• U.S. Citizen
• Canadian
• Non-Immigrant
• Immigrant

How To Renew or Replace a Driver’s License in Florida?

To renew or replace a driver’s license in Florida, individuals must follow specific procedures based on their circumstances:

Renewal of FL Driver’s License

Florida driver's license or ID card holders must renew their credentials every eight years, as indicated by the expiration date listed on the credential.

Driver license holders can renew up to 18 months before the expiration date, and ID card holders can renew up to 12 months before.

The renewal fee for Class E and Renewal School Board Commercial Driver Licenses is $48.

Replacement of FL Driver’s License

Drivers may replace their driver's license or ID card if it is lost or stolen or requires updates, such as changing their address or name or adding/updating a designation or other information.

For a change of address, drivers have 30 days to update their address on the credential.

Name changes require updating with the Social Security Administration (SSA) before updating the name on the credential and presenting an original or certified court order or marriage certificate.

The fee for replacing a license is $25.

Are There Online Services Available to Renew or Replace a Florida Driver’s License?

FLHSMV offers convenient online renewal and replacement services through the MyDMV Portal. This platform streamlines transactions, making them quick and hassle-free. During the online process, customers must verify their Social Security Number (SSN) with the department.

If verification is unsuccessful, they must follow up with the SSA to resolve the issue. The processing fee for online transactions is $2, and customers can expect to receive their renewed or replaced credentials in the mail within 2-3 weeks.

Individuals who prefer in-person assistance can visit any driver's license service center statewide to renew or replace their credentials. This option allows for face-to-face interaction and ensures that customers can provide the necessary documents or information as required by their situation.

What Happens if a Driver’s License Is Suspended in Florida?

When a driver's license is suspended in Florida, it's typically due to various reasons. Common causes include failure to pay a fine, failure to comply with or appear at a traffic summons, and failure to complete driver improvement school.

Check the other common reasons for license suspensions and revocations in Florida here.

Driving with a suspended license in Florida can lead to severe consequences. The first charge can be treated as a second-degree misdemeanor. Offenders may face fines of up to $500 and a potential jail term of up to 60 days.

For a second conviction, the offense may escalate to a first-degree misdemeanor with a jail sentence of up to one year and fines of up to $1,000. If there are subsequent convictions, it can be charged as a third-degree felony, carrying a potential prison term of up to five years and maximum fines of up to $5,000.

To reinstate a suspended license, individuals must contact the traffic court in the county where the traffic summons or citation was issued and fulfill the court's requirements. Once these requirements are met, the county will electronically update the FLHSMV with the clearance information.

To complete the reinstatement process, individuals must present proof of satisfaction within 30 days through an affidavit and pay the reinstatement fee, typically $75 for revocations or $45 for suspensions.

In cases related to alcohol or drug offenses, an additional administrative fee may apply. The reinstatement fee can be paid at any Florida driver's license service center or by calling 850-617-3000.

Can Someone Drive in Florida With a Foreign License?

Individuals with a valid foreign driver's license can drive in Florida. Visitors to the state can operate a motor vehicle as long as they have a driver's license issued in their country of residence. They need to carry their foreign license with them while driving in Florida.

Foreigners with a foreign driver's license can typically drive in Florida for up to 90 days. After this period, they must obtain a Florida driver's license if they plan to continue driving in the state.

If visitors plan to rent a car while in the state, they should check with the rental car company beforehand to understand their specific requirements. However, rental car companies have not changed their policies regarding the acceptance of valid driver's licenses from foreign countries and U.S. states or territories.

Can a Foreigner Get a Driver’s License in Florida?

Foreigners who wish to obtain a driver's license in Florida must meet certain requirements, regardless of their residency status. To apply for a new driver's license in person, non-immigrants must submit specific documents.

Firstly, applicants must provide primary identification, such as form I-688B or I-766 of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Additional supporting documents may be required based on the individual's classification.

Then, applicants must present proof of their SSN. This can be an original Social Security card, a W-2 form, a paycheck/stub, an SSA-1099, or any 1099 form.

Lastly, applicants must provide proof of their residential address in Florida. Acceptable documents include a deed, mortgage statement, residential rental/lease agreement, utility bill, selective service card, or educational institution transcript forms, among others.

Non-U.S. citizens applying for their first driver's license receive a 60-day temporary paper permit and a receipt. After verification, the permanent card is mailed within 60 days and remains valid for up to four years, as per U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services documents.

For additional information and assistance, click the Non-Immigrant link in the "How to Obtain a Driver’s License in Florida?" section of this article or contact the FLHSMV Customer Service Center representatives at 850-617-2000 from Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (EST).