What you pay to change your Florida driver's license
The cost to replace or renew a Florida driver's license depends on which type of transaction you're doing and how long you want the license to last. A standard renewal costs $48 and is valid for eight years. A replacement license — issued when yours is lost, stolen, or damaged — costs $25. If you need to change information on your license (name, address, or other details) without renewing it yet, that's also $25.
These are the fees you pay directly to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). If you use a third-party service like an online renewal processor or a tax collector's office, some may charge an additional convenience fee on top of the state fee, though many county tax collector offices do not.
You can renew or replace your license at any Florida tax collector's office, the DHSMV office, or online through the official Florida DHSMV website if you meet certain conditions. Online renewal is the least expensive route because it has no added fees beyond the $48 state charge.
Key Takeaways
- A standard eight-year renewal in Florida costs $48, while a replacement license costs $25.
- Changing your address or name on an existing license costs $25 and does not require a full renewal.
- Online renewal through the official DHSMV website charges only the state fee with no additional convenience charges.
- County tax collector offices may add a processing fee, so call ahead to confirm the total cost at your location.
- Military members and certain other groups may pay different fees, so check the DHSMV website if you think you may have access to for an exception.
Renewal versus replacement: which one you need
A renewal is what you do when your license is still valid but expiring soon, or when it has recently expired. You keep the same license number and most of the same information. The eight-year renewal costs $48.
A replacement is what you do when your license is lost, stolen, damaged, or when you need to change your name, address, or other information before your renewal date. A replacement costs $25 and gives you a new license number. If you're only changing your address or name and your license is not damaged, you can do a change-of-information transaction for $25 instead of waiting for your renewal.
If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward renew it. You must resolve the suspension or revocation first through the DHSMV, which may involve paying reinstatement fees that vary depending on why the license was suspended. These fees are separate from the renewal or replacement fee.
Where to renew or replace and what it costs at each location
You have three main options for renewing or replacing your license, and the cost varies slightly by location:
| Location | Renewal Cost | Replacement Cost | Additional Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online (DHSMV website) | $48 | Not available online | None |
| County tax collector's office | $48 | $25 | Varies by county; call ahead |
| DHSMV office | $48 | $25 | None |
Online renewal is available only if your license is not suspended or revoked, you are not changing your address or name, and your license was not issued for a commercial purpose. If you meet these conditions, online renewal is the fastest and cheapest option because there are no added fees.
County tax collector offices handle most renewals and replacements in Florida and are often more convenient than DHSMV offices. However, some counties charge a processing fee on top of the state fee — this fee is set by the county, not the state, and ranges from $0 to several dollars depending on where you live. Call your local tax collector's office before you go to confirm the exact total.
DHSMV offices charge only the state fee with no additional processing charge. You can find the nearest office and check hours on the DHSMV website.
What documents you need to bring
The documents required depend on whether you are renewing, replacing, or changing information. For a standard renewal of a valid license, you typically need only your current license and payment. For a replacement or a change of information, you will need to prove your identity and, if you are changing your address or name, proof of your new address or legal name change.
Acceptable identity documents include a U.S. passport, birth certificate, Social Security card, or military ID. For a name change, you will need a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree. For an address change, you can use a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail.
The DHSMV website lists all acceptable documents in detail. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. If you are unsure whether your documents will work, call the tax collector's office or DHSMV office before you go.
How long the process takes
Online renewal is the fastest option. You can complete it in about 10 minutes from home, and your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
In-person renewal or replacement at a tax collector's office or DHSMV office usually takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Some offices offer expedited service for an additional fee if you need your license sooner.
If you need your license when ready for travel or another urgent reason, ask the office staff whether they offer a rush service. Not all offices do, and the cost varies.
Special cases and lower fees
Florida offers reduced or waived fees for certain groups. Military members on active duty can renew for free if they are stationed outside Florida. Disabled veterans may pay a reduced fee. Seniors over 80 can renew for a lower cost. If you think you may have access to for a reduced fee, bring proof of your status (military ID, discharge papers, proof of disability, or birth certificate) when you renew.
If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), the cost is higher than a standard license. A CDL renewal costs $75 for eight years. A CDL replacement costs $30. These fees explore whether you renew online, at a tax collector's office, or at a DHSMV office.
What happens if you renew late or let your license expire
If your license has been expired for less than six months, you can renew it at the regular renewal rate of $48. If it has been expired for more than six months, you may need to retake the written test and eye exam, and you will pay the replacement fee of $25 instead of the renewal fee. Some offices waive the test if you are over a certain age or if your license expired while you were out of state.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Florida, even if you have already paid for a renewal. Once you have paid and received your temporary paper license, you are legally allowed to drive. If you are stopped before your renewal is processed, you can show the receipt or temporary license to the officer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Florida license online if I'm changing my address?
No. Online renewal is available only if you are not changing your address, name, or other information. If you need to change your address, you must renew in person at a tax collector's office or DHSMV office. The cost is still $48 for a renewal, plus any county processing fee.
What if I lost my license and need a replacement right away?
Go to your nearest tax collector's office or DHSMV office with your ID and payment. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail. If you need the permanent license faster, ask about expedited service, which some offices offer for an additional fee.
Do I have to pay the full renewal fee if my license expires while I'm out of state?
No. If your license expired while you were out of state, you may be able to renew without retaking the written test or eye exam, and you will pay the standard renewal fee of $48. Bring proof that you were out of state when it expired, such as military orders or a lease showing an out-of-state address. Call your local tax collector's office first to confirm they will accept this.
Is there a fee to change just my address on my license?
Yes. Changing your address without renewing your license costs $25. This is called a change-of-information transaction. You will need to bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease. You can do this at any tax collector's office or DHSMV office.
What if my county tax collector's office charges a fee I wasn't expecting?
County processing fees vary and are set by each county, not by the state. If you were charged a fee you did not know about, call the tax collector's office to ask what the fee covers. If you believe the fee is incorrect, you can file a complaint with the county supervisor of elections or contact the DHSMV directly for guidance.