Welcome to the Sunshine State! If you have just moved to Florida, you have two clocks ticking:
- 10 Days: To register your vehicle and get Florida insurance.
- 30 Days: To transfer your driver’s license.
Many new residents make the mistake of going to the “DMV” to get their license first, only to be turned away because they haven’t registered their car yet.
In Florida, most services are handled by the County Tax Collector, not a standalone DMV. This guide will show you the exact order of operations, the “Real ID” documents you must bring to avoid a second trip, and how to skip the written test.
The “10-Day Rule”: Why You Must Register Your Car First
Before you worry about your license, you must sort out your vehicle. Florida law requires you to register your car within 10 days of establishing residency.
The Correct Order:
- Get Florida Insurance: You cannot do anything without it. Your out-of-state policy is not valid for registration.
- Register Your Car: Visit the Tax Collector to get your Florida license plate. You will need your proof of insurance and the original Title.
- Note: Be prepared for the $225 Initial Registration Fee. This surprises almost everyone.
- Need a plate fast? Check our guide on how to get a temporary license plate in Florida if you are waiting on a title.
- Get Your License: Once you have your Florida Registration, use it as your “Proof of Residency” to get your driver’s license.
Testing Rules: Do New Residents Need to Take a Road Test?
The most common question is: “Do I have to take the driving test again?”
- Valid License: No. If your out-of-state license is valid (or expired less than 1 year), the written and road tests are WAIVED. You only need to pass a vision exam.
- Expired > 1 Year: You must retake the Written Knowledge Exam and Vision Test.
- Expired > 2 Years: You may be required to take the Road Skills Test as well, depending on the examiner’s discretion.
- Foreign Licenses: Canada, France, South Korea, and Taiwan are exempt from testing. All other countries must take both written and road tests.
The Real ID Checklist: Documents You Must Bring
You cannot transfer your license online. You must visit a Florida DMV appointment location (Tax Collector) in person with original documents.
1. Primary Identification (Bring 1):
- Valid U.S. Passport or Passport Card.
- Original/Certified U.S. Birth Certificate.
- Certificate of Naturalization.
2. Proof of Social Security (Bring 1):
- Social Security Card (Original).
- W-2 Form (Must show full SSN).
- Pay Stub (Must show full SSN).
3. Proof of Residential Address (Bring 2):
- Florida Vehicle Registration (This is why you do the car first!).
- Lease Agreement or Mortgage Statement.
- Utility Bill (Electric, Water, Internet).
- Florida Voter Registration Card.
- Note: If you live with someone, you need a “Certification of Address” form signed by the homeowner.
4. Name Change Documents:
- If your name is different from your birth certificate (e.g., marriage), you must bring the original marriage certificate or court order linking the names.
Special Rules for Minors (Under 18)
If you are 16 or 17 years old and transferring a license, there is an extra step.
- Parental Consent: A parent or guardian must be present to sign the Parental Consent Form (HSMV 71142). If they cannot come, the form must be notarized ahead of time.
- The “DETS” Update (Aug 2025): Starting August 1, 2025, Florida is updating its education requirements. While valid license holders are currently exempt, new teen drivers will be required to take the 6-hour Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course instead of the old 4-hour TLSAE.
Florida License Transfer Fees
Be ready to pay at the counter. Florida Tax Collectors accept cash, credit cards, and checks.
| Fee Type | Cost |
| Original Class E License | $48.00 |
| Tax Collector Service Fee | $6.25 |
| Total License Fee | ~$54.25 |
| Knowledge Exam (if needed) | $6.25 |
| Road Test (if needed) | $6.25 |
Note: If you have a suspended license in another state, you cannot transfer it. You must clear that suspension first. Check our guide on how to reinstate a suspended license in Florida for tips on clearing national holds.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Florida law prohibits holding two driver’s licenses. You must surrender your old card to the examiner.
You can still transfer it, but it takes longer. You must provide a Certified Driving Record from your previous state showing that your license is valid. If you don’t have this, you will have to take the written and road tests as a new driver.
Yes, you must update your address within 30 days. Read our Florida driver’s license address change guide for the online method.
Yes, but you must pass the written tests for any endorsements (like Hazmat) again. If you want to drop your CDL to save money, you can downgrade CDL license to regular in Florida.
Florida usually does not transfer points from other states unless they are for major offenses. You can verify your status by learning how to check points on license in Florida.
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