What you need to get a Florida driver license
Florida issues driver licenses through the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). To get your first license or renew an expired one, you will need to visit a local DHSMV office in person — you cannot complete the entire process online or by mail.
Before you go, gather these documents: proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or consulate ID), proof of Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of Florida residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days). If you are explore for the first time, you will also need to pass a written test on traffic laws and a vision screening.
The DHSMV charges a fee for a new license. The cost varies depending on the type of license you are getting — a standard Class D license costs less than a commercial license. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the office.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DHSMV office in person with proof of identity, Social Security number, and Florida residency to get or renew a license.
- First-time applicants must pass a written test on traffic laws and a vision screening before receiving a license.
- Florida licenses expire every six years for most drivers, though some renewal options allow you to renew by mail if you meet certain conditions.
- You can find your nearest DHSMV office and check wait times on the official DHSMV website before you go.
- If your license is suspended or revoked, you will need to resolve the underlying issue — such as unpaid traffic fines or a DUI conviction — before you can renew.
When your Florida license expires and how to renew
A standard Florida driver license is valid for six years from the date it is issued. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your card. You can renew your license up to six months before it expires.
If your license has already expired, you can still renew it, but you may face additional requirements. If your license has been expired for more than six months, the DHSMV may require you to retake the written test and vision screening, as if you were a new applicant. If it has been expired for six months or less, you may be able to renew without retesting.
Some drivers can renew by mail or online without visiting an office. You are may be able to access for mail or online renewal if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical restrictions, and you have not had certain violations in the past five years. Check the DHSMV website to see if you may have access to before making a trip to an office.
Renewing online or by mail instead of in person
The DHSMV allows certain drivers to renew online through its website. To use online renewal, you must have a valid Florida license that is not suspended, you must not have medical restrictions on your license, and you must not have had a DUI, reckless driving conviction, or certain other violations in the past five years.
If you are not may be able to access for online renewal but meet the mail renewal requirements, you can request a renewal form from the DHSMV office or read it from the website. Mail renewal takes longer than in-person renewal — typically two to three weeks — so plan ahead if your license is expiring soon.
If you do not meet the requirements for either online or mail renewal, you must visit an office in person. This is the case if your license is suspended, you have medical restrictions, or you have had certain violations on your record.
Finding a DHSMV office and what to expect
Florida has DHSMV offices in every county. You can search for the office nearest you on the DHSMV website by entering your county or city. The website also shows the current wait time at each office, updated throughout the day.
Bring all required documents with you when you visit. You will fill out an process form (Form HSMV 82053 for a new license or Form HSMV 82104 for renewal), have your photo taken, and pay the fee. If you are a first-time applicant, you will take the written test at a computer terminal in the office and pass a vision screening.
Processing times vary by office and time of day. Some offices have shorter waits in the early morning or mid-week. If the wait is long when you arrive, you can leave and come back later — you do not lose your place in line. Your new license will be mailed to you within one to two weeks after your visit.
What to do if your license is suspended or revoked
A Florida driver license can be suspended or revoked for several reasons: unpaid traffic fines, DUI conviction, accumulating too many points from traffic violations, failure to pay child support, or medical reasons. You cannot renew your license while it is suspended or revoked.
To learn about your license is suspended, you can check the DHSMV website using your driver license number or Social Security number. If it is suspended, the website will tell you the reason and what you need to do to restore it. Common steps include paying outstanding fines, completing a DUI course, or providing medical clearance from a doctor.
Once you have resolved the reason for the suspension, you can request reinstatement through the DHSMV. Reinstatement may require a fee in addition to the renewal fee. After your license is reinstated, you can renew it through the normal process.
Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at any DHSMV office. Bring proof of identity and proof of Florida residency, just as you would for a renewal. You will have your photo taken again and pay a replacement fee, which is typically less than the cost of a new license.
A replacement license will have the same expiration date as your original license. If your original license was expiring soon, you may want to renew it at the same time rather than replacing it, since you will be paying a fee either way.
If your license was stolen, you may also want to report it to local law enforcement. This creates a record in case someone tries to use your license number fraudulently.
Changing your name, address, or other information on your license
You can update your address on your Florida driver license without renewing it. Visit any DHSMV office with proof of your new address and your current license. The DHSMV will issue you a new license with the updated address at no charge if you are not also renewing.
If you have changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you will need to visit an office in person with your current license and a certified copy of the document that shows your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The DHSMV will issue a new license with your updated name.
Other changes — such as adding or removing medical restrictions, changing your eye color, or updating your height — typically require a visit to an office and may require supporting documents from a doctor or other official source.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Florida license if I live out of state?
No. Florida requires you to be a resident to hold a Florida driver license. If you have moved out of state, you should obtain a license from your new state. If you still own property in Florida or spend significant time there, you may be able to maintain a Florida license, but you will need to prove residency when you renew.
What happens if I let my license expire?
You cannot legally drive with an expired license. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can be cited. If your license has been expired for more than six months, you may have to retake the written test and vision screening when you renew, as if you were a new driver.
Do I need to take the written test again when I renew?
No, not for a standard renewal. You only take the written test if you are a first-time applicant, if your license has been expired for more than six months, or if the DHSMV has specific reason to require it. Check with your local DHSMV office if you are unsure.
How long does it take to get my license after my office visit?
Your new license is mailed to the address you provided at your office visit. Delivery typically takes one to two weeks. You can use your temporary paper license (issued at the office) to drive legally while you wait for your card to arrive.
Can I get a Real ID compliant license in Florida?
Yes. A Real ID compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. You can get a Real ID license when you renew or get a new license by bringing additional documents — typically a passport or birth certificate plus proof of Social Security number and residency. The fee is the same as a standard license.