What you'll pay for a Florida driver's license

A Florida driver's license costs $75 if you're getting one for the first time or replacing an expired one. If your license is still valid and you're renewing it, the cost is $48. These are the standard fees the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles charges, and they don't vary by county or region within the state.

The fee covers the card itself, the background check, and the processing of your process. You pay this amount whether you renew in person at a driver's license office or through the mail, though not all renewal types can be done by mail — that depends on your age and how long it's been since your last license was issued.

If you need a duplicate license because yours was lost or stolen, you'll pay $25. A commercial driver's license (CDL) has a different fee structure and costs more, starting at $75 for a new CDL and $60 for renewal.

Key Takeaways

  • A new Florida driver's license costs $75, while renewing an existing license costs $48.
  • A duplicate license for a lost or stolen card costs $25.
  • You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at driver's license offices, but payment methods vary by location.
  • The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles sets these fees statewide, so you'll pay the same amount regardless of which office you visit.

Where to pay and what to bring

You pay your driver's license fee at a Florida driver's license office when you explore in person. You can find the office nearest you on the Florida DHSMV website by entering your county or city. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, though some have Saturday hours — check your local office's schedule before you go.

Bring your payment method along with the documents the office requires for your specific transaction. For a new license, you'll need proof of identity (like a passport or birth certificate), proof of residency (like a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number. For a renewal, requirements depend on whether you're renewing by mail or in person, and whether your license has been expired for more than a certain period.

Most driver's license offices accept cash, checks, debit cards, and credit cards. A few smaller offices may accept cash only, so calling ahead to confirm payment methods is worth doing if you're traveling far or have a specific payment preference.

Renewal by mail costs the same

If you renew your Florida driver's license by mail, you still pay the $48 renewal fee. You'll send a check or money order to the address provided on the renewal form — the DHSMV does not accept credit or debit cards for mail renewals. You cannot pay by mail with a card, so plan accordingly if that's your renewal route.

Mail renewal is available only if your license is not expired, you're between certain ages, and you haven't had a name change or other major updates since your last license. If you don't meet those conditions, you must renew in person at a driver's license office and pay the same $48 fee there.

What happens if your license expires

If your Florida license has been expired for six months or less, you can renew it for the standard $48 fee. If it's been expired for more than six months, you'll pay the $75 new license fee instead of the renewal fee, even though you already had a license before. This is treated as a new process rather than a renewal.

The same rule applies if your license expired while you were out of state. Once you return to Florida and want to drive legally, you'll need to renew or replace your license. The fee depends on how long it's been expired.

Additional costs you might encounter

The $75 or $48 covers your license card and processing, but some situations add extra costs. If you want a REAL ID-compliant license — which you'll need to fly domestically or enter federal buildings after May 2025 — there is no additional fee in Florida. Your standard driver's license is already REAL ID-compliant as long as you provided the required documents when you got it.

If you need to change your name, address, or other information on your license between renewals, you'll pay a $25 fee for a replacement card. If you need expedited processing or want your license mailed to you faster than standard processing, some offices offer that service for an additional fee — ask at your local office what options they have and what they cost.

How to find your nearest driver's license office

Visit the Florida DHSMV website and use their office locator tool. Enter your county, city, or ZIP code and you'll see all nearby offices, their hours, and their phone numbers. Some offices handle only certain types of transactions, so if you need something specific — like a CDL renewal or a duplicate license — confirm that your chosen office offers it before you go.

You can also call the DHSMV customer service line at 1-844-DL-FLORIDA (1-844-353-5726) to find an office or ask questions about fees and requirements. Wait times vary depending on the time of day and day of the week, so calling early in the morning or mid-week often means shorter hold times.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my driver's license fee online?

No. You must pay in person at a driver's license office or by check or money order if you're renewing by mail. The DHSMV does not accept online payments for driver's license fees. If you're renewing by mail, write your check or money order and mail it with your renewal form to the address provided.

Do I have to pay the full $75 if I'm under 18?

Yes. The $75 new license fee applies to everyone, regardless of age. However, a license for someone under 18 expires when they turn 21, so you may renew sooner than someone who got their license as an adult. When you renew, you'll pay the $48 renewal fee at that time.

What if I move to Florida from another state?

You'll need to get a Florida driver's license, which costs $75 as a new license. You cannot straightforward transfer your out-of-state license. Bring your out-of-state license along with proof of identity, proof of residency in Florida, and your Social Security number to a driver's license office.

Is there a fee to check if I need to renew?

No. You can check your license status for free on the Florida DHSMV website or by calling their customer service line. They'll tell you when your license expires and whether you're due for renewal. Checking your status does not cost anything.

Do I pay extra if I want a different photo on my license?

No. Taking a new photo at the driver's license office is included in the renewal or replacement fee. You don't pay separately for the photo. If you want to retake your photo because you're unhappy with the first one, ask the office staff — policies on retakes vary by location.