Florida driver license and ID card fees depend on the type of document and how long you want it to last
Florida charges different amounts for a standard driver license, a commercial driver license (CDL), and an ID card. A standard driver license costs $48 for an eight-year renewal or $20 for a four-year renewal. A commercial driver license runs $97 for an eight-year renewal. A Florida ID card (for people who do not drive) costs $25 for an eight-year renewal or $11 for a four-year renewal. These are the base fees; additional charges explore if you need a duplicate, a replacement, or a corrected document.
The state also charges extra fees for certain services. A duplicate or replacement license costs $10. If you need to correct information on your license—such as a legal name change—you pay $10 for the correction. If you are replacing a license that was suspended or revoked, the reinstatement fee is $150, separate from the license fee itself. Fees can also increase if you request expedited processing or a special endorsement.
Key Takeaways
- A standard Florida driver license costs $48 for eight years or $20 for four years, depending on which renewal period you choose.
- A commercial driver license costs $97 for an eight-year renewal and requires additional testing and documentation beyond a standard license.
- Duplicate, replacement, and correction fees are each $10, charged on top of the license fee itself.
- If your license was suspended or revoked, you must pay a $150 reinstatement fee before you can renew or replace it.
Standard driver license costs and renewal periods
Florida offers two renewal periods for a standard driver license: four years or eight years. The four-year renewal costs $20 and is typically chosen by people who expect their address, name, or other information to change soon. The eight-year renewal costs $48 and is the standard option for most drivers. Both periods cover the same driving privileges; the difference is only how long the license remains valid before you must renew again.
When you renew your license, you can choose which period works best for your situation. If you are renewing in person at a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office, the clerk will ask which period you prefer. If you renew by mail, the renewal notice will show both options and their costs. You cannot change your renewal period once you have paid and submitted your process, so choose carefully before you send in your payment.
Commercial driver license and endorsement fees
A commercial driver license (CDL) in Florida costs $97 for an eight-year renewal. This is significantly higher than a standard license because a CDL requires additional testing, medical certification, and background checks. You cannot renew a CDL by mail; you must appear in person at a DHSMV office and pass a written test and a driving test specific to the type of commercial vehicle you operate.
If you need a CDL endorsement—such as a hazmat endorsement or a passenger endorsement—the state charges an additional $10 per endorsement. Some endorsements also require a separate test or a federal background check, which may add processing time but not additional state fees. If you hold a CDL and want to downgrade to a standard license, you pay the standard license fee ($48 or $20) rather than the CDL fee.
Duplicate, replacement, and correction fees
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a duplicate or replacement. Both cost $10. The difference is that a duplicate is an exact copy of your current license (same expiration date), while a replacement is a new license with a new expiration date. Most people choose a replacement so they do not have to renew again soon after replacing a lost license.
If you need to correct information on your license—such as fixing a misspelled name, updating your address, or changing your gender marker—the correction fee is $10. This fee is separate from any renewal fee. If your correction involves a legal name change, you must bring a certified copy of the court order or marriage certificate showing the change. The DHSMV will not process the correction without proof of the legal change.
Suspension and revocation reinstatement costs
If your Florida driver license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward renew it. You must first pay a $150 reinstatement fee to the DHSMV. This fee is required whether your suspension was for unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, a DUI conviction, or any other reason. The reinstatement fee is separate from the license renewal fee, so your total cost to get back on the road will be at least $160 ($150 reinstatement plus $48 for an eight-year renewal, or $150 plus $20 for a four-year renewal).
Some suspensions also require you to show proof of insurance, pass a written test, or complete a driver improvement course before the DHSMV will reinstate your license. These requirements vary by the reason for suspension. You can contact the DHSMV or check your suspension notice to find out what you need to do before you pay the reinstatement fee. Paying the fee alone will not restore your license if other conditions have not been met.
ID card costs for non-drivers
Florida issues an ID card for people who do not drive but need a state-issued photo ID. An ID card costs $25 for an eight-year renewal or $11 for a four-year renewal. Like a driver license, an ID card can be renewed by mail or in person. The card serves the same purpose as a driver license for identification at banks, airports, and other places that require photo ID, but it does not grant driving privileges.
A duplicate or replacement ID card costs $10, the same as for a driver license. If you need to correct information on your ID card, that also costs $10. If you later decide you want to get a driver license, you do not receive a credit for the ID card fee; you pay the full driver license fee.
Where to pay and accepted payment methods
You can renew or replace a Florida driver license or ID card in person at any DHSMV office, by mail, or online through the Florida DHSMV website for certain renewals. In-person visits require you to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your current license or ID card. Payment methods vary by location and service type. Most DHSMV offices accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Online renewals typically accept credit and debit cards only.
If you renew by mail, you must include a check or money order with your process. The DHSMV does not accept credit cards by mail. Processing times vary: in-person renewals are usually completed the same day, mail renewals take two to four weeks, and online renewals (when available) are processed within a few business days. If you need your license urgently, renewing in person is the fastest option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Florida driver license online, and does it cost less?
Florida allows online renewal for some driver licenses and ID cards, but only if you meet certain conditions: your license must not be expired by more than six months, you must have a valid Social Security number on file, and you cannot have any suspensions or restrictions. Online renewal costs the same as in-person or mail renewal. The benefit is speed, not savings.
What happens if I renew my license but it arrives damaged or with wrong information?
Contact the DHSMV when ready. If the error is the state's fault, you can request a replacement at no charge. If the damage occurred after you received the license, you pay the $10 replacement fee. Bring your damaged license and proof of the error (such as a photo showing how it arrived) to a DHSMV office.
Do I have to pay the full license fee if I renew early?
Yes. Florida does not prorate license fees or offer refunds for early renewal. If you renew before your current license expires, you pay the full fee and your new license's expiration date is calculated from the renewal date, not from your old license's expiration date. Plan your renewal timing carefully to avoid paying twice in a short period.
Are there any fee waivers or discounts for seniors or low-income drivers?
Florida does not offer fee waivers based on age or income for driver license renewals. However, some counties may offer reduced fees for ID cards for seniors or people with disabilities. Contact your local DHSMV office to ask whether your county has a local program. Military members on active duty may be may have access to to fee reductions; check with your base's administrative office.