Florida driver's license costs depend on the type of license and how long you want it to last

A standard Florida driver's license costs $48 for an eight-year license, or $20 for a four-year license. If you are under 21, a four-year license costs $20 and an eight-year license costs $48. A commercial driver's license (CDL) costs $75 for an eight-year term. These prices do not include any fees the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) may charge for specific services, such as replacement of a lost or damaged license.

The cost you pay depends on which type of license you need and whether you are renewing an existing license or obtaining one for the first time. First-time applicants and people renewing after their license has expired may face additional requirements, such as vision tests or document verification, but these do not add to the base fee.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard eight-year Florida driver's license costs $48; a four-year license costs $20.
  • Commercial driver's licenses cost $75 for an eight-year term and require additional testing and documentation.
  • Replacement of a lost, stolen, or damaged license costs $20 and takes about 7 to 10 business days by mail.
  • You can renew your license online, by mail, or in person at a Florida DHSMV office, and the method you choose does not change the fee.

Renewal versus first-time license costs

Renewing an existing Florida license costs the same as the base fee — $48 for eight years or $20 for four years. You do not pay extra for renewal. However, if your license has been expired for more than six months, the DHSMV may require you to pass a vision test and provide proof of residency again, even though the fee remains the same.

A first-time Florida driver's license also costs $48 for eight years or $20 for four years. First-time applicants must pass a written knowledge test, a driving skills test, and a vision screening. These tests are included in the license fee and do not cost extra. You will also need to provide documents proving your identity, Social Security number, and Florida residency.

Replacement license and duplicate fees

If your Florida driver's license is lost, stolen, or damaged, a replacement costs $20. The replacement license is valid for the remainder of your original license term — you do not pay for a full new license period. A duplicate license, which is an extra copy of your current valid license, also costs $20.

Replacement licenses ordered by mail typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license sooner, you can visit a Florida DHSMV office in person and receive it the same day, though the $20 fee is the same either way. Some DHSMV offices offer expedited service for an additional fee, which varies by location.

Commercial driver's license costs and requirements

A commercial driver's license (CDL) in Florida costs $75 for an eight-year license. There is no four-year option for a CDL. The CDL fee covers the license itself but does not include the cost of the required medical examination, which you must obtain from a certified medical examiner and pay for separately — this typically costs between $50 and $150 depending on the provider.

CDL applicants must also pass a written knowledge test specific to the class of commercial vehicle they want to drive (Class A, B, or C), a skills test, and a vision screening. These tests are included in the $75 fee. If you already hold a valid Florida driver's license, you do not need to retake the general knowledge test, only the CDL-specific test.

Where to pay and payment methods accepted

You can pay for a Florida driver's license at any DHSMV office, online through the official Florida DHSMV website, or by mail when you submit a renewal process. In-person payments at DHSMV offices accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards. Mail-in renewal requires a check or money order.

The DHSMV website allows you to renew your license online if you meet certain conditions: your license must not be expired for more than six months, you must not have any medical conditions that would require a vision test, and you must not need to update your address or other information. Online renewal is often the fastest and least expensive option because you avoid travel and processing time.

Age-based license costs and restrictions

Drivers under 21 pay the same base fees as adult drivers: $48 for an eight-year license or $20 for a four-year license. However, drivers under 18 must obtain a learner's permit first, which costs $20 and is valid for one year. The learner's permit fee is separate from the driver's license fee.

A learner's permit allows supervised driving with a licensed adult at least 21 years old in the vehicle. After holding the permit for the required time and meeting other conditions, you can take the driving skills test to obtain your regular license. The $20 permit fee does not count toward the license fee — you pay both separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Florida license online and how much does it cost?

Online renewal costs the same as in-person renewal: $48 for eight years or $20 for four years. You can renew online if your license is not expired more than six months, you have no medical restrictions, and you do not need to change your address. The online process typically takes a few minutes and your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

What happens if I let my Florida license expire?

The renewal fee stays the same, but if your license has been expired for more than six months, you may need to retake a vision test and provide proof of residency again. If it has been expired for more than five years, you may need to retake the written knowledge test as well. The base fee does not increase, but the additional testing requirements may require an in-person visit to a DHSMV office.

Do I have to pay extra for a REAL ID compliant Florida license?

No. A REAL ID compliant Florida driver's license costs the same as a standard license: $48 for eight years or $20 for four years. You will need to provide additional documents to prove your identity and residency, but there is no separate fee for REAL ID compliance. A REAL ID license is required for federal air travel and entry to federal buildings as of May 2025.

What is the cost difference between a four-year and eight-year license?

A four-year Florida driver's license costs $20 and an eight-year license costs $48. The eight-year license costs more upfront but works out to less per year. Most drivers choose the eight-year option because the total cost is lower over time, though some choose the four-year option if they expect their information to change soon.

Is there a fee to change my address on my Florida license?

Changing your address without renewing your license costs $10 if you do it in person at a DHSMV office. You cannot change your address online or by mail without renewing your license at the same time. If you are due for renewal anyway, the address change is included in the standard renewal fee with no extra charge.