Where to go and what to bring in Hillsborough County
In Hillsborough County, you renew your driver's license at a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office. The county has multiple locations, with the main office in Tampa and satellite offices in Brandon, Plant City, and other areas. You can find the current list of office addresses and hours on the official DHSMV website or by calling 1-844-DL-RENEW (1-844-357-3639).
Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You do not need to bring originals; certified copies work.
If you are renewing by mail or online (available for some renewals), the requirements are different and are covered in the sections below. In-person renewal at a DHSMV office is the most straightforward route and typically takes 15 to 30 minutes.
Key Takeaways
- Hillsborough County has four DHSMV offices where you can renew in person; the main office is in Tampa and satellite locations are in Brandon, Plant City, and Lutz.
- You need your current license, proof of residency dated within 90 days, and your Social Security number to renew at any office.
- If your name has changed, bring a certified copy of the document that caused the change — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
- Online renewal is available if your license is not suspended, you have not had a name change in the last five years, and you are not changing your address.
- Mail renewal is an option for some drivers but takes longer and has stricter may be able to access rules than in-person or online renewal.
Renewing online through the DHSMV website
Florida allows online renewal for many drivers, and it is the fastest option if you are may be able to access. You can renew online at the official DHSMV website if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have not had a name change in the last five years, you are not changing your address, and your license is not marked for a vision test or medical review.
The online process takes about 10 minutes. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method for the renewal fee. Florida charges $75 for a standard eight-year renewal. Once you complete the online transaction, your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
Online renewal does not require a new photo, so your current license photo will appear on your new one. If you want a new photo or if you do not meet the may be able to access rules above, you must renew in person at a DHSMV office.
Renewing by mail if you cannot visit an office
Mail renewal is available but only for drivers who meet strict conditions: your license must not be suspended, you cannot have a name change in the last five years, you cannot be changing your address, and you must not need a vision test or medical review. You also cannot have any violations or restrictions on your license that require in-person verification.
To renew by mail, contact the DHSMV directly at 1-844-357-3639 or visit the website to request a mail renewal form. You will mail in your current license, the completed form, proof of residency, and the renewal fee. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date the DHSMV receives your materials, which is significantly longer than online or in-person renewal.
Mail renewal is rarely the best option for Hillsborough County residents because the county has multiple convenient office locations. Use it only if you are temporarily out of state or have a medical reason that prevents you from visiting an office in person.
What happens if your license has expired or is about to expire
If your license has already expired, you can still renew it at a DHSMV office without penalty as long as the expiration was recent. Florida does not charge a late fee for expired licenses. However, you cannot legally drive with an expired license, so renew as soon as possible.
If your license expires while you are in the middle of renewing online or by mail, your renewal will still be processed. The new license will be valid from the date you submitted the renewal, not from the date you receive it in the mail. Keep proof of your renewal submission (a confirmation email or receipt) in case you are stopped while waiting for the new license to arrive.
If you are unsure of your expiration date, check the front of your current license or log into your DHSMV account online. The expiration date is printed clearly on the front.
Renewal fees and payment methods
A standard eight-year driver's license renewal in Florida costs $75. If you are 65 or older, the renewal fee is $20 for an eight-year license. Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) have different fees depending on the class and endorsements; call the DHSMV at 1-844-357-3639 for a quote on your specific CDL.
At DHSMV offices, you can pay with cash, debit card, or credit card. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order made payable to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
Some DHSMV offices in Hillsborough County may accept additional payment methods; call ahead to confirm. If you are paying by check or money order in the mail, allow extra time for processing.
How long your new license takes to arrive
If you renew in person at a Hillsborough County DHSMV office, you will receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license will be mailed to your address on file and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
If you renew online, you will not receive a temporary license. Your new license will be mailed within 7 to 10 business days. During this time, your current license remains valid for driving.
If you renew by mail, expect 4 to 6 weeks from the date the DHSMV receives your materials. This is why mail renewal is the slowest option and should be used only when in-person or online renewal is not possible.
What to do if you need a new photo or have other complications
If you want a new photo on your license, you must renew in person at a DHSMV office. Online and mail renewal use your current photo. Bring the same documents you would for a standard in-person renewal: your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.
If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it through the normal process. You must contact the DHSMV directly to understand why the suspension exists and what steps are needed to restore your driving privileges. Call 1-844-357-3639 or visit a DHSMV office in person.
If you have had a name change, address change, or medical condition that affects your driving, you must renew in person. The DHSMV may require additional documentation or a vision test depending on your situation. Bring all relevant documents with you to avoid a second trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Hillsborough County license at any Florida DHSMV office, or does it have to be in Hillsborough?
You can renew at any DHSMV office in Florida, not just in Hillsborough County. If you are traveling or live part-time elsewhere in the state, you can renew at the nearest office. Your new license will still be mailed to your Florida address on file.
What if I lost my current license and need to renew?
If your license is lost, you will need to report it and get a replacement before you can renew. Contact the DHSMV at 1-844-357-3639 or visit a Hillsborough County office to report the loss and request a replacement. You can renew at the same time if your license was about to expire anyway.
Do I need an appointment to renew at a Hillsborough County DHSMV office?
Appointments are not required but are recommended, especially at the main Tampa office. You can schedule an appointment on the DHSMV website or by calling 1-844-357-3639. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary by location and time of day.
Can I renew online if I have a commercial driver's license?
No, commercial driver's licenses must be renewed in person at a DHSMV office. You cannot renew a CDL online or by mail. Bring your current CDL, proof of residency, Social Security number, and any required medical documentation to the office.
What if my address has changed since my last license?
If you have moved, you must renew in person at a DHSMV office. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (a utility bill or lease dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number. Your new license will be mailed to your updated address.