Information for Immigrants
Obtaining your Driver License or Identification Card
Video Guide Playlist (English)
Video Guide Playlist (Spanish)
Step 1: Gather your Documents
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First: Identity and Legal Presence Documents
There are several categories within the classification of immigrants. In this section we will present each one so that you know what documents to bring to prove your identity and legal presence.
Important note: All of your documents must have the alien number and we only accept original documents.
Permanent Resident
Present one of the following options:
- Permanent Resident Card (Green card)
- Up-to-date passport with I-551 stamp
- Up-to-date passport with I-551 notation on your VISA.
Asylee
Present one of the following options:
- Passport up to date with the judge’s order
- Receipt of your approved I-589 application
- Permanent Resident Card (Green card)
Refugee
Present one of the following options:
- Support with your I-94 form with the corresponding stamp
- Letter from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) verifying your status
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Second: Social Security Number
Present one of the following (Social security number must be complete and legible):
- Social Security Card
- Form W-2
- Form 1099
Note: If there was any change in your name, you must report and receive acknowledgment from USCIS. In addition, you must report the new name to the Social Security Administration at least 24 hours before appearing in our offices.
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Third: Evidence of your Residential Address
You must submit two (2) documents with your name on them, showing your residential address.
The address must include:
- The property number
- Full street name
- Apartment or unit number (if applicable)
- City
- State
- ZIP code number.
Some examples of accepted documents include, but are not limited to:
- Property registration documents or property rental contract
- Mortgage statement
- Vehicle registration or title in the state of Florida
- U.S. Postal service change of address receipt
- Bills for services such as cable, water or electricity, or the connection
order for these services
If you only have one document under your name:
If you can only present one document that shows your name and residential address, you can provide at least one document in your name and fill out the form called “Certification of Address”. Click here to access the form.
If you live with family or friends:
If you are unable to provide documents showing your name and residential address, you can provide two (2) documents in the name of the person with whom you reside, along with a document showing family relationship (birth or marriage certificate).
However, if you live with someone that is not an immediate family member, you can print the “Certification of Address” form, which must be signed by both individuals and notarized.
Our employees can notarize the form as long as both individuals are present at our office with acceptable unexpired identification (driver license, identification card or passport).
Click here to access the “Certification of Address” form.
Step 2: Schedule an Appointment for your ID Card (For driver licenses, continue to step 3)
Where can I schedule an appointment?
Every customer has the option to walk in or schedule an appointment to visit any of our locations, with the exception of our AAA office.
Click the link below and select the “Driver License & ID Card” service and pick a date and time for your appointment.
Please note: you must reside in Hillsborough County in order to receive these services from our office.
Schedule an AppointmentHow much will it cost?
The total cost of an identification card is $31.25
We accept cash, check, and debit/credit cards.
(There is a convenience fee when using cards: $1.70 for debit and 2.35% or a minimum of $2 when using credit)
FeesWhere can I go?
You can get your ID card at all of our locations, except for our AAA office.
Office hours for ID card transactions:
8AM – 4:30PM, except for Wednesdays (9AM – 4:30PM)
Please note: you must reside in Hillsborough County in order to receive these services from our office.
LocationsStep 3: Complete all the Examinations and Tests
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Important Note: Exchange and Reciprocity
The state of Florida recognizes the driver licenses of some countries, validating the general knowledge and driving tests. Bring your driver license, if your license is from the following countries:
- Canada
- France
- Republic of Korea (South Korea)
- Republic of China (Taiwan)
- Germany (Only the driving test is validated. You will have to complete the general knowledge test.)
When a driver license has expired for more than 12 months, the applicant must pass the State of Florida General Knowledge test.
If you do not have one of these driver licenses, you must complete the six steps listed below:
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First: Pass the Traffic Laws and Substance Abuse Course (Alcohol and Drugs)
If you have a license from your country, then you do NOT have to take the Traffic Law and Substance Abuse course.
Your license must be legible, and photocopies of your license will not be accepted. Additionally, we cannot accept licenses that have been issued digitally, such as licenses from Venezuela that were delivered by email.
Our organization does not offer this course. You will have to find a licensed provider to attend the course either online or in person.
For a list of licensed providers, click here.
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Second: Pass the General Knowledge and Traffic Signs Test (Written Test)
The General Knowledge and Traffic Signs Test is based on the Florida State License Handbook, which can be found on the Florida Department of Vehicle and Highway Safety website here or you can obtain a physical copy at any of our locations (Except for the AAA office).
This test is offered in all of our offices with the exception of our AAA office.
You will do the theoretical exam on a computer and you will have 60 minutes to complete it. It consists of 50 questions about laws and traffic signs and a minimum of 40 correct questions is required to pass it.
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Third: Pass the Vision and Hearing Screening
Your vision (distance) and hearing will be tested. If you wear glasses, contact lenses, or hearing aids, please remember to bring them.
Glasses you wear only for reading or looking up close will NOT work for you on this test as we will be testing your ability to see from a distance.
If you do not pass the vision screening, you will be referred to a doctor for a medical exam and then the doctor must complete a form that you must present in our office.
If you have passed the vision test with glasses or contact lenses, you must wear them while operating a vehicle. You can get a ticket if you don’t use them.
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Fourth: Meet the Physical and Mental Requirements
You must indicate any physical or mental problems that may affect your ability to drive during your license application, such as epilepsy, fainting spells, dizziness, or any other medical condition that may affect your ability to drive.
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Fifth: Obtain the Learner's License (Optional if you're 18 or older)
This step is optional if you’re 18 or older. If you already know how to drive, you can schedule your driving test once you have completed the Traffic Law and Substance Abuse class and the general knowledge test..
However, if you don’t know how to drive, or want to practice on public roads before going for your driving test, once you have passed the written test, you will need to obtain a “Learner’s Permit” (known as a restricted license).
Our office does not offer driving lessons; you will need to locate an instructor on your own. For a list of licensed providers, click here.
While you have this type of license you must drive with a person seating down in the front passenger seat. This person must be at least 21 years old, possess a valid driver license, and will be in charge of monitoring you while you drive.
You can only drive during the day for the first three months when using this license
Note: Under 18 Years Old
Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a biological parent or legal guardian to obtain a learner’s license. If the parents cannot accompany the minor to the office, they must submit form 71142, previously authenticated by a notary, in which they give consent for the minor to drive. You can access this form here.Minors must hold the license for a minimum of one year with no penalty points in their license, or until they turn 18 if they got it at age 17. For the complete list of underage driving restrictions, click here.
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Sixth: Pass the Driving Test
All of our road test are done with the examiner outside of your vehicle. The examiner will communicate with you via a hands-free cellular device (Bluetooth, speakerphone or your companion may hold the phone). You will need to bring a cell phone device to complete the road test.
Make sure to bring the following with you when taking the road test:
- Your own vehicle to complete the road test
- The vehicle registration of the car you intend to use for the test (Registration must be unexpired)
- Proof of Florida insurance for the vehicle you intend to use for the test (Insurance must be unexpired)
- A companion with a valid driver license that will be with you in the car while taking the test (Must be 21 years or older and cannot be a driving school instructor)
- Highly encouraged to wear a mask
To prepare yourself for the road test, you can watch the following video guide: Road Test Video Guide (English version) or Road Test Video Guide (Spanish version). You can also get more information in the Florida Driver License Manual here.
Note: Only one companion is allowed in the car with you and pets are not allowed.
Step 4: Schedule an Appointment for the Road Test
Where can I schedule my road test appointment?
Every customer has the option to walk in or schedule an appointment to complete the road test.
Select the “Driver License Road Test” service and pick a date and time for your appointment.
Schedule an AppointmentHow much will it cost?
The cost to take the written test and the road test is $6.25 each.
Once you have passed the tests, the driver license has a fee of $54.25.
We accept cash, check, and debit/credit cards.
(There is a convenience fee when using cards: $1.70 for debit and 2.35% or a minimum of $2 when using credit)
FeesWhere can I go?
Road tests are offered at the following locations:
Brandon, East Tampa, and Plant City
Office hours for driver license transactions:
8AM – 4:30PM, except for Wednesdays (9AM – 4:30PM)
Locations