How to Renew Your Florida Driver License

Florida driver licenses renew every six or eight years depending on your age, and you can renew in person, by mail, or online

Your Florida driver license expires on your birthday. The state sends you a renewal notice in the mail about 90 days before that date — check for it, because you'll need the information on it to renew. You have three ways to renew: online through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) website, by mail using the renewal notice, or in person at a Driver License office. Online renewal is the fastest and costs less than renewing in person.

How long your new license lasts depends on your age. If you're under 80, your license is valid for eight years. If you're 80 or older, it's valid for six years, and you must renew in person — you cannot renew online or by mail. Military members on active duty can request a longer validity period.

Key Takeaways

Florida sends a renewal notice about 90 days before your license expires; keep it because you'll need the information to renew online or by mail.
Online renewal through the DHSMV website is the cheapest option and takes about 7 to 10 business days for your new license to arrive.
If you're 80 or older, you must renew in person at a Driver License office and cannot use online or mail renewal.
Renewing by mail takes longer than online renewal but requires no office visit; use the renewal notice the state mails you.
You cannot renew if your license has been suspended or revoked, and you cannot renew more than six months before your expiration date.

Renewing online through the DHSMV website

Online renewal is the fastest and cheapest way to renew your Florida driver license. Go to the DHSMV website, select "Renew Your Driver License," and enter the information from your renewal notice — your driver license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You'll pay the renewal fee online using a credit or debit card. The fee varies depending on whether you want a standard license or a Real ID-compliant license, which is required for federal travel starting in May 2025.

After you submit your process online, the state processes it within 7 to 10 business days. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives or until your expiration date, whichever comes first. If you need to change your address, add a Real ID designation, or update other information on your license, you cannot do it online — you must renew in person at a Driver License office.

Renewing by mail with your renewal notice

If you received a renewal notice in the mail, you can renew by mail without visiting an office. Sign the back of the renewal notice, include a check or money order for the renewal fee made payable to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, and mail both to the address printed on the notice. Do not send cash. Include a copy of your current driver license if possible, though it is not required.

Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal — typically two to three weeks from the time the state receives your notice, plus mailing time in both directions. You can continue to drive on your current license during this time. Like online renewal, you cannot change your address, update your photo, or make other changes by mail; those changes require an in-person visit.

Renewing in person at a Driver License office

You must renew in person if you are 80 or older, if you need to update your photo, change your address, add a Real ID designation, or make other changes to your license information. Bring your current driver license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). If you've changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Visit the DHSMV website to find the Driver License office nearest you and check its hours. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to schedule an appointment online first. Processing times at offices vary; some complete renewals in 15 minutes, while others may have a wait. You'll pay the renewal fee in person, usually by cash, check, or card. Your new license is typically issued on the spot, though some offices mail it instead.

What you cannot do during renewal

You cannot renew your license online or by mail if your license has been suspended or revoked. You must visit a Driver License office in person to resolve the suspension or revocation before you can renew. You also cannot renew more than six months before your expiration date — the state will reject an early process.

If you need to change your name, add a Real ID designation, or update your address, you cannot do these things online or by mail. You must go to a Driver License office. If you've lost your license or it's been damaged, you cannot renew it; you must request a replacement, which is a different process.

Real ID and your renewal

A Real ID-compliant driver license has a gold or silver star in the upper right corner and is required for federal travel — flying on a domestic flight, entering a federal building, or boarding a military base — starting in May 2025. If your current license does not have this star and you want one, you must renew in person at a Driver License office. You'll need to bring proof of your identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address.

If you renew online or by mail without requesting a Real ID designation, your new license will not have the star. You can add the Real ID designation later by visiting a Driver License office in person, but it's more efficient to request it during your renewal if you know you'll need it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don't receive my renewal notice in the mail?

Contact the DHSMV by phone or visit their website to request a duplicate notice. You can also renew in person at a Driver License office without the notice — bring your current license and the documents listed above. If you've moved recently, the notice may have been sent to an old address; update your address with the DHSMV before renewing.

Can I renew my license if it's already expired?

Yes. You can renew an expired license online, by mail, or in person using the same process as a regular renewal. However, if your license has been expired for more than a certain period (rules vary), you may need to pass a vision test or retake the written exam. Contact the DHSMV to confirm what's required for your situation.

How much does it cost to renew?

The renewal fee depends on the type of license and how long it's valid for. Online and mail renewal are cheaper than in-person renewal because you avoid the office processing fee. Check the DHSMV website for current fees, as they change periodically.

What if I move to a different state before my license expires?

You do not have to renew your Florida license if you move away. However, you will need to get a driver license from your new state. You can continue to use your Florida license until it expires, but you cannot renew it by mail or online once you've moved out of state — you must renew in person at a Florida Driver License office.

Can someone else renew my license for me?

No. You must renew your own license. If you cannot visit an office in person and cannot renew online or by mail, contact the DHSMV to ask about exceptions or accommodations for people with disabilities or mobility issues.

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.