How to Renew Your Florida Driver's License

What You Need to Do to Renew in Florida

Florida lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Driver License office. Online renewal is the fastest route if you're may be able to access — you can complete it in minutes and your new license arrives by mail in about 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no office visit. In-person renewal is necessary only if your license has been suspended, if you need to change your address or name, or if you don't meet the requirements for online or mail renewal.

Your license is valid for eight years from the date of issue. Florida sends you a renewal notice by mail about 90 days before expiration, but you don't have to wait for it — you can renew anytime within two years before your expiration date. If your license has already expired, you can still renew by mail or in person, but online renewal is closed to you once the license passes its expiration date.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) website takes 5 to 10 minutes and costs $47.50 for an eight-year license.
You are may be able to access for online renewal only if your license is not suspended, you have no medical conditions to report, and your address and name have not changed since your last renewal.
Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed process form (HSMV 80039), and payment to the DHSMV; processing takes 4 to 6 weeks.
In-person renewal at a Driver License office is required if your license is suspended, if you need to update your address or name, or if you are renewing after expiration.
Florida does not offer online renewal once your license has expired, so renew before the expiration date if you want to avoid an office visit.

Online Renewal Through the DHSMV Website

To renew online, go to the Florida DHSMV website and select the online services portal. You'll need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (credit card, debit card, or electronic check). The system will verify your identity and pull up your record. The entire process takes about 5 to 10 minutes.

Online renewal is available only if all of the following are true: your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical conditions or restrictions to report, your address and name are the same as they were at your last renewal, and your license has not yet expired. If any of these conditions don't explore to you, you'll need to renew by mail or in person instead.

The cost is $47.50 for an eight-year license. Once you submit payment, you'll receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file and should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Mail Renewal: Forms, Timeline, and Mailing Address

To renew by mail, you need to send three things to the DHSMV: your current driver's license, a completed process form (HSMV 80039), and payment of $47.50. The process form is available on the DHSMV website as a PDF that you can print and fill out by hand. You do not need to sign the form before mailing it — the DHSMV will ask you to sign the back of your new license when it arrives.

Mail your package to the address listed on the DHSMV website for your county or region. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date the DHSMV receives your envelope. During that time, you can continue to drive on your current license. Once your new license arrives, sign the back of it before using it.

Mail renewal is a good option if you don't need to change your address or name, your license is not suspended, and you have no new medical conditions to report. If any of those circumstances have changed, you'll need to renew in person at a Driver License office instead.

In-Person Renewal at a Driver License Office

You must renew in person if your license is suspended or revoked, if you need to change your address or legal name, if you have a new medical condition or restriction to report, or if you are renewing after your license has expired. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment of $47.50.

Find your nearest Driver License office on the DHSMV website and check its hours before you go. Many offices operate by appointment only, so you may need to schedule a time slot online or by phone before arriving. Walk-in service is available at some locations but wait times can be long, especially during midday hours.

Processing at the office usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You'll be asked to verify your information, have your photo taken, and sign the new license. Your new license is issued on the spot, and you can drive when ready. If you need to update your address or name, bring documents that support the change — a marriage certificate for a name change, or a utility bill or lease for an address change.

What Happens If Your License Has Already Expired

If your license expired more than a few days ago, you cannot renew online. You must renew by mail or in person. Mail renewal still works — send your expired license, the process form, and payment to the DHSMV. In-person renewal at a Driver License office is faster if you need to drive right away.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Florida, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can show the confirmation number from your online renewal or a receipt from your mail renewal to demonstrate that you have applied, but this does not give you legal permission to drive. Renew before your expiration date to avoid this situation.

Renewing If Your License Is Suspended or Revoked

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to a Driver License office in person. The office staff will tell you the reason for the suspension or revocation and what steps you need to take to restore your driving privileges. This might include paying a fine, completing a defensive driving course, or providing proof of insurance.

Suspensions in Florida are often related to unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or failure to appear in court. Revocations are more serious and usually result from DUI convictions or habitual traffic offender status. Contact the DHSMV or your local Driver License office before you visit to find out what documents or payments you'll need to bring.

Updating Your Address or Name During Renewal

If you've moved or changed your legal name since your last renewal, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must renew in person at a Driver License office. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and a document that supports your name change if applicable (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

The office will update your record and issue a new license with your current information. This takes about 15 to 30 minutes. If you move before your license expires, you should update your address even if you're not renewing yet — you can do this at any Driver License office without renewing the license itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Florida driver's license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew anytime within two years before your expiration date. Renewing early is a good idea if you're about to move, change your name, or if you want to avoid a rush closer to your expiration date. The new license will be valid for eight years from the date it is issued.

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

The cost is $47.50 for an eight-year license, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. This is the standard renewal fee. If you need to make changes like updating your address or name, the fee remains the same.

What if I lost my current driver's license and can't send it with my mail renewal?

Contact the DHSMV before mailing your renewal. You may be able to renew without sending your current license, but you'll likely need to renew in person instead and bring a government-issued photo ID. Call your local Driver License office to confirm what documents they need.

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

Your new license should arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license during this time. If more than two weeks pass and you haven't received it, contact the DHSMV to check the status of your order.

Can I drive while my renewal is being processed?

Yes, as long as your current license has not expired. You can drive on your current license while waiting for your new one to arrive by mail or while your in-person renewal is being processed. Once your current license expires, you cannot drive legally, even if you have applied for renewal.

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.