You can get a Florida driver's license by mail if you already have a valid license from another state

Florida allows out-of-state residents to renew or replace their driver's license through the mail without visiting a Florida office in person. You do not need to be a Florida resident. The process is straightforward: you send your current out-of-state license, a completed process form, and payment to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). Florida will mail your new license back to you.

This option works only if your out-of-state license is still valid or expired for less than six months. If your license expired more than six months ago, you will need to visit a Florida driver's license office in person, even if you do not live in Florida. Some people choose this route because Florida licenses are valid for eight years, longer than many other states.

Key Takeaways

  • Mail in your current valid out-of-state license, a completed Florida process form (HSMV 80039), and a check or money order to renew by mail.
  • The Florida DHSMV processes mail-in renewals and sends your new license to the address you provide, which does not have to be in Florida.
  • If your out-of-state license expired more than six months ago, you must visit a Florida driver's license office in person to renew.
  • Florida driver's licenses are valid for eight years, which is longer than the validity period in most other states.

What documents and forms you need to mail in

You will need to send the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles three things: your current out-of-state driver's license, a completed process form, and payment.

The process form is called the HSMV 80039 (process for Florida Driver License or Identification Card). You can read it from the official DHSMV website or request it by mail. Fill out the form completely, including your name, date of birth, address, and signature. Your address does not have to be in Florida.

Payment is $48 for a standard eight-year license. You can pay by check or money order only — the DHSMV does not accept credit cards or electronic payments for mail-in renewals. Make the check or money order payable to the "Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles."

Where to mail your process and what to expect

Mail your completed form, current license, and payment to:

Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Driver License Bureau Neil Kirkman Building 2900 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, FL 32399

Processing typically takes four to six weeks from the date the DHSMV receives your process. You can track your process status on the DHSMV website using your driver's license number and date of birth. Your new Florida license will be mailed to the address you listed on the process form.

Keep your out-of-state license until you receive your Florida license in the mail. Once it arrives, your old license is no longer valid. If you need to drive before your Florida license arrives, your out-of-state license remains legal to use.

When you must visit a Florida office in person instead

Mail-in renewal is not an option if your out-of-state license expired more than six months ago. In that case, you will need to visit a Florida driver's license office in person, even if you live out of state. You can visit any Florida DHSMV office — you do not have to go to a specific county or region.

If you are renewing in person, bring your expired out-of-state license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form), and proof of your current address (such as a recent utility bill or lease). You will also need to pass a vision test and have your photograph taken. Bring payment of $48 in cash, check, or debit/credit card.

To find a Florida DHSMV office near you, use the office locator on the DHSMV website. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require appointments. Call ahead or check online before you visit.

Why some out-of-state residents choose a Florida license

A Florida driver's license is valid for eight years, which is longer than licenses in most other states. Some states issue licenses valid for only four or five years. If you travel to Florida frequently or want a license that will not expire for a long time, getting a Florida license by mail can be simpler than renewing your current state's license.

Your Florida license will be recognized as a valid form of identification in all 50 states and for federal purposes such as boarding a domestic flight. You do not need to be a Florida resident to hold a Florida license, and you can keep your out-of-state address on the license.

What happens if your process is rejected or incomplete

If the DHSMV finds an error on your process or is missing information, they will mail you a notice explaining what needs to be corrected. You will have a set amount of time to respond and resubmit the missing or corrected information. This adds time to the overall process, so double-check your form before mailing it.

Common reasons for rejection include a signature missing from the process, a check written for the wrong amount, or an illegible copy of your out-of-state license. Make sure your check or money order is for exactly $48 and that your signature appears on the process form in the designated box.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Florida license if I still live in another state?

Yes. Your Florida license is valid for driving in any state, and you do not need to be a Florida resident to hold one. You can keep your out-of-state address on the license. However, if you move to Florida permanently, you are required by law to get a Florida license within 30 days of establishing residency.

What if my out-of-state license was lost or stolen?

If your license was lost or stolen, you cannot renew by mail. You will need to visit a Florida driver's license office in person and bring a police report or other proof that your license was lost or stolen. The DHSMV will issue you a replacement license on the spot.

Do I need a Florida address to get a Florida driver's license by mail?

No. You can use any mailing address on your process, including an out-of-state address, a P.O. box, or a friend's address in Florida. The DHSMV will mail your license to whatever address you provide.

How long is a Florida driver's license valid?

A standard Florida driver's license is valid for eight years from the date it is issued. Licenses for drivers age 80 and older are valid for four years. You can check your license's expiration date on the card itself.

Can I renew my Florida license by email or online?

The DHSMV does not currently offer online renewal for out-of-state residents. Mail-in renewal and in-person renewal at a Florida office are your only options. You can check the official DHSMV website for any updates to renewal methods.