Where to renew and what you need before you start
You can renew your Florida driver license in person 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 in-person route works for almost everyone; the online route is faster but only available if your license is not expired by more than six months, you have no medical conditions flagged on your record, and your address hasn't changed.
Before you go to an office or log in online, gather your current driver license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current Florida address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days). If your address has changed since your last renewal, bring the address proof no matter which route you choose. If you're renewing in person and your license is already expired, bring an additional form of ID like a passport or military ID.
The renewal fee is $75 for an eight-year license (the standard term for adults under 80). If you're 80 or older, the fee is $15 for a four-year license. Payment methods vary by location — most offices take cash, card, and check, but call ahead to confirm what your local office accepts.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and works only if your license expired within the last six months, you have no medical flags, and your address hasn't changed.
- In-person renewal at any DHSMV office takes 30 to 60 minutes and works for everyone, including those with expired or out-of-state licenses.
- You need your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address dated within 90 days.
- Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after approval, and you can drive legally on your old license until it arrives.
- If your license is suspended, revoked, or has medical restrictions, you must renew in person and may need additional documents from your doctor or the court.
Renewing online through the Florida DHSMV website
Go to the official Florida DHSMV website and select the online renewal option. You'll enter your driver license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity. The system will confirm whether you're may be able to access to renew online — if you're not, it will tell you when ready and direct you to schedule an in-person appointment instead.
If you're may be able to access, you'll answer questions about your health and driving record, confirm your address, choose whether to keep or update your photo, and pay the $75 renewal fee by debit or credit card. Once you submit, you'll receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file and should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.
The online system does not work if your license has been expired for more than six months, if you have medical conditions or restrictions on your record, if your address has changed, or if you need to update your name. In any of those cases, you must schedule an in-person appointment.
Renewing in person at a DHSMV office
Find your nearest DHSMV office on the Florida DHSMV website and check its hours. You can walk in without an appointment at most locations, but wait times vary widely — offices in smaller towns often have no wait, while busy urban offices may have a 30 to 60 minute wait during peak hours (typically mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays). If you want to avoid the wait, you can schedule an appointment online through the DHSMV website, which reserves a specific time slot.
Bring your current driver license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. If your license is already expired, bring a second form of ID. Tell the clerk you're renewing, hand over your documents, and they'll verify your information on the computer. You'll be asked to confirm your address, answer health questions, and choose whether to update your photo. If you want a new photo, you'll take one at the office; if you keep your current photo, the process is faster.
Once approved, you'll pay the $75 fee (or $15 if you're 80 or older) and receive a receipt. Your new license will be mailed within 7 to 10 business days. The receipt is not a valid driving document, so if your current license expires before the new one arrives, you cannot legally drive. Plan your renewal so your current license doesn't expire during the mailing window.
What to do if your license is suspended, revoked, or has medical restrictions
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it through the normal process. You must contact the DHSMV directly to find out why it was suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it. Suspensions are often due to unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or failure to appear in court; revocations are usually permanent until you complete a specific requirement, such as a DUI course or a medical evaluation.
If your license has medical restrictions (such as corrective lenses required or no commercial driving), you can renew in person, but you may need to bring updated documentation from your doctor or eye care provider. The DHSMV office will tell you what's needed when you arrive. If you're unsure whether your license has restrictions, call the DHSMV before you go.
If you've had a DUI conviction or multiple traffic violations, the DHSMV may require you to pass a written test or driving test as part of renewal. The office will notify you by mail if this applies to you; do not skip it, as failing to complete the requirement will result in suspension.
After your new license arrives
Your new license will arrive by mail at the address you provided during renewal. Open the envelope carefully — your new license is inside, along with a temporary paper license that's valid until the plastic card arrives. Keep both until you receive the plastic card.
Once the plastic card arrives, destroy your old license by cutting it in half or shredding it. Do not throw it away intact, as it contains your personal information. If your new license doesn't arrive within 10 business days, contact the DHSMV to check the status. If it arrives damaged or with incorrect information, return to a DHSMV office with the damaged license and your receipt to request a replacement.
Renewing if you've moved out of state or changed your name
If you've moved out of Florida, you cannot renew your Florida license. You must obtain a driver license from your new state. However, if you still live in Florida but moved to a new address, you can renew in person at any DHSMV office and update your address at the same time. Bring proof of your new address dated within 90 days.
If you've changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The DHSMV will not process a name change online. Bring the certified document, your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive on my expired license while I wait for my new one?
No. Once your license expires, you cannot legally drive, even if you've submitted a renewal process. Plan your renewal so your current license doesn't expire during the 7 to 10 business day mailing window. If your license has already expired, you must renew in person and cannot drive until the new license arrives.
What if I lost my current license?
You'll need to report it lost and request a replacement before you can renew. Go to a DHSMV office with proof of your identity and address, and they'll issue a replacement license. Once you have it, you can renew when ready if your license is about to expire, or wait until closer to the expiration date.
How long does in-person renewal take at the office?
The process at the counter usually takes 10 to 15 minutes, but total time depends on how busy the office is. Walk-in wait times range from zero to 60 minutes depending on the location and time of day. Scheduling an appointment online reserves a specific time slot and typically reduces wait time to 10 to 20 minutes.
Do I need to take a new photo for my renewed license?
No. You can keep your current photo when you renew online or in person. If you want a new photo, you can request one at an in-person appointment, and the office will take it on the spot. Online renewal does not offer the option to take a new photo.
What if my renewal is denied?
The DHSMV will tell you the reason and provide instructions on how to resolve it. Common reasons include a suspended or revoked license, unpaid fines, or a failed medical evaluation. Contact the DHSMV office directly to find out what you need to do next.