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

A standard Florida driver's license costs $48 if you get an eight-year license, or $20 if you choose a four-year license. These are the fees the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles charges when you renew or get your first license. If you need a replacement because yours was lost or stolen, that costs $25. The price does not change based on where in Florida you live or which office you visit.

The eight-year option is the most common choice because the per-year cost is lower, even though the upfront fee is higher. A four-year license makes sense if you expect your address or appearance to change significantly, or if you are not sure you will stay in Florida that long.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard eight-year Florida driver's license costs $48; a four-year license costs $20.
  • Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license costs $25 and takes about one to two weeks by mail.
  • You pay the fee when you visit a Driver License office or renew online, depending on which method you choose.
  • Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) cost more: $75 for eight years or $30 for four years.

What the fee covers and what it does not

The $48 or $20 you pay covers the cost of producing the card, the background check, and the processing of your process. It does not include the cost of the written test or the driving test if you are taking your first license exam — those are separate and free to take as many times as you need.

If you need a Real ID — a license that meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights or entering federal buildings — the cost is the same. The difference is in what documents you bring, not in what you pay. You will need to show proof of citizenship or legal residency, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. Bring originals or certified copies; the office will not accept photocopies.

Replacement licenses and duplicate cards

If your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, you pay $25 for a replacement. You can order a replacement by mail through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website, by phone at 1-844-DL-RENEW (1-844-357-3639), or in person at any Driver License office. By mail, the replacement usually arrives in one to two weeks. In person, you may be able to get a temporary paper license the same day.

A duplicate license — an extra copy of your current valid license — also costs $25. This is useful if you want to keep one at home and carry one with you, or if you are worried about losing your only copy. You can order a duplicate the same ways you order a replacement.

Commercial driver's licenses cost more

If you need a commercial driver's license (CDL) to drive a truck, bus, or other commercial vehicle, the fee is higher: $75 for eight years or $30 for four years. A CDL requires passing a written knowledge test and a skills test in addition to the standard license fee. The tests themselves are free, but you may need to pay for a medical examination (usually $50 to $150) if you are driving certain types of commercial vehicles.

You must hold a regular Florida driver's license before you can get a CDL. If you do not have one yet, you will pay for both the regular license and the CDL exam fees.

How to pay and where to pay

At a Driver License office, you can pay with cash, debit card, or credit card. If you renew online through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website, you pay by credit or debit card only. By mail, you can include a check or money order, or pay online when you submit your process.

There are Driver License offices in every Florida county. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website. Some offices are busier than others; calling ahead or checking online wait times can save you time. If you renew by mail or online, you do not need to visit an office at all.

When you renew and how that affects cost

Your Florida driver's license expires on your birthday. You can renew it up to six months before it expires. If you renew early, your new license will still expire on your birthday — the expiration date does not shift forward. This means you do not lose any time by renewing early.

If your license has already expired, you can still renew it, but you may need to retake the written test and eye exam. The fee remains the same. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you will need to start over as if you were getting your first license, which means taking both the written and driving tests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Florida license online, and does it cost the same?

You can renew online if your license is not expired and you do not need to change your address, name, or other information. The cost is the same: $48 for eight years or $20 for four years. You pay by credit or debit card, and your new license arrives by mail in about one to two weeks.

What if I move to Florida from another state — do I pay the same fee?

Yes. Whether you are getting your first Florida license or transferring from another state, the fee is $48 for eight years or $20 for four years. You will need to bring your out-of-state license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current Florida address.

Do I have to pay the fee if I fail the driving test?

No. The driving test itself is free, and you only pay the license fee when you pass and are ready to receive your card. You can take the test as many times as you need without paying extra.

Is there a fee to take the written test or eye exam?

No. Both the written knowledge test and the eye exam are free. You only pay the license fee once you have passed all tests and are ready to get your card.

What if I need my license before the mail arrives?

If you renew in person at a Driver License office, you can get a temporary paper license the same day at no extra cost. The temporary is valid for 30 days while you wait for your permanent card to arrive by mail. If you renewed by mail or online, you cannot get a temporary — you have to wait for the card.