Florida driver licenses expire every 4, 6, or 8 years depending on your age and license type, and you can renew by mail, online, or in person at a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office.

The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you need to update information, and how quickly you need the new one. Most Florida drivers can renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If your license has been expired for more than 6 months, or if you need to change your address, name, or other details, you will need to renew in person.

Florida sends renewal notices by mail about 90 days before your license expires. The notice includes your renewal number, which you will need for online or mail renewal. You can also find your expiration date by logging into your DHSMV account or calling the DHSMV customer service line at 850-617-3000.

Key Takeaways

  • Florida driver licenses expire every 4, 6, or 8 years; your renewal notice arrives about 90 days before expiration and includes your renewal number.
  • Online renewal through the DHSMV website takes about 10 minutes and costs $47.50 for a standard 8-year license, with no office visit required.
  • Mail renewal requires mailing your renewal notice, a check or money order, and a new photo to the DHSMV; processing takes 7 to 10 business days after receipt.
  • In-person renewal at a DHSMV office is required if your license expired more than 6 months ago, or if you need to change your name, address, or other personal information.
  • You can check your license expiration date and renew status anytime by logging into your DHSMV account at gorenew.com or by calling 850-617-3000.

Online renewal through the DHSMV website

Online renewal is the fastest and most common method for Florida drivers whose licenses are still valid or expired less than 6 months. You go to gorenew.com, enter your driver license number and renewal number (from your renewal notice), and answer security questions to verify your identity. The entire process takes about 10 minutes.

The cost is $47.50 for a standard 8-year license. You pay by credit card or debit card during the online transaction. Once you complete the renewal, the DHSMV mails your new license to the address on file; delivery typically takes 7 to 10 business days. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives.

Online renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than 6 months, if you need to change your name or address, if you are renewing a commercial driver license (CDL), or if you have certain medical conditions that require in-person review. The DHSMV website will tell you whether you are may be able to access before you start the transaction.

Mail renewal by sending documents to the DHSMV

Mail renewal works if your license is still valid or expired less than 6 months and you do not need to change personal information. You mail your renewal notice, a new photo (4 by 6 inches, color, taken within the last 30 days), and a check or money order for $47.50 to the DHSMV address listed on your renewal notice. Do not send cash.

Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the DHSMV receives your envelope, plus mail delivery time in both directions. Your old license remains valid during this period. Mail renewal is slower than online renewal but requires no office visit and no phone call. Keep a copy of your renewal notice for your records in case you need to track the status of your process.

The DHSMV will reject your mail renewal if the photo does not meet their standards (it must be in color, show your full face, and be taken within 30 days of mailing), if your check or money order is incorrect, or if your renewal notice is missing or illegible. If this happens, they will return your documents and you will need to resubmit or renew in person.

In-person renewal at a DHSMV office

You must renew in person if your license expired more than 6 months ago, if you need to change your name, address, or other personal information, if you are renewing a commercial driver license, or if you have medical conditions that require an examiner's review. You can also choose in-person renewal even if you are not required to, though it usually takes longer than online or mail renewal.

Bring your current or expired license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return). If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The DHSMV office will take a new photo and process your renewal on the spot.

You can make an appointment online at gorenew.com or by calling 850-617-3000. Walk-ins are accepted but wait times vary by location and time of day. The cost is $47.50 for a standard 8-year license. Your new license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days; you receive a temporary paper license at the office that is valid until your new one arrives.

What to do if your license expired more than 6 months ago

If your license has been expired for more than 6 months, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to a DHSMV office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. The office will take a new photo and process your renewal when ready.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Florida, even if you have applied for renewal. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can show your temporary paper license (issued at the office) as proof that you have renewed, but the expired license itself is not valid for driving. Make an appointment online or by phone to avoid waiting at the office.

Changing your address, name, or other information during renewal

If you need to change your address, name, or other personal information on your license, you must renew in person at a DHSMV office. Online and mail renewal do not allow you to update these details. Bring your current or expired license, proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and any documents that show the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for a name change).

You can update your address without renewing your license by going to a DHSMV office or by calling 850-617-3000, but the address change will not appear on your license until you renew. If you move and do not update your address, mail from the DHSMV (including your renewal notice) will go to your old address.

Checking your renewal status and expiration date

You can check your license expiration date and the status of a renewal you have already started by logging into your DHSMV account at gorenew.com. You will need your driver license number and date of birth. The website shows whether your license is valid, when it expires, and whether a renewal is in progress.

If you do not have online access or prefer to call, the DHSMV customer service line at 850-617-3000 can tell you your expiration date and renewal status. They can also answer questions about which renewal method is available to you and what documents you need. Wait times vary, but calling early in the morning or mid-week usually means shorter hold times.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Florida driver license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew online or by mail up to 6 months before your license expires. The DHSMV recommends renewing about 90 days before expiration, which is when your renewal notice arrives. Renewing early does not extend your license expiration date; your new license will expire 4, 6, or 8 years from your current expiration date, not from the date you renew.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You can still renew online at gorenew.com by entering your driver license number and date of birth instead of your renewal number. If you cannot remember your license number, call the DHSMV at 850-617-3000 and they will look it up for you. You can also renew in person at any DHSMV office without your renewal notice.

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

Mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days after the DHSMV receives your renewal, plus time for your envelope to reach them. Online renewal also takes 7 to 10 business days for mailing. In-person renewal is processed when ready, and you receive a temporary paper license valid until your new license arrives by mail.

Do I need a new photo if I renew by mail?

Yes. Mail renewal requires a new color photo taken within 30 days of mailing, 4 by 6 inches, showing your full face. The photo must meet DHSMV standards or your renewal will be rejected and returned. Online renewal uses your existing photo on file. In-person renewal includes a new photo taken at the office.

What if I moved and my renewal notice went to my old address?

You can still renew online at gorenew.com using your driver license number and date of birth, even without your renewal notice. If you need to update your address on your license, you must renew in person at a DHSMV office and bring proof of your new address. Call 850-617-3000 if you need help locating your nearest office or making an appointment.