Where to go and what to bring
In Palm Beach County, you renew your driver's license at a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office. The county has multiple locations: the main office in West Palm Beach, offices in Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, and Jupiter, plus several smaller satellite locations. You can find the full list and hours on the official DHSMV website or by calling 1-850-617-3000.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you're renewing by mail or online, the requirements differ slightly — more on that below.
You do not need an appointment at most Palm Beach County DHSMV offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Early morning on a weekday is typically faster than afternoon or weekend hours. Some offices have a "take a number" system; others use an online check-in through the DHSMV website that lets you reserve your place in line.
Key Takeaways
- Palm Beach County has five DHSMV office locations, and you can renew at any of them without an appointment, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
- You will need your current license, proof of residency dated within 90 days, and your Social Security card or number.
- Florida allows online renewal for some drivers and mail renewal for others, depending on your age, license type, and how long it has been since your last renewal.
- The renewal fee is $75 for an eight-year license, and you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the office.
- If your license has been expired for more than six months, you may need to pass a vision test or written exam, even if you renewed online or by mail.
Renewing online or by mail instead of in person
Florida lets some drivers renew online through the DHSMV website without visiting an office. You are may be able to access if your license is not expired, you have no medical conditions that affect your driving, your address has not changed, and your license does not require a new photo. The online process takes about 10 minutes, costs $75, and your new license arrives by mail in about two weeks.
Mail renewal is an option if you meet the same conditions as online renewal. You request a renewal form from the DHSMV, fill it out, mail it back with a check or money order for $75, and your new license arrives in the mail. This takes longer than online renewal — typically three to four weeks — but works if you prefer not to use the internet or visit an office.
If you have had a medical suspension, vision problems, or any restriction on your current license, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to an office in person. The same applies if your license has been expired for more than six months; you will need to pass a vision test and may need to retake the written exam.
What happens if your license has expired
If your license expired fewer than six months ago, you can renew it at an office without retesting. Bring the same documents as above, and the process is the same as a standard renewal.
If your license has been expired for six months or longer, you must pass a vision test at the DHSMV office. Depending on how long it has been expired and your age, you may also need to retake the written knowledge exam. You cannot renew online or by mail in this situation. Call the office before you go to confirm whether you need to study for the written test.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Florida, even if you have submitted a renewal process. Do not drive to the DHSMV office if your license is expired; arrange a ride or use a rideshare service instead.
Fees and payment methods
A standard eight-year driver's license renewal in Florida costs $75. If you are 65 or older, the fee is $20 for a four-year renewal or $40 for an eight-year renewal. Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) cost more — $100 for eight years — and have different renewal rules.
DHSMV offices in Palm Beach County accept cash, personal checks, debit cards, and credit cards. If you renew by mail, you must send a check or money order; credit cards are not accepted by mail. Online renewal accepts debit and credit cards only.
If you lose your license or it is damaged before your renewal date, you can request a replacement at any DHSMV office for a $25 fee. This is separate from renewal and does not extend your license's expiration date.
How long the renewal takes
At an office, the renewal process itself takes 10 to 20 minutes once you reach the counter, but total time depends on how busy the location is. Weekday mornings typically have shorter waits than afternoons or weekends. If you use the online check-in system, you can see the current wait time before you leave home.
Your new license is printed on-site and you receive it before you leave the office. You can drive when ready with your new license, even though it is still warm from the printer. If the office is out of stock of blank licenses (rare but possible), they will mail it to you within a few days.
Online renewal takes about 10 minutes to complete, and your license arrives by mail in approximately two weeks. Mail renewal takes three to four weeks from the time the DHSMV receives your form. Plan ahead if you need your new license by a specific date.
Special situations: name changes, address changes, and restrictions
If your name has changed since your last license, bring the document that proves it — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You will need to provide this at the office even if you are renewing online or by mail, so you cannot complete those options if your name has changed. You must go to an office in person.
If you have moved within Palm Beach County or to a different Florida county, you can update your address during renewal. Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days). If you have moved out of Florida, you cannot renew a Florida license; you must obtain a license from your new state.
If your current license has medical restrictions or you have a suspended license, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit an office, and the DHSMV may require additional documentation or a medical evaluation before issuing your new license. Call ahead to find out what you need to bring.
DHSMV office locations in Palm Beach County
| Location | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| West Palm Beach (Main) | 3900 North Military Trail, West Palm Beach, FL 33409 | 561-966-6800 |
| Delray Beach | 1900 North Dixie Highway, Delray Beach, FL 33444 | 561-243-7000 |
| Boynton Beach | 1701 North Congress Avenue, Boynton Beach, FL 33426 | 561-737-3400 |
| Jupiter | 1000 North Old Dixie Highway, Jupiter, FL 33477 | 561-748-4500 |
Hours vary by location, but most offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some Saturday hours at select locations. Check the DHSMV website or call before you go, as hours change seasonally and for holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?
Yes, unpaid traffic tickets do not prevent you from renewing your license. However, if your license has been suspended for unpaid fines, you must resolve the suspension before you can renew. Contact the court that issued the ticket to find out your suspension status and how to clear it.
What if I fail the vision test at the DHSMV office?
If you fail the vision test, you cannot renew your license that day. You will need to see an eye doctor, obtain a vision correction certificate, and return to the DHSMV office with that certificate. Some offices have an optometrist on-site, but not all; call ahead to ask.
Do I need to take a new photo for my renewal?
If your license is not expired and you are renewing in person at an office, the DHSMV will take a new photo. If you are renewing online or by mail, your photo from your current license is used. If you want a new photo but are renewing by mail or online, you must renew in person instead.
What if I move out of Florida after I renew?
Your Florida license remains valid until its expiration date, even if you move to another state. However, you should obtain a license from your new state within the timeframe required by that state's law, typically 30 to 60 days after moving. You can keep your Florida license as a second ID if you wish.
Can someone else renew my license for me?
No, you must renew your license yourself in person at an office, or online or by mail if you are may be able to access. The DHSMV does not allow a family member or representative to renew on your behalf. If you are unable to visit an office due to disability or illness, call the DHSMV to ask about accommodations or alternative options.