Florida driver licenses renew every six or eight years depending on your age, and you can renew in person at a DMV office, by mail, or online through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) website
The method you use depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you have changed your name or address, and whether you need a new photo. Most Florida residents under 80 can renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If your license has expired by more than six months, you will need to renew in person and may need to retake the written test.
The renewal fee is $48 for a six-year license or $75 for an eight-year license if you renew in person or by mail. Online renewal costs $47.50 for six years. You will need your current Florida driver license number and a valid email address to start any renewal process.
Key Takeaways
- Florida driver licenses expire on your birthday in the year shown on your card, and you can renew up to one year before that date.
- Online renewal through the DHSMV website is the fastest option if your license is still valid and you have not changed your name or address.
- By-mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires you to mail your current license to the DHSMV along with a check or money order.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license expired more than six months ago or if you need a new photo or have changed your legal name.
- You will need proof of your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address to complete any renewal method.
Renewing online through the DHSMV website
Online renewal is the fastest and most convenient option if you meet the requirements. You must have a valid Florida driver license that has not expired, you cannot have changed your name since your last license was issued, and you must be under 80 years old. You also cannot have a commercial driver license (CDL) or a license with a medical restriction code.
Go to the DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov and select "Renew Your Driver License" under the Online Services section. Enter your driver license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Review your current address and other information on file. If everything is correct, pay the renewal fee with a credit or debit card. You will receive a confirmation email, and your new license will arrive by mail within seven to ten business days.
If you want to change your address during online renewal, you can do so before you pay. If you need a new photo or want to update your name, you cannot use online renewal and must go to a DMV office instead.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal but does not require a trip to a DMV office. You can renew by mail if your license is still valid, you have not changed your name, and you are under 80 years old. You cannot have a CDL or medical restriction code.
Request a renewal form by calling the DHSMV at 1-844-33-FLHSMV (1-844-335-4786) or by visiting a DMV office in person. Fill out the form completely, including your current driver license number and date of birth. Attach a check or money order for $48 (six-year license) or $75 (eight-year license) made payable to "DHSMV." Do not send cash. Mail your completed form, payment, and current license to the address shown on the renewal form.
The DHSMV will process your renewal and mail your new license to the address on file. This process takes two to three weeks from the date they receive your materials. You can continue to drive on your current license while you wait for your renewal to arrive.
Renewing in person at a DMV office
You must renew in person if your license has expired by more than six months, if you need a new photo, if you have changed your legal name, or if you have a CDL or medical restriction code. You also must renew in person if you are 80 years old or older.
Visit the DHSMV office locator at flhsmv.gov to find the DMV office nearest you and check its hours. Bring your current Florida driver license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
Arrive early, as wait times vary by location and time of day. The DMV office will take a new photo, verify your information, and collect your payment. Your new license will be mailed to you within seven to ten business days. You can request a temporary paper license to drive while you wait if your current license has expired.
What to bring and what documents you need
| Renewal Method | Documents Required | Payment Method |
|---|---|---|
| Online | Current valid Florida driver license number, date of birth, last four digits of Social Security number | Credit or debit card |
| By Mail | Current valid Florida driver license, check or money order, completed renewal form | Check or money order |
| In Person | Current Florida driver license, proof of Social Security number, proof of current address, name change document if applicable | Cash, check, debit card, or credit card |
Proof of Social Security number can be a Social Security card, W-2 form, tax return, or 1099 form. Proof of current address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government-issued mail dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have these documents, call the DHSMV before you visit to ask what alternatives they will accept.
When your license expires and renewal important date
Your Florida driver license expires on your birthday in the year printed on the front of your card. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. If you renew early, your new license will expire on the same date as your current license would have, not one year from the renewal date.
If your license expires while you are out of state or out of the country, you can still renew by mail or online as long as your license has not been expired for more than six months. If your license has been expired for more than six months, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written driving test.
If you are a Florida resident who is temporarily living outside the state, you can still renew online or by mail as long as you have a valid Florida address on file with the DHSMV. If you have moved out of Florida permanently, you will need to get a driver license from your new state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Florida driver license if it has been expired for more than a year?
If your license expired more than six months ago, you must renew in person at a DMV office. You may also need to retake the written driving test and the vision test. Bring all required documents and be prepared to spend more time at the office than a standard renewal would take.
What if I have changed my name since my last license was issued?
You must renew in person at a DMV office and bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You cannot renew online or by mail if your name has changed.
How long does it take to receive my new license after I renew?
Online and by-mail renewals take seven to ten business days for your new license to arrive by mail. In-person renewals also take seven to ten business days. You can drive on your current license or request a temporary paper license while you wait.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?
Outstanding traffic tickets or unpaid fines do not prevent you from renewing your license. However, if you have an unpaid child support obligation or certain other court orders against you, the DHSMV may suspend your license. Contact the DHSMV or the court to resolve any holds before you renew.
What if I lose my license before my renewal arrives?
If your current license is lost or stolen, you can request a replacement at any DMV office. Bring proof of identity and proof of your Social Security number. The replacement fee is $25. Your renewal will still arrive at your address on file, and you can use either the replacement or the renewal to drive.