How to Renew Your Florida Driver's License

Florida driver's license renewal: three main paths

You can renew your Florida driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Driver License office. Which path you take depends on your age, how long your license has been expired, and whether you need a new photo. Most people under 80 with a valid or recently expired license can renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person.

The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes and costs $47.50 for a four-year license or $76.25 for an eight-year license. By mail, you submit a form and payment by check or money order, and the new license arrives in about two weeks. In-person renewal at a Driver License office takes 30 to 45 minutes on average and requires an appointment, which you book through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) website.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal works only if your license is valid or expired less than six months, you are under 80, and you have a valid email address and Social Security number on file with Florida.
Mail renewal requires the form DL 44, a check or money order, and takes about two weeks; you can use this method if your license expired within the last five years.
In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than five years ago, and you must book an appointment through the DHSMV website before you visit.
Florida does not mail renewal reminders, so check your license expiration date yourself and plan ahead to avoid driving with an expired license.

Online renewal through the DHSMV website

To renew online, go to the official Florida DHSMV website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid email address. The system will verify your identity and pull up your record. If everything matches, you can pay the renewal fee using a credit or debit card and receive a temporary digital license on the spot.

Your new physical license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. During that time, you can read and print your temporary license or show the digital version on your phone if you are stopped by law enforcement. Online renewal does not include a new photo, so your current photo stays on file. This method works only if your license is valid or expired less than six months, you are under 80, and you have not had any address changes that need to be updated.

If the online system cannot verify your identity or if you do not meet the requirements, you will be directed to renew by mail or in person. Do not pay a fee to a third-party website offering to renew your license for you — the official DHSMV website is free to use and is the only legitimate online option.

Mail renewal with form DL 44

To renew by mail, read or request form DL 44 from the DHSMV website or call 1-844-DL-FLORIDA (1-844-353-5627). Fill out the form completely, including your current address and any name changes. Attach a check or money order for $47.50 (four-year license) or $76.25 (eight-year license) made payable to "Florida DHSMV." Do not send cash.

Mail your completed form and payment to the address listed on the form — typically the DHSMV office in Tallahassee. Include a copy of your current driver's license if possible. Your new license will arrive in about two weeks. Mail renewal works if your license expired within the last five years and you do not need a new photo. If your address has changed, the new license will be mailed to the address you provide on the form.

Keep a record of when you mail the form. If you do not receive your new license within three weeks, contact the DHSMV to check the status. You can drive with an expired license while your renewal is in the mail, but once it arrives, the old license is no longer valid.

In-person renewal at a Driver License office

To renew in person, visit the DHSMV website and use the office locator to find the Driver License office nearest you. Click on that office and select "Schedule an Appointment." Choose your preferred date and time from available slots. Appointments typically fill up two to four weeks in advance, so book early if you have a specific date in mind.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of Florida residency (such as a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and payment in cash, check, or card. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document showing the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The office will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue a temporary license on the spot. Your new physical license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than five years ago, if you are 80 or older, or if you need to update your address, name, or other information that cannot be changed online or by mail. If you miss your appointment, you can reschedule through the website or call the office directly.

What to do if your license is already expired

Driving with an expired Florida driver's license is against the law, even if your renewal is in progress. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can show proof that you have submitted a renewal process (such as a receipt from online renewal or a tracking number from mail renewal), but this does not may provide you will avoid a citation.

If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew online or by mail — you must renew in person at a Driver License office. Book an appointment as soon as possible. If your license expired between six months and five years ago, you can still renew by mail or in person, but online renewal is not available. Once your new license arrives, it is valid from the date you submitted your renewal, not from the date you receive it in the mail.

Costs and payment methods

Florida driver's license renewal costs $47.50 for a four-year license or $76.25 for an eight-year license. These are the only two options available; you cannot choose a one-year or two-year license. The cost is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Payment methods vary by renewal path: online renewal accepts credit and debit cards, mail renewal requires check or money order, and in-person renewal accepts cash, check, or card.

If you renew online or by mail and your renewal is rejected for any reason, you will not be charged. If you renew in person and the office discovers a problem with your record (such as an outstanding traffic fine or suspension), they will tell you what must be resolved before your renewal can be processed. You will not be charged until your renewal is complete.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. Renewing early does not change your expiration date — your new license will expire one year (or two years, depending on which term you choose) from the date you renew, not from the date your old license would have expired.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

If you changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document proving the change. Online and mail renewal do not allow name changes. Bring the original or certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order to the Driver License office.

How long does a temporary license last while I wait for my new one?

If you renew online or in person, you receive a temporary license valid for 30 days. This gives you time to receive your new physical license by mail. If your new license does not arrive within 30 days, contact the DHSMV when ready to report the delay.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

Online and mail renewal keep your current photo on file. In-person renewal includes a new photo. If you want a new photo but are renewing online or by mail, you must renew in person instead. You can also visit a Driver License office to update your photo without renewing your license, though this may have a separate fee.

What if I lost my license or it was stolen?

A lost or stolen license is a replacement, not a renewal, and requires a different process. Contact your local Driver License office or the DHSMV to report the loss and request a replacement. You will need to provide identification and pay a replacement fee, which is different from 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.