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 the official renewal form, or online through the DHSMV website if you meet certain conditions. The fastest route is usually online if you are renewing an existing license, because you can complete the entire process from home and receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If you need a replacement license because yours was lost, stolen, or damaged, or if you are getting your first Florida license, you must visit a Driver License office in person. The DHSMV operates offices in every county, and you can find your nearest location and current wait times on the DHSMV website.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal works only if your current Florida license is valid or expired less than 6 months ago, and you have not had a name change or address change since your last license was issued.
  • In-person visits are required for first-time licenses, replacements for lost or stolen licenses, and any renewal when your address or name has changed.
  • You will need your Social Security number, proof of Florida residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate) for any new license order.
  • The fee for a replacement license is $25, and the fee for a renewal is $48 for an 8-year license; fees are higher if you also need a REAL ID-compliant license.

Renewing online if your license is still valid or recently expired

To renew your Florida driver's license online, go to the DHSMV website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current Florida driver's license number, your date of birth, and your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and pull up your existing record.

Online renewal is available only if all of the following are true: your current license is valid or expired less than 6 months ago; you have not changed your name since your last license was issued; you have not changed your address since your last license was issued; and you are not renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL). If any of these conditions do not explore to you, you must renew in person at a Driver License office.

After you complete the online form and pay the renewal fee by credit card or debit card, the DHSMV will mail your new license to the address on file. The new license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives.

Getting a replacement license in person at a Driver License office

If you lost your license, it was stolen, it is damaged, or you are ordering your first Florida license, you must visit a Driver License office. Bring your Social Security number (or your Social Security card), proof of your Florida address, and proof of your identity. Acceptable proof of address includes a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail showing your current address. Acceptable proof of identity includes a U.S. passport, birth certificate, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license.

At the office, a staff member will take your photograph and fingerprints, verify your information, and process your order. The new license is usually mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at the office, which is valid for 30 days.

Wait times at Driver License offices vary by location and time of day. The DHSMV website shows current wait times for each office, and you can also schedule an appointment online to reduce your time in the office. Appointments are not required but can save you 30 minutes or more during busy hours.

What to do if your address or name has changed

If you have moved to a new address in Florida since your last license was issued, or if you have changed your name, you cannot renew online. You must visit a Driver License office in person and bring proof of your new address and, if applicable, proof of your name change (such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

The process is the same as a replacement license: bring your Social Security number, proof of identity, and proof of your new address. The staff will update your record, take a new photograph, and mail your new license within 7 to 10 business days.

Understanding the fees and license types

A standard Florida driver's license renewal costs $48 for an 8-year license. A replacement license (for lost, stolen, or damaged licenses) costs $25. If you want a REAL ID-compliant license, which is required for federal air travel and entry to federal buildings, the fee is $10 more for a renewal and $5 more for a replacement. REAL ID licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner.

You can pay by credit card, debit card, or cash at a Driver License office. Online renewals accept credit and debit cards only. The DHSMV does not accept checks or money orders.

What happens after you order your new license

After you complete your order—whether online or in person—the DHSMV will mail your new license to the address on file. You should receive it within 7 to 10 business days under normal circumstances. If you do not receive your license within 15 business days, contact the DHSMV to check the status of your order.

Your old license remains valid until your new license arrives, so you can continue to use it for identification and driving. Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one by cutting it in half or shredding it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Florida driver's license if I live out of state now?

No. Florida driver's licenses are issued only to Florida residents. If you have moved out of state, you must obtain a driver's license from your new state. You can surrender your Florida license by mail or in person at a Driver License office if you wish.

What if I have a commercial driver's license (CDL)?

Commercial driver's licenses cannot be renewed online. You must visit a Driver License office in person. Bring the same documents as for a standard license renewal, plus any medical certificates required by federal law if your CDL involves hazardous materials or passenger transport.

Do I need a REAL ID license to drive in Florida?

A standard Florida driver's license is sufficient for driving within Florida and for state identification. A REAL ID license is required only if you plan to use your driver's license for federal air travel or entry to federal buildings. A passport or other federal ID works as an alternative.

What if my name or address changed but I do not have official proof?

The DHSMV requires official proof of name or address changes. For a name change, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. For an address change, bring a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement in your name. If you do not have these documents, contact the DHSMV office to ask what alternatives they will accept.

Can someone else pick up my new license for me?

No. Your new license is mailed directly to you by the DHSMV. You cannot have it mailed to another person or picked up by someone else. If you are moving and concerned about mail delivery, update your address with the DHSMV before you order your new license.