The fastest way to renew is online through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) website, but only if your license is not expired by more than five years and you have no medical conditions on file.
If you meet those conditions, you can renew without visiting an office or mailing anything. You log in, pay the fee (currently $48 for an eight-year license), and receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If your license expired more than five years ago, or if you have medical restrictions, you must renew in person at a Florida driver license office.
The in-person process takes about 30 minutes at most offices, though wait times vary by location and time of day. You bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and pay the same $48 fee. The office issues a temporary license on the spot and mails your permanent one.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the DHSMV website works only if your license expired less than five years ago and you have no medical restrictions.
- In-person renewal at a driver license office requires your current license and proof of residency dated within 90 days.
- You can renew by mail if you are 79 or older, disabled, or active military stationed outside Florida, but the process takes 4 to 6 weeks.
- Florida does not send renewal reminders, so check your license expiration date yourself — renewing early avoids the risk of driving with an expired license.
Online renewal through the DHSMV website
Go to GoRenew.com, which is the official DHSMV renewal portal. You will need your current Florida driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system verifies your identity against state records and then walks you through payment.
The fee is $48 for a standard eight-year license. You pay by debit card or credit card. Once payment clears, you are done — the new license prints and ships to the address on file. If you have moved since your last license, update your address before you start the renewal, either online through GoRenew or by visiting a driver license office in person.
Online renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you have medical restrictions or conditions listed on your license, or if you are under 21. In those cases, you must go to a driver license office.
In-person renewal at a driver license office
Find your nearest office on the DHSMV website by entering your county or ZIP code. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours. A few offices open on Saturday mornings — check the location details before you go.
Bring your current Florida driver license and one document proving your current address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail (tax return, voter registration card, or court document) — all dated within 90 days. If you have moved and your license still shows an old address, bring proof of your new address.
The office staff will take a new photo, verify your information, and collect the $48 fee. You receive a temporary license printed on the spot that is valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed. The permanent license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
Renewing by mail if you cannot visit an office
You can renew by mail if you are 79 years old or older, if you have a disability that makes it difficult to visit an office, or if you are active military stationed outside Florida. read the process for Florida Driver License or ID Card (Form HSMV 82053) from the DHSMV website, fill it out completely, and mail it with your current license and a check or money order for $48 to the address listed on the form.
Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks from the time the DHSMV receives your process. There is no way to track the process once it is mailed, so send it certified mail if you want proof of delivery. If you do not receive your new license within six weeks, contact the DHSMV customer service line at 850-617-2000.
What happens if your license is expired
Driving with an expired Florida license is illegal, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you are stopped by police, you can be cited. The safest approach is to renew before the expiration date printed on your license.
Florida does not send renewal reminders by mail or email, so you are responsible for tracking the date. Check your license now and note the expiration date. If it is within the next 90 days, start your renewal — online if you are may be able to access, or by scheduling an office visit if you need to renew in person.
Renewing a license that was suspended or revoked
If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it through the standard process. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation by paying any outstanding fines, completing a required course, or meeting other conditions set by the DHSMV or a court. Contact the DHSMV at 850-617-2000 to find out what you owe and what steps are required.
Once you have cleared the suspension or revocation, you can renew through the normal channels — online if you are may be able to access, or in person at a driver license office. Bring documentation showing that the suspension or revocation has been lifted, such as a letter from the DHSMV or a court order.
Changing your name or address during renewal
If you have changed your name since your last license, you must renew in person at a driver license office. Bring your current license, proof of your new name (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of your current address. The office will issue a new license with your updated name.
If you have only changed your address and your license is not expired by more than five years, you can update your address online through GoRenew before you renew, or you can wait and update it during in-person renewal. Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days) to the office.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to renew a Florida driver license?
The standard fee is $48 for an eight-year license. This is the same whether you renew online, in person, or by mail. You pay by credit card or debit card online, or by cash, check, or card at an office.
Can I renew my license if it expired more than five years ago?
No, you must renew in person at a driver license office. Bring your expired license, proof of your current address, and the $48 fee. The office will issue a new license even though your old one is long expired.
What if I lost my license and need to renew?
You must go to a driver license office in person. Bring proof of your identity (passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card) and proof of your address. The office will issue a replacement license and charge the standard $48 renewal fee.
How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?
After online or in-person renewal, your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Mail-in renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks. You receive a temporary license at the office that is valid for 30 days if you renewed in person.
Do I need an appointment to renew at a driver license office?
Most Florida driver license offices accept walk-ins, but some locations now require appointments. Check the DHSMV website for your nearest office to see if appointments are required or recommended. You can schedule online or by phone.