What you need to do to renew your Florida driver license

Florida lets you renew your driver license online, by mail, or in person at a Driver License office. Which method you can use depends on your license type, how long it has been expired, and whether you need to update your address or other information. Most people renew online through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $48 for an eight-year license.

Your current license must not be expired by more than six months to renew by mail or online. If your license expired more than six months ago, you must renew in person at a Driver License office. You also must renew in person if you need to change your address, update your photo, or correct your name on the license.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the DHSMV website works for most people and takes about 10 minutes, but only if your license expired within the last six months.
  • You will need your Social Security number, current license number, and a valid payment method (credit or debit card) to renew online.
  • If your license expired more than six months ago or you need to change your photo or address, you must go to a Driver License office in person.
  • Mail renewal is available for some license types, but the DHSMV recommends online renewal because it is faster and you receive your new license sooner.
  • Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the renewal process.

Renewing online through the DHSMV website

Online renewal is the fastest option if your license has not been expired for more than six months. Go to the DHSMV website (flhsmv.gov) and select the "Renew Your License" option. You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and the date of birth shown on your license. Have a credit or debit card ready to pay the $48 renewal fee.

The system will ask you to confirm your address and other information on file. If your address is correct, you can proceed without visiting an office. If you need to change your address, you cannot complete the renewal online — you must go to a Driver License office instead. After you submit your payment, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If the online system tells you that you are not may be able to access to renew online, it means your license has been expired for more than six months, or there is a flag on your record that requires an in-person visit. The system will tell you which Driver License office you need to visit.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal is available for certain license types, but the DHSMV no longer actively promotes it because online renewal is faster. If you want to renew by mail, you must first contact the DHSMV to request a mail renewal form. You can call 1-844-33-FLHSMV (1-844-335-4768) to ask whether your license type is may be able to access for mail renewal.

If mail renewal is available for you, the DHSMV will send you a form and instructions. You will fill out the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it back to the address provided. Processing takes longer by mail than online — typically three to four weeks from the time the DHSMV receives your form. Your new license will then be mailed to you.

Renewing in person at a Driver License office

You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than six months, if you need to change your address or photo, or if the online system tells you that you are not may be able to access for online renewal. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease dated within 90 days).

You can find your nearest Driver License office and check wait times on the DHSMV website. Many offices now use an online appointment system — you can reserve a time slot instead of waiting in line. Walk-ins are still accepted, but appointment holders are served first. The in-person renewal fee is the same as online: $48 for an eight-year license.

When you arrive, bring all required documents. The office will take a new photo for your license, verify your information, and process your payment. You will receive a temporary paper license that day, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Documents and fees you will need

The renewal fee for a standard eight-year Florida driver license is $48. If you are 65 or older, you can renew for a four-year license at a lower cost — ask at the Driver License office or during online renewal what the current fee is for your age group, as it varies.

For online renewal, you need only your current license number, Social Security number, and a payment method. For in-person renewal, bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days all count as proof of address. A driver license from another state does not count as proof of address for Florida renewal.

If you are renewing after a name change (such as through marriage or court order), you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

What happens if your license is expired

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Florida, even if you have already started the renewal process. If you are pulled over, you can show the officer your confirmation number from online renewal or your temporary paper license from an in-person renewal, but the officer may still issue a citation. The safest approach is to renew before your license expires.

If your license expired more than six months ago, you cannot renew online or by mail — you must go to a Driver License office. The office will process your renewal the same way, but you will have been driving illegally during the time between expiration and renewal. If you were stopped during that time, you may have a traffic citation on your record.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Florida driver license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. The DHSMV recommends renewing about 30 days before your expiration date so that your new license arrives before the old one expires. This way you will never be without a valid license.

What if I moved and need to update my address?

You cannot update your address during online renewal. You must go to a Driver License office in person with proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days). The office will take a new photo, update your address, and issue your new license.

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

After you complete renewal online or in person, your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a confirmation number or temporary paper license when ready, which you can use as proof of renewal if you are stopped by law enforcement.

Can I renew my license if it has been suspended or revoked?

No. If your license is suspended or revoked, you must resolve the suspension or revocation before you can renew. The DHSMV website shows your license status — if it is suspended, you can see the reason and what you need to do to clear it. This usually involves paying a fine, completing a course, or resolving a court case.

What if I lost my license and need to renew it?

If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew it online. You must go to a Driver License office in person and request a replacement. Bring proof of identity and proof of your Social Security number. You will pay a replacement fee (different from the renewal fee) and receive a temporary license that day.