Bring these documents when you renew in person

Florida requires you to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your current driver license to renew in person at a Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office. The exact documents depend on whether you are renewing by mail, in person, or online — and whether your name or address has changed since your last license.

If your name or address is the same as on your current license and you are renewing in person, bring your current Florida driver license, one form of identification (like a passport or birth certificate), and one proof of residency (like a utility bill or lease). You do not need to bring anything else unless the DHSMV office contacts you first.

If your name has changed since your last license — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — bring your current license, a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of residency. The certified copy must come from the government office that issued it, not a photocopy.

Key Takeaways

  • Your current Florida driver license, one ID document, and one proof of residency are the core documents needed for an in-person renewal.
  • If your name changed, bring a certified copy of the marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — a photocopy will not be accepted.
  • Proof of residency must show your current address and can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within 90 days.
  • If you renew by mail, you only need to send your current license and the renewal form; you do not mail original documents.
  • The DHSMV may ask for additional documents if your records have a flag or if information does not match — call ahead if you are unsure.

What counts as proof of identity

Proof of identity means a government-issued document with your photo and signature. A U.S. passport, passport card, or military ID all work. If you do not have a passport, a certified birth certificate (the long-form version with the raised seal, not a photocopy) is accepted. A Social Security card alone does not count.

If you were born outside the United States and do not have a U.S. passport, bring your original foreign passport plus your Certificate of Naturalization or Permanent Resident Card (green card). The DHSMV will not accept a copy of these documents — you must bring the original.

What counts as proof of residency

Proof of residency must show your current Florida address and be dated within 90 days of when you renew. A utility bill (electric, water, gas, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, or a property tax bill all work. Government mail addressed to you at your current address — like a tax return, voter registration card, or vehicle registration — also counts.

A bank statement or credit card statement with your address printed on it is accepted. A post office change-of-address form does not count as proof of residency. If you recently moved and do not yet have a bill or lease in your name, ask the DHSMV office what other documents they will accept — some offices have flexibility for people who moved very recently.

Renewing by mail: what you actually send

If you renew by mail, you do not send original documents to the DHSMV. You send only your current driver license and the renewal form (Form HSMV 80051). The DHSMV will mail your new license back to you. This option is available only if your name and address have not changed and your license is not suspended or revoked.

Mail renewal takes longer than in-person renewal — typically four to six weeks from the time the DHSMV receives your envelope. If you need your new license faster, renew in person at an DHSMV office instead. Some offices allow you to walk in without an appointment, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

If your address changed but your name did not

Bring your current license, one form of ID, and one proof of residency showing your new address. You do not need to bring anything else. The DHSMV will update your address in their system when you renew.

If you moved out of state and are now back in Florida, or if you moved from one Florida address to another, the process is the same. Bring the three documents listed above, and the DHSMV will issue a license with your new address.

If you lost your license or it was stolen

You cannot renew a lost or stolen license — you must get a replacement instead. Bring your current ID and proof of residency to an DHSMV office and tell them your license was lost or stolen. They will issue a new license with a new number. The cost and process are different from a standard renewal, so check the DHSMV website or call your local office before you go.

If your license expired while it was lost, you will still need to pay the replacement fee, not the renewal fee. Some people try to renew by mail to avoid going to an office, but the DHSMV will reject a mail renewal if they cannot find your current license in their system.

What to do if you do not have all the documents

If you do not have a certified birth certificate or passport, you can order one before you renew. A certified birth certificate comes from the vital records office in the county or state where you were born — not from a hospital. The process takes one to three weeks depending on the state. A U.S. passport takes four to six weeks through the mail or one to two weeks if you explore in person at a passport acceptance facility.

If you do not have proof of residency in your name, some DHSMV offices will accept a letter from your landlord or a utility company confirming your address. Call your local DHSMV office before you renew and ask what they will accept. Bringing a document that does not meet their requirements will waste a trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to bring my Social Security card?

No. The DHSMV does not require a Social Security card for renewal. You need proof of identity (like a passport or birth certificate) and proof of residency, but not your Social Security card. You will provide your Social Security number on the renewal form or at the office if you renew in person.

Can I use a utility bill that is in my spouse's name?

No. Proof of residency must show your name and your current address. If the bill is only in your spouse's name, it does not count. Ask for a bill in your name, or bring a different document like a lease or mortgage statement that shows your name and address.

What if my birth certificate is not certified?

A regular birth certificate without a raised seal or certification mark will not be accepted as proof of identity. You need a certified copy from the vital records office. Some hospitals issue birth certificates that look official but are not certified — the DHSMV will reject these. Order a certified copy from the vital records office in the county where you were born.

Can I renew if I moved and do not have a lease yet?

Call your local DHSMV office and explain your situation. Some offices will accept a letter from your landlord, a utility company confirmation, or even a signed lease that has not yet been dated. The rules vary by office, so ask before you go in. Bringing the wrong document wastes time.

Do I need to bring documents if I renew online?

Online renewal is available only if your name and address have not changed and your license is not suspended. You do not mail or bring documents — you complete the renewal on the DHSMV website and pay the fee. Your new license will be mailed to you. If you cannot renew online, you must renew in person or by mail.