The fastest way to renew depends on how soon you need it
You can renew your Florida driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Driver License office. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $75.00 for a five-year license or $125.00 for an eight-year license — you'll receive your new license by mail in 7 to 10 business days. By mail, you fill out the same form and mail it with payment, which takes 2 to 3 weeks. In person, you pay the same fee, take a new photo, and walk out with a temporary license the same day, with your permanent card arriving within two weeks.
Not everyone can use every method. Online renewal is available only if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have a valid Social Security number on file, and your license hasn't been renewed online in the past four years. If you need your license when ready — for travel or a job — go in person. If you have time and prefer not to visit an office, online is the simplest choice.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal costs $75.00 for five years or $125.00 for eight years, takes 10 minutes, and your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
- You can renew online only if your license is not suspended, you have a valid Social Security number on file, and you haven't renewed online in the past four years.
- In-person renewal at a Driver License office takes the same fee but gives you a temporary license when ready and a permanent one within two weeks.
- Mail renewal requires the same form and fee as online but takes 2 to 3 weeks total and is useful only if you have no time pressure.
- Your license must not be expired for more than six months to renew it; if it is, you must explore for a new license instead.
Renewing online through the Florida DHSMV website
Go to onlineservices.flhsmv.gov and select "Renew Driver License" from the menu. You'll need your current Florida driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your record and ask you to confirm your address, name, and other information. If anything has changed, update it on the form.
Next, you'll choose your license type and expiration length. Most people renew for five years, but you can choose eight years if you prefer. You'll also decide whether you want a standard license or a REAL ID-compliant license (which costs the same and is required for federal building access and domestic air travel after May 7, 2025). Pay with a debit or credit card. You'll receive a confirmation number when ready, and your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
If the system tells you that you cannot renew online, it will explain why — usually because your license is suspended, you've renewed online recently, or your Social Security number doesn't match state records. In that case, you'll need to renew by mail or in person.
Renewing by mail with the DL 44 form
read or request the DL 44 form (process for Florida Driver License) from the Florida DHSMV website or pick one up at any Driver License office. Fill in your name, address, date of birth, and other required information. Sign and date the form. Do not sign it before you mail it — the form must be signed in front of a notary public or a Driver License examiner, or it will be rejected.
Mail the signed form along with a check or money order for $75.00 (five years) or $125.00 (eight years) to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of your current driver's license or another form of identification. The DHSMV will process your renewal and mail your new license within 2 to 3 weeks. You won't receive a temporary license by mail, so if you need to drive before your new license arrives, you'll need to renew in person instead.
Mail renewal is slower than online and requires a notary, so most people use it only if they cannot access the online system or prefer not to visit an office. If your address has changed, mail renewal is a good option because you can update it on the form before sending it in.
Renewing in person at a Driver License office
Find your nearest Driver License office on the DHSMV website and check its hours — many offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but some have different schedules. You can walk in without an appointment at most offices, but some now use an online reservation system. Check the office's page before you go.
Bring your current Florida driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days). If your address has changed, bring proof of your new address. You'll also need to bring payment: $75.00 for five years or $125.00 for eight years, by cash, check, or card.
At the office, you'll fill out a form, have your photo taken, and pay the fee. You'll receive a temporary license printed on the spot that is valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. Your permanent license will arrive within 2 weeks. In-person renewal is the only option if you need your license when ready or if you want to change your photo.
What to do if your license has been expired for more than six months
If your Florida driver's license expired more than six months ago, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead. The process is similar to renewal but requires an eye exam and a written knowledge test. You'll need to visit a Driver License office in person and bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address, just as you would for renewal.
The fee for a new license is the same as renewal ($75.00 for five years or $125.00 for eight years), but the appointment will take longer because of the eye exam and test. If your license expired less than six months ago, you can still renew it using any of the three methods above.
Choosing between REAL ID and a standard license
A REAL ID-compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal security standards. Starting May 7, 2025, you'll need a REAL ID license to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. A standard Florida driver's license will not work for these purposes after that date, though it remains valid for driving.
The cost is the same whether you choose REAL ID or standard ($75.00 or $125.00 depending on length). If you renew online or by mail, you'll be asked which type you want. If you renew in person, the examiner will ask you. Most people choose REAL ID because the cost is identical and it's useful for travel. You can always upgrade to REAL ID at your next renewal if you choose standard now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it's suspended or revoked?
No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license through any method. You must contact the DHSMV to find out why your license was suspended, pay any fines or fees owed, and complete any required steps (such as a driver improvement course) before you can renew. Once your suspension is lifted, you can renew online, by mail, or in person.
What if my address has changed since my last license?
You can update your address during any renewal method. Online, you'll update it on the form before paying. By mail, fill in your new address on the DL 44 form. In person, tell the examiner your new address and bring proof of it (a utility bill or lease dated within 90 days). Your new license will be mailed to your updated address.
How long is my temporary license good for?
A temporary license issued in person is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license should arrive within 2 weeks, but if it doesn't, you can use the temporary license to drive until it arrives. If you need to renew again before your permanent license shows up, bring your temporary license to the office.
Can I renew my license if I'm out of state?
Yes, if you're a Florida resident, you can renew by mail or online from anywhere. You cannot renew in person at a Florida Driver License office unless you're physically present. If you've moved out of state permanently, you should explore for a driver's license in your new state instead of renewing your Florida license.
What if I want to change my name on my license?
You cannot change your name during a renewal. You must explore for a new license and bring proof of your name change (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Visit a Driver License office in person with your current license, proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of address, and proof of your name change. The fee is the same as renewal.