How to Order a New Driver's License in Florida

Where to order your new Florida driver's license

You can order a new Florida driver's license through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) in three ways: in person at a Driver License office, by mail using their renewal-by-mail form, or online through their website if you meet certain conditions. The fastest route is usually in person, because you walk out with a temporary license the same day. Mail and online orders take longer but let you avoid a trip to an office.

Which method works for you depends on whether you're renewing an existing license, replacing a lost or stolen one, or getting your first license. Each path has different requirements and timelines.

Key Takeaways

You can renew your Florida driver's license in person at any Driver License office, by mail using DHSMV's renewal form, or online through the DHSMV website if your license is not expired more than five years.
In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes and gives you a temporary license to use when ready while your permanent card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
If your license was lost or stolen, you must report it to DHSMV and cannot use the mail or online renewal process — you will need to go to a Driver License office in person.
Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and your Social Security number or an ITIN when you renew.
The renewal fee is $48 for a four-year license or $75 for an eight-year license, and you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

Renewing in person at a Driver License office

Walk into any Florida Driver License office with your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN. You do not need an appointment — offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Bring your documents in original form; photocopies are not accepted for proof of residency.

The staff member will take your photo, verify your information, and collect the renewal fee ($48 for four years or $75 for eight years). You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before the permanent card arrives, the temporary license is your proof of a valid license.

To find the Driver License office nearest you, visit the DHSMV website and use their office locator tool. Some offices have longer waits than others, so calling ahead to ask about current wait times can save you a trip during a busy hour.

Renewing by mail

If your license is not expired more than five years, you can mail in DHSMV's renewal-by-mail form along with your fee and a copy of your proof of residency. read the form from the DHSMV website or request one by phone at 1-844-DL-RENEW (1-844-357-3639). Mail your completed form, the renewal fee ($48 or $75 depending on the license length you want), and a copy of your proof of residency to the address listed on the form.

Processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date DHSMV receives your envelope. You will not receive a temporary license with this method, so you cannot drive legally until your permanent card arrives. If you need to drive before then, you must go to a Driver License office in person instead.

Mail renewal works best if your license is still valid and you have time to wait. If your license has already expired, you can still use this method, but you cannot legally drive until the new card arrives.

Renewing online through the DHSMV website

The DHSMV website allows online renewal if your license is not expired more than five years and you meet other conditions — for example, you cannot have changed your name, address, or other key information since your last renewal. Visit the DHSMV website, create an account, and follow the prompts to renew. You will pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card.

Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days for your card to arrive by mail. Like mail renewal, you do not receive a temporary license, so you cannot drive legally until the permanent card reaches you. If you need to drive when ready, go to a Driver License office in person instead.

Replacing a lost or stolen license

If your license was lost or stolen, you cannot use mail or online renewal. You must go to a Driver License office in person and report the loss or theft. Bring your Social Security number or ITIN, proof of residency, and a second form of ID if you have one. The staff will file a report and issue you a new license with a different number.

The fee for a replacement license is the same as renewal ($48 or $75). You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your permanent card within 7 to 10 business days. If your old license is later found, do not use it — it is no longer valid.

What documents and information you need

Bring your current Florida driver's license or a second form of ID (passport, military ID, or state ID card). You also need proof of residency dated within the last 60 days — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address all work. If you do not have a current license, bring two forms of ID instead.

Have your Social Security number or ITIN ready. If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). If you are a non-citizen, bring your passport or travel document showing your legal status in the United States.

Fees and payment methods

A four-year Florida driver's license costs $48. An eight-year license costs $75. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at any Driver License office. If you renew by mail, include a check or money order with your process — do not send cash through the mail. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards only.

The fee covers the license itself and the processing. There are no additional charges unless you request a duplicate or replacement before your renewal date, which costs extra.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you renew in person, by mail, or online. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license the same day that is valid for 30 days while you wait for the permanent card.

Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than five years?

No, you cannot use mail or online renewal if your license expired more than five years ago. You must go to a Driver License office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN.

What if I changed my address since my last license?

You can still renew by mail or online, but your proof of residency must show your new address. If you renew in person, bring a document dated within the last 60 days showing your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.

Do I need an appointment to renew at a Driver License office?

No, Driver License offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis and do not require appointments. However, wait times vary by location and time of day. Calling the office ahead of time to ask about current wait times can help you choose when to go.

What if my license was suspended or revoked?

You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. Contact the DHSMV or the court that issued the suspension or revocation to find out what steps you need to take to restore your driving privileges before you can renew.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.