How to renew your Florida driver license
You can renew your Florida driver license 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, how much time you have, and whether you need to update your address or other information. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office.
Your license expires on your birthday. Florida sends renewal notices to your mailing address about 90 days before expiration, though you do not have to wait for the notice to start the process. You can renew up to 18 months before your license expires.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and works if your license is valid, you have not changed your address, and you have a valid payment method.
- Mail renewal requires you to return your current license and takes two to three weeks, but you can do it from home without an appointment.
- In-person renewal at a DHSMV office is necessary if your license is expired, suspended, or revoked, or if you need to update your address or photograph.
- Florida charges a renewal fee that varies by license type and validity period — check the DHSMV website or your renewal notice for the exact amount.
- You will receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days of approval, whether you renewed online, by mail, or in person.
Renewing online through the DHSMV website
Online renewal is the fastest option if you meet the requirements. Go to the Florida DHSMV website (flhsmv.gov) and select "Renew Your Driver License" from the main menu. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to log in.
The system will show you whether you are may be able to access to renew online. You can proceed if your license is valid (not expired, suspended, or revoked), you have not changed your address since your last renewal, and you do not need a new photograph. If any of these do not explore to you, the system will tell you to renew by mail or in person instead.
Once you confirm your information is correct, you will pay the renewal fee using a credit card, debit card, or electronic check. The DHSMV will process your renewal when ready, and you will receive a confirmation number by email. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Renewing by mail with the DHSMV
Mail renewal works if your license is valid and you do not need to change your address or photograph. You should have received a renewal notice in the mail about 90 days before your license expires. The notice includes a prepaid return envelope and instructions specific to your situation.
Fill out the form that came with your renewal notice, sign it, and enclose your current driver license in the prepaid envelope. Do not send cash — pay by check or money order made out to the Florida DHSMV, or include a credit card number on the form if the notice allows it. Mail the envelope to the address shown on the form.
Processing takes two to three weeks from the time the DHSMV receives your envelope. You will get your new license by mail. If you do not receive a renewal notice, you can request a form by calling the DHSMV at 1-844-DL-RENEW (1-844-357-3639) or visiting a local office.
Renewing in person at a DHSMV office
You must renew in person if your license is expired, suspended, or revoked; if you need to change your address; if you need a new photograph; or if you are renewing a commercial driver license. You can also choose in-person renewal even if you are may be able to access for online or mail renewal.
Visit the DHSMV office locator on flhsmv.gov to find the nearest office and check its hours. Some offices take walk-ins, but many now require you to schedule an appointment online or by phone. Bring your current driver license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days).
At the office, you will have your photograph taken, confirm your information, and pay the renewal fee. The DHSMV will issue you a temporary driving permit on the spot, valid for 30 days while your permanent license is being mailed. Your new license will arrive within 7 to 10 business days.
What to do if your license has already expired
If your license expired more than six months ago, you cannot renew it — you must reapply as if you were getting a license for the first time. This means taking the written test and the driving test again, not just renewing. You will need to visit a DHSMV office to schedule your tests.
If your license expired within the last six months, you can still renew it using any of the three methods above, as long as you meet the other requirements (valid address, no suspension, no photograph change needed for online or mail). The DHSMV considers your license "expired but renewable" during this window.
Renewal fees and what affects the cost
Florida charges different renewal fees depending on your license type and how long you want it to be valid. A standard driver license renewal costs less than a commercial driver license renewal. You can also choose to renew for four years or eight years — the eight-year option costs more upfront but saves you money over time because you renew less often.
The exact fee appears on your renewal notice, on the DHSMV website, or when you start an online renewal. If you are renewing by mail and did not receive a notice, call 1-844-DL-RENEW to confirm the fee before you send your payment. Fees do not change based on your age or driving record.
What happens after you submit your renewal
Once you renew online, by mail, or in person, the DHSMV processes your request and mails your new license to the address on file. This takes 7 to 10 business days. If you renewed in person, you receive a temporary permit when ready that is valid for 30 days, so you can drive legally while you wait for your permanent license.
If you renewed online or by mail and need to drive before your new license arrives, you can print a temporary driving permit from the DHSMV website using your confirmation number. This permit is valid for 30 days. If your license expires before your new one arrives, contact the DHSMV at 1-844-DL-RENEW to confirm your renewal was processed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?
No. The DHSMV will not process your renewal if you have unpaid traffic citations or court fines. You must pay or resolve the ticket before you can renew. Contact the court listed on your ticket or call the DHSMV to find out what you owe and how to pay it.
What if I changed my name since my last license?
You cannot renew online or by mail if your name has changed. You must renew in person at a DHSMV office and bring a document that shows your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office will issue you a new license with your updated name.
How long can I drive on an expired license while waiting for my renewal?
If you renewed in person, you can drive on your temporary permit for 30 days. If you renewed online or by mail, you can print a temporary permit from the DHSMV website and drive for 30 days. After 30 days, you cannot drive legally until your new license arrives, even if your renewal is still being processed.
Can I renew my license if I live outside Florida?
Yes. If you live out of state but still have a Florida license, you can renew by mail or online if you meet the may be able to access requirements. You cannot renew in person unless you are physically in Florida at a DHSMV office. Your new license will be mailed to your current address.
What if my new license does not arrive after 10 business days?
Contact the DHSMV at 1-844-DL-RENEW with your confirmation number. They can check the status of your license and tell you whether it has been mailed. If there is a delay, they may reissue it or direct you to a local office to pick it up in person.