Where to go and what to bring

In Lake County, you renew your driver's license at a Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office. The county has two full-service locations: one in Tavares (the county seat) and one in Leesburg. Both offices handle renewals the same way, so you can visit whichever is more convenient.

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. If you are renewing by mail or online, the requirements differ slightly, which is covered below.

You do not need an appointment at Lake County DHSMV offices, but wait times vary. Mornings on weekdays tend to be shorter than afternoons or Saturdays. Check the DHSMV website before you go to see current wait times at each location.

Key Takeaways

  • Lake County has DHSMV offices in Tavares and Leesburg, both open Monday through Friday and Saturday mornings, with no appointment needed.
  • Bring your current license, proof of residency dated within 90 days, and your Social Security number to renew in person.
  • You can renew by mail if your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions, and you are not changing your address or name.
  • Online renewal through the DHSMV website is the fastest option if you meet the requirements, and you receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • Your renewed license is valid for eight years from the issue date, and you can renew up to 18 months before expiration.

Renewing online through the DHSMV website

Online renewal is the quickest method if you are may be able to access. Go to the official DHSMV website, select "Renew Your Driver License," and follow the prompts. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The fee is $48 for an eight-year renewal.

You cannot renew online if your license is suspended or revoked, if you have medical restrictions listed on your license, if you are changing your address or name, or if your license has been expired for more than five years. If any of these explore, you must renew in person or by mail.

Once you complete the online process, the DHSMV mails your new license to the address on file. Delivery typically takes 7 to 10 business days. You can use your old license until the new one arrives.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal works if your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions, you are not changing your address or name, and your license has not been expired for more than five years. Request a renewal form from the DHSMV by calling 1-844-DL-RENEW (1-844-357-3639) or by visiting an office in person.

Complete the form, include a check or money order for $48, and mail it to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of your proof of residency. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date the DHSMV receives your envelope, so mail it early if your license is expiring soon.

This method is slower than online renewal but works if you prefer not to visit an office or do not have internet access. Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives.

Renewing in person at a Lake County DHSMV office

Walk into either the Tavares or Leesburg office during business hours. Take a number at the entrance, and wait for your turn. When called, hand your documents to the clerk, answer a few questions about your address and any medical conditions, and sit for a new photo.

The clerk will tell you the fee (usually $48 for an eight-year renewal) and process your payment. You receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while the DHSMV produces your permanent card. Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

In-person renewal takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is. You can use your temporary license to drive when ready after you leave.

Office locations and hours in Lake County

The Tavares office is located at 315 West Main Street, Tavares, FL 32778. The Leesburg office is at 1320 Citrus Boulevard, Leesburg, FL 34748. Both are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (noon). Both offices are closed on Sundays and state holidays.

If you need to renew outside these hours, online renewal is available 24 hours a day through the DHSMV website. Mail renewal is also an option if you cannot visit during office hours.

What happens if your license has been expired for more than five years

If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it — you must reapply as if getting a license for the first time. This means taking the written test and the road test at a DHSMV office. You will also need to provide proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.

Contact a Lake County DHSMV office to schedule a road test appointment, as these cannot be done without advance booking. The written test can usually be taken the same day as your appointment or on a separate visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it is suspended?

No. You must resolve the suspension first by paying any outstanding fines, completing required traffic school, or meeting other conditions set by the court or DHSMV. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew in person at a Lake County office. Contact the DHSMV at 1-844-357-3639 to confirm your suspension has been cleared before you visit.

What if I moved out of Lake County but still have a Lake County address on my license?

You must renew in person at a Lake County DHSMV office and provide proof of your new address. Bring a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement from your new county dated within 90 days. The office will update your address during the renewal process.

How long is my renewed license valid?

A renewed driver's license in Florida is valid for eight years from the issue date. You can renew up to 18 months before it expires, so you do not have to wait until the last minute.

Can I renew online if I wear glasses or contacts?

Yes, as long as you do not have a medical restriction code on your current license. If your license says you must wear corrective lenses, you can still renew online. Wear your glasses or contacts when you take your photo for the online renewal.

What if I never received my renewed license in the mail?

Contact the DHSMV at 1-844-357-3639 within 30 days of your renewal to report it missing. They can reissue your license or confirm whether it was delivered. If your temporary paper license expires before your permanent card arrives, visit a Lake County office to request an extension.