Getting your learner’s permit or license is an exciting time. In order to get one, you need to bring a few things with you to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). Here’s a quick look at what to bring.
What Documents Do You Need to Bring to the FLHSMV?
Before you take the test, pass a vision exam, and pay the $48 learner’s permit fee, you need to present some key documents to the FLHSMV:
- Proof of identity
- Proof of Social Security number
- Proof of residency
- Proof that you’ve taken and passed the Traffic Laws and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) Course
- Completed form HSMV 71142 (Parental Consent for a Driver Application of a Minor) if applicable
The FLHSMV accepts only certain documents for each category:
Proof of Identity
There are several ways to prove your identity:
- Birth certificate or a certified copy
- Valid passport or passport card
- Certificate of Naturalization
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad
- Certificate of Citizenship
- Form N-550, N-570, N560, or N-561
In many cases, your birth certificate is the easiest type of proof to bring.
Proof of Social Security Number
You can’t just tell the FLHSMV your SSN — you need to prove it with one of these:
- Social Security card
- Paycheck or check stub
- W-2 form
- SSA-1099 or another 1099 form (not handwritten)
If you don’t have any of these, you can contact the Social Security Administration for instructions on getting a new card.
Proof of Residency
You can choose from a large range of documents to prove your residency:
- Lease or mortgage statement
- Car insurance policy or car payment booklet
- Florida voter registration card
- Recent utility bill
- Florida car or boat title or registration card
- Selective Service card
- Health insurance card that includes address
- Current school transcripts
- Government-issued professional license (not expired)
- W-2 or 1099
- Mail from a bank or other financial institution
- Mail from a city, county, state, or federal agency
- Homeowner’s insurance policy
As you can tell, many of these aren’t documents that teenagers have. A parent or guardian can prove residency for you if necessary.
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