How to Renew Your Florida Driver's License

What You Need to Do to Renew in Florida

Florida lets you renew your driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a Driver License office. Most people can renew online or by mail without visiting an office at all. You'll need your current license number, a valid payment method, and a few minutes to complete the process. The state will mail your new license to the address on file, which typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

Your license is valid for 8 years from the date of issuance. Florida sends renewal notices to your mailing address about 6 months before expiration, but you don't have to wait for the notice — you can renew anytime within that window. If your license has already expired, you can still renew by mail or online, though an expired license cannot be used for identification purposes until the replacement arrives.

Key Takeaways

You can renew online through the Florida DHSMV website, by mail using the renewal notice, or in person at any Driver License office.
Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $75 for an 8-year license; you'll receive your new license by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Mail renewal requires your renewal notice and a check or money order; send it to the address printed on the notice.
In-person renewal at a Driver License office is fastest if you need your license when ready, though wait times vary by location.
You cannot renew online if your address has changed, your name has changed, or your license was suspended or revoked.

Renewing Online Through the DHSMV Website

Online renewal is the quickest option for most people. Go to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) website at gorenew.com or visit the official DHSMV portal. You'll enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your current license information and ask you to confirm or update your mailing address.

You'll then choose your payment method — credit card, debit card, or electronic check — and pay the $75 renewal fee. Florida does not charge extra for online renewal. After payment is processed, you'll receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address you confirmed, arriving in 7 to 10 business days. You can use your confirmation number to track the status of your license on the DHSMV website.

Online renewal is not available if your address has changed since your last license was issued, if your name has changed, if your license was suspended or revoked, or if you need to update your vision correction status. In those cases, you must renew by mail or in person.

Renewing by Mail

Mail renewal uses the renewal notice Florida sends to your address. The notice includes a prepaid envelope and instructions. Fill out the form on the back of the notice, sign it, and include a check or money order for $75 payable to "DHSMV." Do not send cash. Place everything in the prepaid envelope and mail it to the address printed on the notice.

Processing time for mail renewal is typically 2 to 3 weeks from the date the DHSMV receives your envelope, plus mailing time in both directions. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address you provided. If you don't receive your renewal notice in the mail, you can request one by calling the DHSMV at 1-844-33-RENEW (1-844-337-3639) or by visiting a Driver License office.

Mail renewal works even if your address has changed, as long as you write the new address clearly on the form. However, if your name has changed or your license was suspended, you cannot use mail renewal — you must go to a Driver License office in person.

Renewing in Person at a Driver License Office

Visit any Driver License office in Florida with your current license and payment. Bring a valid form of identification if your license is expired. You can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. The fee is $75 for an 8-year license. Some offices allow you to schedule an appointment online through the DHSMV website, which can reduce wait time significantly.

In-person renewal is the only option if your address has changed, your name has changed, you need to update your vision status, or your license was suspended or revoked. It's also the fastest way to get a new license if you need one when ready — you'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot that's valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you.

Wait times at Driver License offices vary widely depending on location and time of day. Offices in smaller towns typically have shorter waits than those in major cities. Visiting early in the morning on a weekday usually means a shorter wait than visiting in the afternoon or on weekends.

What Happens If Your Address or Name Has Changed

If you've moved since your last license was issued, you cannot renew online. You must renew by mail (writing your new address on the form) or in person at a Driver License office. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The document must show your name and current address.

If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change, you must renew in person. Bring your current license, a valid form of identification, and a certified copy of the document that shows your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DHSMV will issue a new license with your updated name.

Renewing an Expired License

You can renew your license by mail or online even if it has expired, as long as it expired within the last 5 years and you haven't had any suspensions or revocations. An expired license cannot be used for identification or to drive, so renew as soon as you notice it has expired. The renewal process is the same — you'll pay $75 and receive your new license by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

If your license expired more than 5 years ago, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit a Driver License office in person and may need to retake the written test and vision test. Call the DHSMV at 1-844-33-RENEW to confirm what documents and tests you'll need before you visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to renew a Florida driver's license?

The renewal fee is $75 for an 8-year license. This fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. There are no additional charges for online renewal.

Can I renew my license if it's already expired?

Yes, if it expired within the last 5 years and you have no suspensions or revocations. Renew by mail or online using the same process as a current license. If it expired more than 5 years ago, you must visit a Driver License office in person.

What if I don't receive my renewal notice in the mail?

Call the DHSMV at 1-844-33-RENEW to request a duplicate notice, or visit a Driver License office. You can also renew online at gorenew.com without the notice if your address hasn't changed and your license isn't suspended.

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

Online and mail renewals take 7 to 10 business days for delivery after processing. In-person renewal gives you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days, and your permanent license arrives by mail within the same timeframe.

Can I renew online if I've moved to a new address?

No. If your address has changed since your last license was issued, you must renew by mail or in person. By mail, write your new address on the form. In person, bring proof of your new address dated within the last 60 days.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.