Moving to Florida, REAL ID and renewals

By the end of this topic you can

• You can explain when a new resident must get a Florida license.
• You can list who does not have to switch.
• You can describe what tests a transferring driver takes.
• You can recognize a REAL ID-compliant Florida license.
• You can explain how and how often a Florida license is renewed.

What you need to know and understand

• FLHSMV says new residents must get a Florida license within 30 days of establishing residency.
• Nonresidents who take a job in Florida or enroll children in Florida public schools must also get a Florida license within 30 days, and so must their driving spouse and dependent children.
• 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.
• Active-duty military stationed in Florida, and their spouse and dependents living with them, may keep driving on a valid out-of-state license while carrying a military ID.
• Florida has issued REAL ID-compliant credentials, marked with a gold star, since 2010.
• Drivers under 80 can generally renew every 8 years using a convenience service (online or similar) without retesting; drivers 80 and over must pass a vision test to renew.
• Renewing a Class E license costs $48, plus a $15 delinquent fee if you renew within 12 months after it expires.

Switching to a Florida license

Drivers licensed in another state or country do not need the TLSAE course. Our guide to transferring an out-of-state or foreign license to Florida goes deeper.

1. Book a visit at a driver license office or a tax collector office.
2. Gather proof of identity and lawful presence, your Social Security number and two proofs of your Florida residential address. FLHSMV does not accept an out-of-state license as your main identity document.
3. Take the vision test, which every applicant takes even when other tests are waived.
4. Surrender your old license and pay the fee.
5. Register any vehicle you brought, with proof of Florida PIP and property damage insurance.

Foreign licenses and visitors

Visitors aged 16 or older may drive in Florida on a valid license from their home state or country. Once you become a resident, a foreign license does not exempt you from testing unless Florida has an agreement with your country. FLHSMV has agreements with only a few countries, and they can change, so check its current list before your appointment. Otherwise, expect the vision, hearing, knowledge and driving skills exams, all in English only since February 6, 2026.

REAL ID and renewals

A gold star in the upper right corner shows a Florida license or ID card is REAL ID compliant. If you have an older card without the star, you will need to visit an office with your identity documents, and you cannot renew online until you do.

Florida licenses normally expire at midnight on your birthday about 8 years after issue for drivers under 80, and 6 years for drivers 80 and over. Drivers 80 and over must pass a vision test at every renewal; if renewing online, the vision results must be sent to FLHSMV in advance by a physician or optometrist.

Common mistakes

• Waiting until your old license expires. The 30-day clock starts when you establish residency or start a job.
• Bringing your out-of-state license as your only ID. You need separate identity documents.
• Assuming any foreign license can simply be swapped. Most need the full set of exams.
• Missing your renewal date. Renewing late adds a $15 delinquent fee, and driving on an expired license is an offense.

Test yourself: Moving to Florida, REAL ID and renewals

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Transfer Your License to Florida
• Florida 50 Hour Driving Certification
• Florida Permit Test