Photo: Michael Rivera, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
If you move to Florida, FLHSMV says you must get a Florida driver license within 30 days of establishing residency. Holders of a valid license from another US state can usually swap it without the knowledge or driving tests, but everyone takes a vision test. This guide covers who counts as a resident, the documents to bring, and what changes if your license is from another country.
Transferring a license to Florida: key facts
- Deadline: 30 days after establishing residency (FLHSMV).
- Tests: FLHSMV may waive the knowledge and skills tests if you surrender a valid license from another state, a Canadian province or the US Armed Forces, for an equal or lower class (s. 322.12(1)). The vision test is still required.
- Where: in person at a driver license office or tax collector office.
- Fee: an original Class E license is $48 under s. 322.21, as of November 2026. Check your office for service charges.
- Documents: REAL ID-compliant proof of identity, Social Security number and two proofs of Florida address.
Who needs a Florida license?
FLHSMV says you are a Florida resident if you do any of these:
- enroll your children in public school
- register to vote
- file for a homestead exemption
- accept employment
- live in Florida for more than six consecutive months
Florida law also sets a 30 day deadline for nonresidents who take a job in Florida or enroll children in Florida public schools (s. 322.031(1)). Their spouse and dependent children who drive must get Florida licenses within the same 30 days.
Who does not need to switch
- Visitors aged 16 or over with a valid license from their home state or country, for the type of vehicle they drive (s. 322.04(1)(c)).
- Active-duty military stationed in Florida, plus spouse and dependents living with them, if they carry a valid military ID and a valid license from another state (s. 322.031(2)).
- Out-of-state commuters who live in another state and work in Florida with a valid home-state license (s. 322.031(3)).
- Full-time college students who are nonresidents, for the length of their enrollment, with a valid license from another state (s. 322.031(3)).
Step by step: switching a US state license to Florida
- Book a visit at a driver license office or tax collector office.
- Gather your documents (see the checklist below). FLHSMV does not accept an out-of-state license as primary ID.
- Take the vision test at the office.
- Surrender your old license and pay the fee.
- Register your vehicle separately if you brought one.
If you are short of documents and your out-of-state license is valid, or expired 60 days or less, FLHSMV may issue a 60 day temporary permit.
Document checklist
FLHSMV requires proof of:
- Identity and lawful presence, for example a US birth certificate or valid US passport, or an immigration document
- Social Security number
- Two proofs of Florida residential address
- Name changes, if your name differs from your identity document (for example a marriage certificate)
Use the “What to Bring” checklist on the FLHSMV website to confirm the exact documents for your status. See also REAL ID and your first US driver license.
Moving to Florida with a foreign license
A foreign license does not exempt you from testing unless Florida has an agreement with your country. FLHSMV’s 2023 Class E handbook lists reciprocity for licenses from:
| Country | Tests waived |
|---|---|
| Canada (license surrendered) | Knowledge and skills |
| France | Knowledge and skills |
| Germany | Skills only |
| South Korea | Knowledge and skills |
| Taiwan | Knowledge and skills |
Agreements can change, so confirm with FLHSMV before your appointment. If your country is not listed, expect the vision, hearing, knowledge and skills exams. You do not need the TLSAE course if you were licensed in another jurisdiction (s. 322.095(1)). For driving before you switch, see driving in the US on a foreign license.
Licenses Florida does not accept
Under s. 322.033, a license from a class issued by another state only to people who could not prove lawful presence in the US is invalid in Florida. FLHSMV keeps a list of these license classes on its website. Driving on one counts as driving without a license.
Common questions
Do I have to retake the driving test when I move to Florida?
Usually not with a valid US state license. FLHSMV can waive the knowledge and skills tests when you surrender it. The vision test is always required.
How long can I drive in Florida on my old license?
Once you are a resident, 30 days.
My teen has a learner’s permit from another state. What now?
Check with FLHSMV. A Florida learner’s license needs Florida’s driver education course and exams unless FLHSMV accepts the out-of-state permit. Under s. 322.05(2)(c), a 16 or 17 year old with a valid full license from another state or country can get a Florida license without the 12 month learner period. See driving with a learner’s permit in another state.
Can I transfer an expired license?
Ask your office. FLHSMV’s temporary permit option covers licenses that are valid or expired 60 days or less.
I am a college student from another state. Do I need a Florida license?
Not while you are enrolled full time and hold a valid license from another state (s. 322.031(3)).
Related: moving to a new state, car insurance, Florida no fault insurance. Back to the Florida learning to drive guide.
Sources
- Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, “New Resident: Welcome to Florida!” (flhsmv.gov)
- Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, “Visiting Florida Frequently Asked Questions” (flhsmv.gov)
- Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, “Out-of-state license classes no longer accepted in Florida” (flhsmv.gov)
- Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, “Florida Class E Driver License Handbook” (flhsmv.gov)
- Florida Legislature, “Florida Statutes s. 322.031, Nonresident; when license required” (leg.state.fl.us)
- Florida Legislature, “Florida Statutes s. 322.04, Persons exempt from obtaining driver license” (leg.state.fl.us)
- Florida Legislature, “Florida Statutes s. 322.12, Examination of applicants” (leg.state.fl.us)
- Florida Legislature, “Florida Statutes s. 322.033, Invalid out-of-state driver licenses” (leg.state.fl.us)
- Florida Legislature, “Florida Statutes s. 322.05, Persons not to be licensed” (leg.state.fl.us)
- Florida Legislature, “Florida Statutes s. 322.095, Traffic law and substance abuse education program” (leg.state.fl.us)
- Florida Legislature, “Florida Statutes s. 322.21, License fees” (leg.state.fl.us)