You can renew online, but only if your license is still valid and you meet a few conditions
Florida lets you renew your driver's license online through the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) website, but you cannot get a new license online or change your address online. The online renewal process works only if your current license has not expired, you have no medical suspensions, and you do not need to update your photo. If any of those conditions do not explore to you, you will need to visit a driver license office in person.
The online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $48 for a four-year renewal or $75 for an eight-year renewal. You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method. Your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal is available only if your current license is still valid and you have no medical suspensions or restrictions.
- You cannot change your address, get a new photo, or renew if your license has expired through the online system.
- The renewal costs $48 for four years or $75 for eight years and takes about 10 minutes to complete.
- Your renewed license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the online process.
- If you do not meet the online renewal requirements, you must visit a driver license office in person.
What you need before you start the online renewal
Gather these items before you go to the DHSMV website to renew: your current Florida driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a credit card or debit card for payment. You will also need an email address where you can receive your confirmation.
Check your license expiration date first. If your license expired more than six months ago, the online system will not let you renew and you will have to go to a driver license office. If your license expires within the next six months, you can renew online even though it is still technically valid.
Step-by-step: how to renew online through the DHSMV
Go to the DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov and look for the "Online Services" section. Click on "Renew Your Driver License" and select that you are renewing an existing license (not getting a new one). You will be taken to a page that asks for your driver's license number and date of birth to verify your identity.
After verification, you will see a form asking for your current address, contact information, and whether anything about your medical history or restrictions has changed. Answer honestly — if you have a new medical condition or suspension, the system will stop and tell you to visit an office instead. If you pass this step, you will choose your renewal length (four or eight years), review the fee, and enter your payment information.
Once payment goes through, you will receive a confirmation number by email. Write this down or take a screenshot. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, and you should receive it within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
When you cannot renew online and must visit an office
If your license has been expired for more than six months, you cannot use the online system. You will need to visit a driver license office with your Social Security card or birth certificate, proof of Florida residency (like a utility bill or lease), and your current ID.
You also cannot renew online if you want to change your address, get a new photo, add or remove restrictions, or if you have any active medical suspensions. The same applies if you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL) or if your name has changed since your last license was issued. In all these cases, you must go in person to a driver license office.
How to find a driver license office if you need to go in person
The DHSMV website has a location finder where you can enter your county or city and see all nearby offices, their hours, and whether they are currently open. Many offices are open Monday through Friday, but some have Saturday hours. Call ahead or check online before you go, because some offices have long wait times or may be closed for lunch.
You can also make an appointment at many offices through the DHSMV website, which can cut your wait time significantly. If you make an appointment, arrive 10 minutes early with all your documents ready.
What happens if your address changed
If you moved since your last license was issued, you cannot update your address through the online renewal system. You must visit a driver license office in person and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement or insurance bill also works.
Bring your current license, Social Security card or birth certificate, and proof of residency. The office will issue you a new license with your updated address, and you will pay the same renewal fee ($48 for four years or $75 for eight years).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?
No, the online system only works if your license expired within the last six months. If it has been expired longer than that, you must visit a driver license office in person and bring your Social Security card or birth certificate plus proof of residency.
What if I need a new photo on my license?
You cannot get a new photo through online renewal. You must visit a driver license office, where they will take a new photo as part of the renewal process. Bring your current license and payment method.
How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?
The DHSMV mails renewed licenses within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the online renewal. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives. If you do not receive it after two weeks, contact the DHSMV to check the status.
Can I change my name when I renew online?
No, you cannot change your name through the online renewal system. If your name has changed since your last license, you must visit a driver license office in person and bring a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree showing the name change.
What if I have a medical suspension on my license?
You cannot renew online if you have any active medical suspension or restriction. The online system will detect this and direct you to visit an office. Contact the DHSMV or your local driver license office to find out how to resolve the suspension before you can renew.