All The Documents You Need to Get Your Florida License

Showing up at the Florida licensing office without the right paperwork is the fastest way to waste an afternoon. The FLHSMV has specific document requirements for each stage of the licensing process, and they do not make exceptions. Here is your complete checklist for both the learner's permit and the driver's license.

Documents for Your Florida Learner's Permit

Document Category	What to Bring	Notes
Proof of identity	U.S. birth certificate, valid U.S. passport, or permanent resident card	Must be original or certified copy (no photocopies)
Proof of Social Security number	Social Security card, W-2, SSA-1099, or pay stub with full SSN	Name must match your identity document exactly
Two proofs of Florida address	Utility bill, bank statement, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or school records	Must be recent (within 60 days) and show your name and Florida address
Parental Consent Form (under 18)	HSMV Form 71018, signed by a parent or legal guardian	Must be notarized or signed in front of a licensing office examiner
Course completion	DETS certificate (under 18) or TLSAE certificate (18+)	Provider reports electronically; bring a printed copy as backup
Permit fee	Payment by cash, check, or card	Check FLHSMV for current fee amount

If you do not have enough documents in your own name (common for younger teens), a parent or legal guardian can provide their documents and sign a Certificate of Address form (HSMV 71120) on your behalf.

What Course Completion Do You Need?

The required course depends on your age. Teens under 18 must complete the 6-hour DETS course. Adults 18 and older complete the 4-hour TLSAE course. Your course provider submits your completion electronically to the FLHSMV, but always bring a printed certificate as a backup. If the electronic submission has not been processed by the time of your appointment, the printed copy can verify your completion.

Teens aged 15 to 17 can also take the Class E Knowledge Exam online from home through an authorized provider with parental consent, which means you may not need to take the written test at the office.

Documents for Your Florida Driver's License (Road Test Day)

Once you have held your permit long enough and completed your supervised driving hours, you are ready for the road test. Bring all of the following:

1. Your valid Florida learner's permit. It must be the original (no copies) and must have been held for at least 12 months if you are under 18.
2. Certification of Driving Experience form (HSMV 71143). This confirms you completed 50 hours of supervised driving (10 at night). A parent or guardian must sign it, and it must be notarized or signed in front of a licensing office examiner.
3. Proof of vehicle insurance for the car you will use during the road test.
4. Valid vehicle registration for the test vehicle.
5. A safe, roadworthy vehicle. The examiner will inspect the car before the test begins. Working headlights, brake lights, turn signals, horn, and tires are all required. A failed vehicle inspection means the test is postponed.
6. A licensed adult driver (21+) to accompany you to the testing location (they cannot ride along during the test).
7. Application fee payment.

You may also need to show your identity, Social Security, and residential address documents again if they are not already on file from your permit application.

What if You Are 18 or Older and Getting Your First License?

Adults follow a simpler path but still need the same core documents. You do not need a Parental Consent Form, supervised driving hours, or the Certification of Driving Experience form. Your checklist:

1. Proof of identity (passport, birth certificate)
2. Proof of Social Security number
3. Two proofs of Florida residential address
4. TLSAE course completion certificate
5. Payment for the permit and license fees
6. Proof of insurance and registration for the road test vehicle

Adults must take the Class E Knowledge Exam in person at the licensing office. Online testing is only available for applicants under 18.