How to Renew Your Florida Driver's License

The fastest way to renew depends on when your license expires

You can renew your Florida driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $75.00 for a standard eight-year license. By mail takes two to three weeks. In person takes one to two hours but lets you renew early if your license expires within six months.

You're not may be able to access to renew online if your license has been suspended, revoked, or cancelled; if you're over 79 years old; if you've had a name change since your last renewal; or if your last renewal was by mail. If any of those explore, you'll need to go in person or renew by mail.

Start by checking your current license to see the expiration date. If it expires more than six months away, you can wait. If it expires within six months, you can renew now using any method. If it has already expired, you can still renew, but you cannot legally drive until the new license arrives.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Florida DHSMV website costs $75.00, takes about 10 minutes, and your new license arrives in seven to 10 business days.
Mail renewal requires you to send in your current license and a check or money order, and takes two to three weeks total.
In-person renewal at a DHSMV office takes one to two hours but is required if you've had a name change, are over 79, or have had your license suspended or revoked.
You can renew online or by mail up to six months before your license expires, but you cannot legally drive with an expired license even if you've already sent in a renewal request.

Renewing online through the Florida DHSMV website

Go to gorenew.com, which is the official Florida DHSMV online renewal portal. You'll need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit card or credit card). You do not need to upload documents or take a new photo — the system uses your existing photo on file.

Answer the questions about your address, whether you want to be an organ donor, and whether you want to register to vote. Review your information for accuracy, then pay the $75.00 fee. You'll receive a confirmation number when ready. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file and should arrive within seven to 10 business days.

If the website says you're not may be able to access to renew online, stop and use the mail or in-person method instead. The system will tell you why — usually a suspension, name change, or age restriction.

Renewing by mail

Request a mail renewal form by calling the DHSMV at 1-844-DL-RENEW (1-844-357-3639) or visiting a DHSMV office in person. You can also read the form from the DHSMV website, but calling is faster if you don't have a printer. The form is called the process for Florida Driver License, Identification Card, or Permit (Form HSMV 82053).

Fill out the form completely, sign and date it, and include your current driver's license (front and back copy or the original). Write a check or money order for $75.00 payable to "DHSMV" and mail everything to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Mail your renewal to the address provided on the form — it varies by region.

Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DHSMV receives your envelope. You will not receive a confirmation that your renewal arrived, so keep a record of when you mailed it. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file.

Renewing in person at a DHSMV office

Find your nearest DHSMV office on the DHSMV website and check their hours — many offices close for lunch or on certain days. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days). Bring a check or credit card to pay the $75.00 fee.

Arrive early or use the online appointment system on the DHSMV website to reserve a time slot — walk-ins are accepted but may wait one to two hours during busy times. You'll take a new photo at the office. The staff will verify your information, process your payment, and give you a temporary driving permit that's valid for 30 days while your new license is mailed.

Your new license will arrive at your address on file within seven to 10 business days. The temporary permit lets you drive legally during that time.

What to do if your license has already expired

You can still renew using any of the three methods above, but you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives. If you need to drive before the new license comes, you'll need to renew in person and use the temporary permit they give you on the spot.

If your license expired more than five years ago, you may not be able to renew by mail or online — contact the DHSMV at 1-844-357-3639 to confirm whether you need to come in person or if you can still use mail or online renewal.

Renewing early or if your license expires soon

You can renew your license up to six months before it expires using any method. This is useful if you're planning a trip or want to avoid the rush near your expiration date. The new license will have a new expiration date eight years from the date you renew.

If your license expires within the next six months and you haven't renewed yet, you can do so now. You do not have to wait until the expiration date arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to renew my Florida driver's license?

A standard eight-year renewal costs $75.00, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. There are no additional fees. If you need a duplicate license or a replacement for a lost or damaged license, the cost is different — contact the DHSMV for those fees.

Can I renew my license if I have a suspended or revoked license?

No, you cannot renew online or by mail if your license is suspended or revoked. You must go to a DHSMV office in person. The staff will tell you what you need to do to clear the suspension or revocation before you can renew. This may involve paying a fine, completing a course, or waiting out a suspension period.

What if I changed my name since my last renewal?

You cannot renew online or by mail if you've had a legal name change. You must renew in person at a DHSMV office and bring a certified copy of your name change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The office will update your name and issue a new license with your current name.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

Online and in-person renewals take seven to 10 business days for the new license to arrive by mail. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks total from the date you mail it. If you renew in person, you'll receive a temporary permit valid for 30 days that lets you drive while you wait for the new license.

Can I renew my license if I'm over 79 years old?

No, you cannot renew online if you're 79 or older. You must renew in person at a DHSMV office. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The office may require you to pass a vision test or road test depending on your age and driving record.

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.