How to Renew Your Florida Driver's License

Where to renew your Florida driver's license

You can renew your Florida driver's license at any Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office, or online through the official Florida DHSMV website if you meet certain conditions. The online route is faster — you can complete it from home in about 10 minutes — but not everyone is may be able to access. In-person renewal at a local DHSMV office takes longer but works for all renewal situations.

The DHSMV office nearest you can be found using the office locator on the Florida DHSMV website. Walk-in service is available at most locations, though wait times vary by time of day and location. Some offices are busier on certain days; calling ahead to ask about current wait times can save you an hour or more.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Florida DHSMV website works only if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed since your last renewal.
In-person renewal at a DHSMV office requires your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and payment by cash, check, or card.
Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days after renewal, whether you renew online or in person.
Florida driver's licenses expire on your birthday, and you can renew up to 18 months before expiration without losing any remaining validity.

Online renewal through the Florida DHSMV website

To renew online, go to the official Florida DHSMV website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and pull up your record.

Online renewal is not available if your license is suspended or revoked, if you have medical restrictions listed on your license, if your address has changed, or if you are renewing a commercial driver's license. If any of these explore to you, you must renew in person at a DHSMV office.

The fee for online renewal is $47.50 for a four-year license or $76.25 for an eight-year license. You pay by credit or debit card during the online process. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

In-person renewal at a DHSMV office

Bring your current Florida driver's license, proof of residency, and payment. Proof of residency can be a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.

Payment options at DHSMV offices include cash, check, or debit and credit cards. The fee is the same as online: $47.50 for a four-year license or $76.25 for an eight-year license. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but you can schedule one through the DHSMV website if you prefer to avoid waiting.

After you complete the renewal process, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Your permanent license will be mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before the permanent license arrives, the temporary license is sufficient.

What happens if your address has changed

If you have moved since your last license was issued, you must renew in person at a DHSMV office. You cannot use online renewal. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment.

The DHSMV will update your address during the renewal process. Your new license will show your current address and will be mailed there. If you are concerned about mail delivery to a new address, you can ask the DHSMV staff whether you can pick up your license in person once it arrives, though this varies by office.

Renewing a commercial driver's license

Commercial driver's licenses (CDL) cannot be renewed online. You must go to a DHSMV office in person. Bring your current CDL, proof of residency, and payment. You may also need to pass a medical examination depending on whether your medical certificate is current; the DHSMV staff can tell you whether this is required when you arrive.

The renewal fee for a commercial license is $75 for a four-year license or $112.50 for an eight-year license. Your new CDL will be mailed within 7 to 10 business days, and you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days in the meantime.

If your license is suspended or revoked

You cannot renew your license online or by mail if it is suspended or revoked. You must visit a DHSMV office in person. The staff can tell you the reason for the suspension or revocation and what steps you need to take to resolve it before renewal is possible.

Suspensions and revocations can result from unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, or other violations. The DHSMV office can direct you to the correct agency or court to resolve the underlying issue. Until the suspension or revocation is lifted, you cannot legally drive.

Timeline and what to expect after renewal

Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the renewal process, whether online or in person. During this time, your temporary paper license (if you renewed in person) or your current license (if you renewed online) remains valid for driving.

If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the DHSMV by phone or through the website to report it. Keep your temporary paper license until the permanent one arrives. Once your new license arrives, destroy the old one or return it to a DHSMV office if you prefer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has already expired?

Yes. Florida allows you to renew an expired license at any time. However, if your license has been expired for more than six months, you may need to pass a vision test at the DHSMV office. Bring your current (expired) license and proof of residency.

What if I lost my license and need to renew it at the same time?

You will need to replace your lost license before you can renew it. Go to a DHSMV office with proof of identity and residency. The replacement and renewal can often be processed together, but you will pay both fees. Call ahead to confirm the office can handle both in one visit.

Do I need an appointment to renew at a DHSMV office?

No, walk-ins are accepted at all DHSMV offices. However, you can schedule an appointment through the Florida DHSMV website to reduce wait time. Appointments are free and can be booked several weeks in advance.

Can someone else renew my license for me?

No. You must renew your license yourself, either online or in person. A family member or representative cannot complete the renewal on your behalf, even with written permission.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

You must renew in person at a DHSMV office and bring proof of your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DHSMV will update your name during the renewal process.

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.