How Often to Renew Your Florida Driver's License

Florida renews driver's licenses every 6 or 8 years, depending on your age

In Florida, how often you renew your driver's license depends on when you were born. If you're under 80 years old, your license is valid for 8 years from the date it's issued. If you're 80 or older, your license is valid for 6 years. The renewal date is printed on the front of your license in the bottom right corner — that's the date you need to renew by, not the date you can start the process.

You can renew your license up to 18 months before it expires, which gives you a wide window to get it done without rushing. Florida sends renewal notices by mail about 6 weeks before your expiration date, but you don't have to wait for the notice to arrive. Many people renew online or in person as soon as they're may be able to access, especially if they're planning a trip or want to avoid the wait at a driver's license office.

Key Takeaways

Drivers under 80 renew every 8 years; drivers 80 and older renew every 6 years.
Your renewal date is printed on the front of your current license in the bottom right corner.
You can renew up to 18 months before your license expires.
Florida sends renewal notices by mail about 6 weeks before expiration, but you don't need to wait for one to start the process.
Renewing online is faster than going to a driver's license office if you meet the requirements.

How to find your renewal date

Look at the front of your driver's license. In the bottom right corner, you'll see a date labeled "Expires" — that's your renewal important date. If your license was issued in 2016 and you were under 80, it expires in 2024. If you were 80 or older when it was issued, it expires in 2022.

If you've lost your license or can't read the date clearly, you can check your renewal date online through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) website. You'll need your driver's license number and date of birth. You can also call the DHSMV at 1-844-DL-RENEW (1-844-357-3639) to confirm your expiration date.

Renewing online versus in person

Florida offers online renewal through the DHSMV website, and it's the fastest option if you're may be able to access. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs less than renewing in person. You'll need a valid email address, your current driver's license number, and a credit or debit card to pay the fee. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

You can renew online only if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical conditions that need to be reviewed, and you haven't changed your name or address since your last license was issued. If any of those things explore to you, you'll need to renew in person at a driver's license office.

In-person renewal at a driver's license office takes longer — usually 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the office is — but you'll receive a temporary license on the spot and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You'll need to bring your current license, proof of residency (like a utility bill or lease), and payment. If you've changed your name, you'll also need a certified copy of the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

What happens if you renew late

If your license expires and you haven't renewed it, you cannot legally drive in Florida. Driving with an expired license is a traffic violation and can result in a fine. The longer your license has been expired, the more complicated the renewal process becomes.

If your license expired less than 6 months ago, you can renew it using the same process as a regular renewal — online or in person. If your license has been expired for more than 6 months, you'll need to renew in person at a driver's license office and may need to retake the written test and vision test. If your license has been expired for more than 5 years, you'll need to start over with a new process, which includes the written test, vision test, and a new photograph.

Renewing before you move out of state

If you're planning to move out of Florida, renew your license before you leave if it's close to expiration. Once you move to another state, you'll need to get a driver's license from that state, and you can't renew a Florida license from out of state. If your Florida license expires after you've moved, you'll have to come back to Florida to renew it in person, or you'll need to get a license in your new state.

If you're moving within Florida, you can renew your license online or in person without any extra steps. You don't need to update your address on your license unless you want to — your address on file with the DHSMV is what matters for registration and other official purposes.

Renewal fees and payment methods

The cost of renewing your Florida driver's license varies depending on how long your new license will be valid. An 8-year renewal costs one amount, and a 6-year renewal (for drivers 80 and older) costs a different amount. The DHSMV website lists the current fees, which can change year to year.

You can pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check when you renew online. If you renew in person, you can also pay with cash or a check. Some driver's license offices accept payment by phone before you arrive, which can speed up your visit.

What to do if your license is suspended or revoked

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it online. You'll need to renew in person at a driver's license office, and you may need to resolve the suspension or revocation first. Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or a DUI conviction.

Before you go to a driver's license office, contact the DHSMV to find out why your license is suspended and what you need to do to clear it. You can call 1-844-DL-RENEW or check the DHSMV website. Once the suspension is cleared, you can proceed with renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Florida license if I'm out of the country?

No, you cannot renew online if you're out of the country because the system requires a valid Florida address. If you're temporarily out of the country, you can renew when you return. If you're moving permanently to another country, you should renew before you leave or let your license expire and get a license in your new country.

What if I change my name before my license expires?

You don't have to wait until your renewal date to update your name on your license. You can go to a driver's license office anytime with a certified copy of the document showing your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) and get a new license with your updated name. This counts as a replacement, not a renewal, and has a separate fee.

Do I need to renew my license if I'm 80 or older and haven't driven in years?

Yes, if your license hasn't expired, you still need to renew it when the expiration date arrives, even if you don't plan to drive. An expired license cannot be used for identification purposes. If you don't want to renew, you can surrender your license to the DHSMV, but you'll need a valid ID for other purposes.

How do I renew if I lost my current license?

You can still renew online if you have your driver's license number and date of birth. If you don't have your license number, you'll need to renew in person at a driver's license office. Bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID) and proof of residency. You'll pay a replacement fee in addition to the renewal fee.

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.