You can renew an expired Florida license in person, by mail, or online depending on how long it has been expired
If your Florida driver's license has expired, you have three paths forward. The fastest is online through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) website — this takes about 10 minutes and works if your license expired within the last five years and you have no medical suspensions or restrictions that changed. By mail, you send documents to DHSMV and wait two to three weeks. In person at a Driver License office, you complete the process the same day, though you will wait in line and need to bring originals of specific documents.
The method you choose depends on how long your license has been expired, whether you need it when ready, and whether anything about your health or driving record has changed since it expired. An expired license is not valid for driving — you should not operate a vehicle with one, even if you are in the process of renewing.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the DHSMV website works only if your license expired within the last five years and you have no medical holds or changed restrictions.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires you to send original documents, but you do not have to visit an office.
- In-person renewal at a Driver License office is same-day and works for any expired license, but requires originals of your birth certificate, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Florida residency.
- If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test and vision test.
- You cannot legally drive with an expired license while your renewal is being processed.
Online renewal through the DHSMV website
Go to gorenew.com, the official DHSMV renewal portal. Enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will confirm your identity and show you whether you are may be able to access to renew online. If the system approves you, you will pay the renewal fee (currently $48 for a four-year license or $75 for an eight-year license) by debit card or credit card.
After payment, your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary digital license on your phone when ready that you can use for identification purposes while you wait for the physical card. Online renewal does not work if your license expired more than five years ago, if you have a medical suspension, if your address has changed and you cannot update it online, or if you need a REAL ID-compliant license for the first time.
Mail renewal with documents sent to DHSMV
read the process for Renewal of Driver License form (HSMV 80039) from the DHSMV website or request it by phone at 1-844-DL-RENEW. Fill it out completely and sign it. Gather originals or certified copies of your birth certificate, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099), and proof of your current Florida address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 90 days).
Mail the completed form and documents to the address listed on the form — this varies by region, so check the DHSMV website for your county. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee. Do not send cash. Your renewal will be processed in two to three weeks, and your new license will be mailed to you. This method works for any expired license, including those expired more than five years, but you will not receive a temporary license while you wait.
In-person renewal at a Driver License office
Find your nearest Driver License office on the DHSMV website by entering your county or ZIP code. Bring your expired license, your original birth certificate, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current Florida address. If your name has changed since your license was issued, bring the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
Walk in during office hours — most offices operate Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours. You will be assigned a number and wait your turn. When called, hand your documents to the clerk, who will verify them and take a new photo. You will pay the renewal fee at the counter. Your new license will be printed on the spot, and you will walk out with it the same day. This is the only method that guarantees you a valid license when ready.
What happens if your license expired more than five years ago
You must renew in person at a Driver License office. Online and mail renewal are not available. When you arrive, bring the same documents as above. The office will take your photo and vision test. You may also be required to retake the written knowledge test — the clerk will tell you whether this applies based on how long your license has been expired and your driving record.
If you are required to take the written test, you will sit at a computer terminal in the office and answer 50 questions about Florida traffic laws. You must score at least 80 percent to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at no additional cost. The entire process, including the test, typically takes 45 minutes to an hour depending on office wait times.
Documents you need for each renewal method
| Renewal Method | Documents Needed | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Online (gorenew.com) | License number, date of birth, last four digits of SSN (no physical documents) | 7–10 business days |
| By Mail | Completed HSMV 80039 form, original birth certificate, proof of SSN, proof of address | 2–3 weeks |
| In Person | Expired license, original birth certificate, proof of SSN, proof of address | Same day |
What to do if you need your license before the renewal arrives
If you renewed online or by mail and need a valid ID before your new license arrives, use the temporary digital license sent to your phone after online payment. This temporary license is valid for identification purposes at most businesses and government offices, though some locations may not accept it. Check with the specific place where you need to use it.
If you did not renew online and need a license urgently, go to a Driver License office in person. This is the only way to get a valid license the same day. Bring all required documents and be prepared to wait. If you are in an emergency situation — for example, you need to fly and your expired license is your only ID — bring your expired license and any other government-issued ID you have; the office staff can advise you on whether it will work for your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with an expired license while I am waiting for my renewal?
No. An expired license is not valid for driving, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can show proof that you have applied for renewal, but this does not make the expired license legal to use. If you renewed online, the temporary digital license on your phone is not valid for driving either — it is for identification only.
What if I moved to Florida after my license expired?
You will need to renew your out-of-state license as a Florida license. You cannot do this online or by mail — you must go to a Driver License office in person. Bring your expired out-of-state license, your original birth certificate, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Florida address. You will also take a new photo and vision test. The fee is the same as renewing a Florida license.
Do I need a REAL ID if I renew my expired license?
Not automatically. Your renewed license will be a standard Florida license unless you request REAL ID. If you need REAL ID for flying or entering federal buildings, you must renew in person and ask for it. REAL ID requires additional documents and costs $15 more. If you renewed online or by mail, your new license will not be REAL ID-compliant.
What if my address changed since my license expired?
If you are renewing online, the system will let you update your address before payment. If you are renewing by mail or in person, bring your new proof of address and the clerk will update it. You do not need to pay extra to change your address during renewal.
How much does it cost to renew an expired Florida license?
A four-year license costs $48, and an eight-year license costs $75. If you are renewing in person and want to add REAL ID, add $15 to either price. Payment methods vary by renewal type: online accepts debit or credit card, mail accepts check or money order, and in-person accepts cash, debit, credit card, and check.