Florida driver's license and ID card fees vary by type and how long you want the card to last
A standard Florida driver's license costs $48 if you get it for four years, or $75 if you choose the eight-year version. A Florida ID card (for people who don't drive) costs $25 for four years or $31.50 for eight years. These are the fees you pay to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles when you explore in person at a local office or through the mail. The actual cost you pay depends on which type of document you need and which renewal term you pick.
If you're renewing an existing license or ID rather than getting one for the first time, the cost is the same. If you need to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged card, you'll pay a replacement fee of $25 on top of the renewal cost. Duplicate cards cost $10 each.
Key Takeaways
- A four-year Florida driver's license costs $48; an eight-year license costs $75.
- A four-year Florida ID card costs $25; an eight-year ID card costs $31.50.
- Replacing a lost or stolen card adds $25 to the standard renewal fee.
- You can pay by cash, check, money order, or debit card at a local Driver License office, or by credit or debit card if you renew by mail.
Where to pay and what payment methods are accepted
You pay the fee when you visit a Driver License office in person or when you submit your renewal by mail. If you go to an office, you can pay with cash, check, money order, or debit card. Some offices may accept credit cards, but this varies by location, so call ahead if you prefer to use a credit card.
If you renew by mail, you can pay by check or money order only — credit and debit cards are not accepted for mail renewals. Mail your payment with your completed process form to the address listed on the renewal notice or the DHSMV website.
First-time licenses and additional costs you might encounter
If you're getting a Florida driver's license for the first time, the $48 or $75 fee covers the license itself, but you may have other costs before you reach the Driver License office. You'll need to pass a written test and a driving test, and some people take a driver education course beforehand — those courses are not free and are run by private providers, not by the state.
You'll also need documents to prove your identity, Social Security number, and Florida residency. Getting certified copies of a birth certificate or other proof documents from another state or county can cost $10 to $30 per document, depending on where you order them. These are separate from the license fee itself.
Renewal by mail versus in-person visits
Renewing by mail costs the same as renewing in person — you still pay $48 or $75 depending on the term you choose. The difference is convenience and timing. By mail, you send in your process, payment, and documents, and the DHSMV processes it and mails your new card to you. This usually takes two to three weeks after they receive your process.
Renewing in person at a Driver License office is faster if you need your card quickly, but you have to travel to an office during business hours and may wait in line. Some Driver License offices offer online scheduling to reduce wait times. Check the DHSMV website to find the office nearest you and see if scheduling is available in your area.
Commercial driver's license fees
If you need a commercial driver's license (CDL) instead of a standard license, the cost is higher. A four-year CDL costs $75, and an eight-year CDL costs $125. These fees explore whether you're getting a CDL for the first time or renewing an existing one. You'll also need to pass additional written and driving tests specific to commercial vehicles, and some employers require a medical certificate, which you obtain from a doctor at your own cost.
CDL renewal by mail is not available — you must renew in person at a Driver License office. This is a state requirement for all commercial licenses.
Fees for endorsements and restrictions
If you want to add an endorsement to your license — such as a motorcycle endorsement, hazmat endorsement, or passenger endorsement — there is no additional fee. The endorsement is added to your existing license at no extra cost when you renew or when you pass the required test.
Restrictions (such as corrective lenses required or automatic transmission only) also have no additional fee. If you need to change your name or address on your license between renewals, you can do so at a Driver License office for $10.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my driver's license fee online?
No. You cannot pay the fee online. You pay in person at a Driver License office or by mail with a check or money order. Some Driver License offices may accept payment through their website for scheduling purposes, but the actual license fee must be paid at the office or by mail.
What if I turn 21 while my license is still valid?
You do not need to renew your license when you turn 21 in Florida. Your license remains valid until its expiration date. You can renew early if you want an updated photo or a new card, but you'll pay the full renewal fee.
Do I have to pay the full fee if I renew early?
Yes. If you renew before your current license expires, you pay the full $48 or $75 depending on the term you choose. The fee does not decrease if you renew early. Your new expiration date will be four or eight years from the date you renew, not from the date your old license would have expired.
Is there a fee to get a duplicate or corrected license?
A duplicate card costs $10. If you need a correction to your name, address, or other information on an existing license, you can make the change at a Driver License office for $10. A replacement for a lost, stolen, or damaged card costs $25.
Do military members or seniors get a discount on license fees?
Florida does not offer a discount on driver's license or ID card fees for military members, veterans, or seniors. The fee is the same for all applicants regardless of age or military status.