Do you need a new Florida driver’s license to travel? Or if you just moved? Take a look

Florida has rules when it comes to your driver’s license. And you may have questions.

What does Florida law say about getting a state driver’s license if you move here from elsewhere?

What if you just move from county to county or down the block?

How long do you have before you have to get your license?

And do you need a new license to comply with the new READ ID law?

Here’s what to know:

What is REAL ID and do you need a new driver’s license?

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles says REAL ID “is a national effort to improve the integrity and security of state-issued driver licenses and identification cards, which in turn will help fight terrorism and reduce identity fraud.”

Documents that meet Real ID requirements are the driver’s license or identification card that each state issues, including Florida.

How do you know if your license or ID is compliant? It can be easily identified by a star inside a circle in the upper right corner of the card. If your driver’s license has this icon, it means it meets REAL ID standards. If not, you should apply for it as soon as possible at an FLHSMV office.

Having a REAL ID-compliant document has several advantages, including the process of renewing or replacing your current credentials through the MyDMV portal, the easiest way to renew or replace your Florida driver’s license or identification card. It also allows you to renew or replace your motor vehicle, boat or mobile home registration.

Starting May 7, 2025, travelers in the U.S. will be required to comply with REAL ID regulations to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities.

Do you need a Florida driver’s license if you move here from another state?

▪ If you move to Florida and intend to live in the state for more than six consecutive months and intend to drive, you need to get a Florida driver’s license. You must apply in person at any office offering driver license services, according to the Department of Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

▪ You have 30 days after establishing residency as a new Florida resident to obtain a valid Florida driver’s license. Also, you must obtain car insurance from an insurance agent who is licensed to sell insurance in Florida in order to title and register your vehicle. For that, you have within 10 days of establishing residency.

Do you need to take any tests?

▪ You will be given a vision test. But, in general, you won’t have to take a written or road test if you have a valid out-of-town license.

▪ The fee is $48 for a Class E driver’s license plus service fee. For a list of required documentation, visit the flhsmv.gov website and click on Driver’s Licenses and New Resident.

Do you need to update your license if you move within the state?

▪ Florida law requires you to update your address within 10 days of moving. That applies whether you move from one apartment to another in the same building or from one county to another.

▪ You can update your address online at the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website. Click on Driver’s License and Change Address and that will take you to MyDMVPortal. You can also visit a local DMV office in person.

▪ You’ll need a check or money order for $25, payable to the Division of Driver’s Licenses. You also have to provide your Social Security number and driver’s license number and new mailing and residential address.

▪ Don’t forget to update your vehicle registration, too. You have 30 days to do that if you move.

This story was originally published March 15, 2025 at 12:16 PM.