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How to get a driver's license in Florida as an immigrant

Everything a new arrival in Florida needs to know, from driving on a foreign license to the documents the DMV accepts from non-citizens. Facts are quoted from official sources.

Quick answers

Drive on a foreign license?
Visitors may drive with a valid license from their country of residence and should carry it while driving.
Deadline after moving
30 days after becoming a resident
License exchange without tests
Not stated in official sources
License without immigration status
No
No SSN?
Provide proof of your SSN (card, W-2, pay stub, 1099). Work-authorized non-immigrants who cannot get an SSN need an SSA ineligibility letter.

Driving on a foreign license

Visitors may drive with a valid license from their country of residence and should carry it while driving. Deadline after moving: 30 days after becoming a resident.

If your country is not on the list

FLHSMV pages reviewed do not list a foreign-license exchange. First-time applicants pass vision and hearing tests, road rules and road sign tests, and a driving test. The TLSAE course is required only if you were never licensed in any state or country.

You must get a Florida license within 30 days of becoming a resident. www.flhsmv.gov

Documents for non-citizens

Examples of accepted immigration documents:

  • Permanent Resident Card (I-551) or I-551 stamp in passport or on I-94
  • Employment Authorization Card (I-766 or I-688B)
  • Valid passport with current I-94 and entry stamp (plus I-20 for F-1/M-1)
  • I-797 or immigration judge order with A-number granting asylum or refugee status, with valid passport

License validity: Non-immigrant licenses are issued for the time approved by USCIS, up to 4 years, and are marked TEMPORARY.

Non US Citizens must present proof of legal presence. www.flhsmv.gov

Social Security number

Provide proof of your SSN (card, W-2, pay stub, 1099). Work-authorized non-immigrants who cannot get an SSN need an SSA ineligibility letter.

Individuals with a non-immigrant status must also provide proof of a social security number www.flhsmv.gov

Proof of residency

Two different documents with your Florida residential address, e.g. lease, deed or mortgage, utility bill dated within 30 days, Florida vehicle registration or title, voter card.

Customers must submit two different documents with their Florida residential address. www.flhsmv.gov

Step by step

  1. Gather proof of lawful presence, proof of SSN, and two proofs of Florida address.
  2. If you were never licensed in any state or country, complete a Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course.
  3. Visit a driver license office and pass the vision and hearing tests.
  4. Pass the Class E knowledge exam (40 of 50 questions correct, 80 percent).
  5. Receive a learner's license (included in the $48 original Class E fee).
  6. Pass the Class E Driving Skills Test (applicants 18 or older do not need to hold the learner's license for 12 months).
  7. Get your Class E license; non-immigrant licenses expire with your USCIS-approved stay and are marked TEMPORARY.

Fees

Original Class E license (includes learner's license): $48.00, plus a $6.25 tax collector office service fee.

Original Class E (includes Learner’s license)* $48.00 www.flhsmv.gov

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Checked against official sources on October 27, 2026. Rules change: confirm with the DMV before your visit. This is not legal advice.