What to Bring to the Florida DMV for Your Permit Test
Don't get sent home. Here's the complete checklist — documents, fees, forms, and what to leave at home.
Before You Go
- →Complete the TLSAE (Drug and Alcohol) course online and print your certificate
- →Schedule an appointment online to skip the long walk-in lines
- →Have your parent gather two different proofs of their Florida address
- →Double-check that your birth certificate is a certified copy, not a hospital souvenir
- →Arrive 15 minutes early to handle paperwork before your slot
- →Bring your study guide or use the FL DHSMV app to review the permit test questions
- →Make sure your parent knows they need to bring their own ID and proof of address
Required Documents
Proof of Identity (Primary Document)
- ✓Valid U.S. Passport or Passport Card
- ✓Certified U.S. Birth Certificate (issued by state/county/city)
- ✓Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551)
- ✓Certificate of Naturalization (Form N-550 or N-570)
- ✓Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240)
Bring the original document only; photocopies are not accepted for the primary identity proof.
Proof of Social Security Number
- ✓Social Security Card (original)
- ✓W-2 Form with full SSN
- ✓Paystub with full SSN and name
- ✓SSA-1099 Form
- ✓Non-SSA-1099 Form
Florida requires proof of your SSN. If you don't have a card, bring a W-2 or paystub. If you are not eligible for an SSN, you must bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating ineligibility.
Proof of Florida Residency
Bring 2 of these:
- ✓Parent's or guardian's utility bill (electric, water, gas, cable) within 60 days
- ✓Parent's or guardian's bank statement within 60 days
- ✓Parent's or guardian's mortgage deed or lease agreement
- ✓Parent's or guardian's Florida vehicle registration or title
- ✓School report card or transcript with current address
Since you are under 18, your parent's documents count for your residency. For a REAL ID, you need two different documents showing your address.
Parental / Guardian Consent (applicants under 18)
- ✓Parent or guardian must sign the application in front of the clerk
- ✓Parent must provide their own proof of identity and residency
- ✓If parents are divorced, the custodial parent must sign unless a court order says otherwise
- ✓Legal guardians must bring court documentation proving guardianship
Both parents usually need to sign if they share custody, but the custodial parent is the primary requirement. If a parent cannot come, a notarized Form HSMV 81103 is required, but bringing them in person is much faster.
Fees & Payment
$48
This fee covers the learner's permit. If you fail the vision or written test, there is a $10 retest fee per attempt.
Accepted payment:
Forms
Application for Driver's License or Identification Card (Form HSMV 71040)
Available at: Available at the office or pre-fill online at flhsmv.gov
Do not sign the form until you are standing in front of the clerk; they need to watch you sign it.
What NOT to Bring
- ✗Your cell phone (turn it off or leave it in the car; no texting allowed)
- ✗Large backpacks or bags (storage is limited)
- ✗Friends or siblings (only the applicant and required parent/guardian should enter)
- ✗Food or drinks (no eating in the testing area)
- ✗Photocopies of documents (bring originals only)
- ✗Your own pen (they provide pens, but bring one if you prefer)
- ✗Pets (service animals only)
At the Office
- →The vision test is done first; wear your glasses or contacts if you need them
- →The written test is computer-based; you get 40 questions and need 80% to pass
- →If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day for a $10 fee
- →Once you pass, you get an interim permit (a paper slip) valid for 60 days
- →Your hard plastic license card will arrive in the mail within 2-3 weeks
Official Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles info: www.flhsmv.gov
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