How to Renew Your Florida Driver's License

Where to renew and what you'll need

You can renew your Florida driver's license in person at any Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office, or online through the state's website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes once you're called; online renewal can be completed from home in minutes but has restrictions based on your age and how long it's been since your last renewal.

Before you go or log in, gather your current driver's license, proof of Florida 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 changed it — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You'll also need to pay the renewal fee, which is $75 for an eight-year license or $48 for a four-year license if you're over 79.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal works only if you're under 80, your license hasn't been suspended or revoked, and it expired less than six months ago or expires within the next six months.
In-person renewal at a DHSMV office requires your current license, proof of residency dated within 90 days, and payment by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
You can find your nearest DHSMV office and check wait times on the Florida DHSMV website before you go.
If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot renew online and must visit an office in person to resolve the issue first.

Renewing online through the Florida DHSMV website

Online renewal is the fastest option if you're under 80, your license is not suspended or revoked, and your license expired within the last six months or will expire within the next six months. Go to the official Florida DHSMV website, select "Renew Driver License Online," and follow the prompts. You'll enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity.

The system will ask whether any of your information has changed — address, name, or emergency contact. If nothing has changed, you can proceed to payment. Florida accepts credit cards, debit cards, and e-checks online. Once you pay, your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to visit an office, and you do not need to take a new photo — the state will use your existing one.

If the system tells you that you're not may be able to access for online renewal, it means one of the restrictions applies: your license was suspended or revoked, you're 80 or older, or your license expired more than six months ago. In any of those cases, you must renew in person at a DHSMV office.

Renewing in person at a DHSMV office

Walk into any DHSMV office during business hours with your current license, proof of residency, and payment. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours or Saturday appointments. Check the Florida DHSMV website to find the office nearest you and see current wait times — many offices now show estimated wait times online so you can plan when to go.

When you arrive, take a number at the entrance or check in at the kiosk if the office has one. A staff member will call you when it's your turn. Bring all your documents to the window. The agent will verify your information, take a new photo for your license, and process your payment. The entire transaction usually takes 15 to 30 minutes once you're called, though the wait before that can vary widely depending on the time of day and day of the week.

Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need to drive out of state before your new license arrives, ask the agent for a temporary paper license — they can issue one on the spot that's valid for 30 days.

What to do if your license was suspended or revoked

If your license status shows suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it online or in the standard renewal line at an office. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the DHSMV. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or a DUI conviction. Contact the DHSMV directly at 1-844-DL-FLORIDA (1-844-353-5746) to find out why your license is suspended and what you need to do to clear it.

Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can renew normally — either online if you meet the other conditions, or in person at an office. The DHSMV staff can tell you over the phone whether you need to visit an office in person or whether the issue can be resolved by mail or phone.

Renewing by mail if you cannot visit an office

Florida does not offer standard mail-in renewal for most drivers. However, if you are a Florida resident living outside the United States, a member of the military stationed overseas, or unable to visit an office due to a disability, you may be able to renew by mail. Contact the DHSMV at 1-844-DL-FLORIDA to request a mail renewal process and instructions specific to your situation.

Mail renewal takes longer than in-person or online renewal — typically 4 to 6 weeks from the time the DHSMV receives your completed process. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, ask about a temporary paper license when you submit your process.

Checking your renewal status and receiving your new license

After you renew online or in person, your new license will be mailed within 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to do anything else — just wait for it to arrive at your address on file. If more than two weeks have passed and you haven't received it, contact the DHSMV to confirm your mailing address is correct.

You can continue driving on your current license until your new one arrives. If you need proof that you've renewed — for example, for a job or to show an insurance company — the DHSMV can issue a temporary paper license at the office or by mail. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and shows your renewal status.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, but the rules depend on how long ago it expired. If it expired less than six months ago, you can renew online or in person. If it expired more than six months ago, you must renew in person at a DHSMV office. Driving with an expired license is illegal, so renew as soon as possible.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

Only if you renew in person at an office. If you renew online, the state uses your existing photo from your current license. In-person renewal always includes a new photo taken at the office.

What if my address has changed since my last license?

Tell the DHSMV agent or enter your new address in the online renewal system. Your new license will be mailed to your updated address. Make sure the address you provide is correct, or your license will be mailed to the wrong place.

How long is my new license valid?

Most Florida driver's licenses are valid for eight years. If you're over 79, you can choose a four-year license instead. Your renewal notice will show the expiration date of your new license.

What if I lose my license before the new one arrives?

Visit a DHSMV office and report it lost. You can request a replacement license at the same time, and the office will issue a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while you wait for the replacement to be mailed.

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.