Where to renew your license in Hillsborough County
Hillsborough County has five Driver License offices where you can renew in person. The main office is at 6502 North Florida Avenue in Tampa, open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Four satellite offices operate in Brandon, Plant City, Temple Terrace, and Carrollwood, with varying hours — most open Monday through Friday but close earlier than the main office, typically at 4 p.m.
You do not have to visit the office nearest your home. Any Hillsborough County Driver License office will process your renewal. If you want to avoid crowds, the satellite offices in Brandon and Plant City typically have shorter wait times than the main Tampa location, especially on weekday mornings.
Before you go, check the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) website for current hours, as office schedules change seasonally. You can also call the main office at 813-635-5000 to confirm hours or ask about wait times.
Key Takeaways
- Hillsborough County has five Driver License offices, and you can renew at any of them regardless of where you live.
- You will need your current driver license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and proof of Social Security number or immigration status.
- Bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted for proof of residency or identity.
- The renewal process takes about 15 to 30 minutes at the office, and your new license is issued the same day.
- You can renew online through the DHSMV website if your license is not suspended, you have not changed your address, and you do not need to update your photo.
Documents you need to bring
Bring your current Florida driver license and one document proving your current address. Acceptable proof of residency includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, homeowners insurance policy, or property tax bill — the document must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement or credit card statement also works if it is dated within 60 days.
You will also need to prove your Social Security number or immigration status. Bring your Social Security card, or if you do not have one, bring a document that shows your number — a W-2, tax return, or 1099 form. If you are not a U.S. citizen, bring your passport, visa, employment authorization document, or permanent resident card.
Bring original documents or certified copies only. The office will not accept photocopies, faxes, or photos of documents. If your proof of residency is a lease or mortgage, bring the first page and the signature page. If it is a utility bill, bring the most recent bill showing your name and address.
What happens during your renewal visit
When you arrive, take a number from the ticket machine and wait to be called. A clerk will review your documents, verify your information, and take a new photo for your license. The photo is taken at the office — you cannot bring your own. You will also be asked to sign the back of your new license.
The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. Your new license is printed and issued the same day before you leave the office. Your old license is returned to you or destroyed at the office — you can ask to keep it as a souvenir, though some offices do not allow this.
If the clerk finds a problem with your documents — for example, your proof of residency is outside the 60-day window or your name does not match exactly — they will tell you what is missing and you will need to go home and return with the correct document. This is why checking your documents before you go saves a trip.
Renewing online instead of in person
You can renew your Florida driver license online through the DHSMV website without visiting an office, but only if all of these are true: your license is not suspended or revoked, you have not changed your address since your last renewal, you do not need to update your photo, and your license is not expiring within the next 30 days. If any of these do not explore to you, you must renew in person.
To renew online, go to the DHSMV website, select "Renew Your Driver License," and follow the steps. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The fee is paid by credit or debit card. Your new license is mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
Online renewal is faster and you avoid the office wait, but you cannot change your address, photo, or any other information. If you need to update anything, you must renew in person at a Driver License office.
Renewal fees and payment methods
The renewal fee for a standard eight-year driver license in Florida is $75. If you are renewing a commercial driver license (CDL), the fee is higher and depends on the type of endorsements you have. At the office, you can pay with cash, debit card, or credit card. If you renew online, you can only pay with a credit or debit card.
The fee covers your new license and the processing. There are no additional charges unless you request a duplicate license or add endorsements. If you are a senior (age 80 or older), your renewal fee is lower — ask the clerk for the current senior rate when you arrive.
How long your new license is valid
A standard Florida driver license is valid for eight years from the date it is issued. Your new license will expire eight years after the day you renew it. The expiration date is printed on the front of your license in the bottom right corner.
You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. If you wait until after it expires, you must renew in person — you cannot renew online with an expired license. If your license is expired by more than a few months, the office may require additional documents or a vision test, so renewing before expiration is simpler.
What to do if you have a suspended or revoked license
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it at a Driver License office. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Suspensions are usually caused by unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or failure to maintain insurance. Revocations are more serious and typically result from DUI convictions or accumulating too many points.
Contact the DHSMV at 1-888-769-2338 to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what you must do to clear it. Once you have resolved the issue — paid fines, completed a required course, or met other conditions — you can renew your license in person at a Hillsborough County Driver License office. Bring proof that you have cleared the suspension or revocation, such as a letter from the DHSMV or a receipt showing payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have moved to a different address?
If you have moved within Hillsborough County or to a different Florida county, you must renew in person and bring proof of your new address. You cannot renew online if your address has changed. Bring a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days showing your new address.
What if I lost my current driver license?
You will need a replacement license before you can renew. Go to any Hillsborough County Driver License office with your proof of identity and proof of residency, and request a duplicate. Once you have your replacement license, you can renew it when ready at the same visit or return later to renew.
How long does it take to get my new license by mail if I renew online?
Your new license is mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days after you complete your online renewal. This does not include weekends or holidays. If you need your license sooner, you must renew in person at an office and receive it the same day.
Do I need an appointment to renew at a Driver License office?
Hillsborough County Driver License offices do not require appointments. You arrive, take a number, and wait to be called. Wait times vary by location and time of day — mornings and weekdays are usually shorter than afternoons and Fridays. You can call ahead to ask about current wait times.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
Bring your current driver license, proof of your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number or immigration status. You must renew in person. The clerk will update your name in the system and issue a new license with your current legal name.