Where and how to renew your Florida license
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 online route is faster — you can complete it from home in about 15 minutes — but it is only open to drivers whose licenses are not suspended, revoked, or expired by more than six months.
If you renew online, you will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The state will mail your new license to the address on file, which typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you cannot renew online or prefer to renew in person, you can walk into any DHSMV office during business hours without an appointment, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
In-person renewal at a DHSMV office takes about 30 minutes once you are called. You will need to bring your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease dated within 90 days), and payment. Some offices are busier than others — checking the DHSMV website for your local office's current wait time before you go can save you a trip.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Florida DHSMV website is available if your license is not suspended, revoked, or expired by more than six months, and takes about 15 minutes.
- In-person renewal at any DHSMV office requires your current license, proof of residency dated within 90 days, and payment, and typically takes 30 minutes.
- Your new license will be mailed to the address on file and should arrive within 7 to 10 business days whether you renew online or in person.
- The DHSMV website shows current wait times at each office location, so you can choose the least busy time to visit.
What documents you need to bring
For in-person renewal, bring your current Florida driver license and one document proving your current address. Proof of residency must be dated within 90 days and can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and address. A cell phone bill or credit card statement will not work.
If your address has changed since your last license was issued, you must bring proof of your new address. If you have not changed your address, you can still renew with the old address on file and update it later, though the DHSMV recommends updating it at the time of renewal to avoid mail delays.
You will also need a payment method — the DHSMV accepts cash, debit card, or credit card. The renewal fee for a standard eight-year license is $75 for drivers 80 and older, and $48 for drivers under 80. If you are renewing online, you can only pay by debit or credit card.
How long your renewed license lasts
A standard Florida driver license is valid for eight years from the date it is issued. If you are 80 years old or older, your license is valid for four years. Commercial driver licenses (CDLs) are valid for four years regardless of age.
Your renewal date is printed on your current license. The state will mail you a renewal notice about 90 days before your license expires, though this notice is informational only — you are responsible for renewing on time. Driving with an expired license is illegal in Florida, even if you have applied for renewal.
When you cannot renew online
You must renew in person at a DHSMV office if your license is suspended, revoked, or expired by more than six months. You also cannot renew online if you need to change your name, add or remove a restriction (such as corrective lenses), or update your gender marker. Any of these changes requires an in-person visit.
If your license was lost or stolen, you cannot renew it — you must report it to the DHSMV and request a replacement. A replacement is treated differently from a renewal and may have different requirements. If you are unsure whether your license qualifies for online renewal, the DHSMV website has a tool that checks your may be able to access before you start the process.
What happens after you renew
If you renewed online, your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you renewed in person, you will receive a temporary paper license at the office that is valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed.
If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days of online renewal, or within 30 days of in-person renewal, you can contact the DHSMV to report it. The state will investigate and may reissue it. Do not assume it is lost — mail delays happen, especially during high-volume periods.
Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one or turn it in at a DHSMV office. Carrying both is not illegal, but it can cause confusion if you are stopped by law enforcement.
Renewing by mail or through a third party
Florida does not offer mail-in renewal for standard driver licenses. You must renew either online or in person. However, if you are a Florida resident living outside the state temporarily, you may be able to renew online even if you are out of state, as long as your license meets the online renewal requirements.
Some third-party vendors, such as tax collectors' offices in certain counties, can process renewals on behalf of the DHSMV. These offices charge a service fee in addition to the state renewal fee — typically $5 to $10 — but can be faster than DHSMV offices during peak times. Check your county tax collector's website to see if this service is available in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than six months ago?
No, you cannot renew online if your license expired more than six months ago. You must renew in person at a DHSMV office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment. The renewal fee is the same whether your license is current or expired.
What if I moved and my address on file is wrong?
If you renew online, your new license will be mailed to the address currently on file with the DHSMV. If that address is wrong, your license may be mailed to the wrong place. Renew in person instead and bring proof of your new address so it can be updated before your new license is printed and mailed.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person at a DHSMV office?
No, appointments are not required for license renewal at DHSMV offices. You can walk in during business hours. However, wait times vary by location and time of day. The DHSMV website shows current wait times for each office, so you can choose a less busy time to visit.
What if my name changed since my last license was issued?
You cannot renew online if your name has changed. You must renew in person and bring a document proving your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DHSMV will update your name and issue a new license with the correct name.
How do I check if my license is may be able to access for online renewal?
The Florida DHSMV website has an online tool that checks your renewal may be able to access. Enter your license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number, and the tool will tell you whether you can renew online or must visit an office in person.