How to Renew Your Florida Driver's License

Where to renew and what you'll need

You can renew your Florida driver's license at any Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office, by mail, or online through the official Florida DHSMV website. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you need a new photo, and how quickly you need the renewed license in hand.

Before you go anywhere, gather these documents: your current Florida driver's license, proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of Florida residency dated within the last 12 months (a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement). If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Your license is valid for eight years if you're under 80, or five years if you're 80 or older. You can renew it up to 18 months before it expires, so you don't have to wait until the last minute.

Key Takeaways

You can renew online if your license is still valid and you don't need a new photo, and the renewed license arrives by mail in about two weeks.
In-person renewal at a DHSMV office takes about 30 minutes and lets you get a new photo and license the same day.
Mail renewal takes four to six weeks and works only if your license hasn't expired and you don't need a new photo.
You'll need your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Florida residency dated within the last 12 months.
If you're over 80, your license is valid for five years instead of eight, and you must renew in person.

Renewing online through the DHSMV website

Online renewal is the fastest route if your license is still valid and you don't need a new photo. Go to the official DHSMV website, select "Renew Your Driver License," and follow the prompts. You'll enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity.

The system will ask whether you want to keep your current photo or get a new one. If you choose to keep your photo, you can complete the entire process online and pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. Your renewed license will arrive by mail in about two weeks. The fee for an eight-year renewal is $75 for drivers under 80.

Online renewal is not an option if your license has already expired, if you need a new photo, if you're over 80, or if you've had a name change. In those cases, you'll need to renew in person or by mail.

Renewing in person at a DHSMV office

Visit any DHSMV office with your documents and a completed process form (HSMV 80051, available on the DHSMV website or at the office). Bring your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. If you've changed your name, bring the certified document showing the change.

The staff will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. You'll pay the renewal fee — $75 for an eight-year license if you're under 80, or $56.25 for a five-year license if you're 80 or older. You'll receive your renewed license when ready, though the physical card may take a few days to arrive by mail. You can request a temporary paper license to use while you wait.

Wait times at DHSMV offices vary by location and time of day. Many offices are less crowded early in the morning or mid-week. You can check the wait time for your nearest office on the DHSMV website before you go.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal works only if your license is still valid and you don't need a new photo. Complete the process form HSMV 80051, include a check or money order for $75 (or $56.25 if you're 80 or older), and mail everything to the address listed on the form. Include your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency.

Processing takes four to six weeks from the date the DHSMV receives your process. Your renewed license will arrive by mail. Because you won't know exactly when it arrives, mail renewal is best if you're not in a rush and your current license won't expire soon.

Do not send cash through the mail. The DHSMV accepts checks and money orders only.

What happens if your license has already expired

If your license expired more than six months ago, you cannot renew it — you must reapply for a new one. This means taking a written test and a driving test, not just renewing. If your license expired within the last six months, you can still renew it using any of the three methods above, as long as you meet the other requirements (valid photo, no name change, under 80 for online renewal).

Check your license expiration date before you start the renewal process. It's printed on the front of the card in the bottom right corner.

Renewing if you're over 80

If you're 80 or older, you must renew in person at a DHSMV office. You cannot renew online or by mail. Your renewed license is valid for five years instead of eight, and the fee is $56.25. Bring the same documents as any other renewal: your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency.

Some DHSMV offices offer appointments for seniors, which can reduce wait time. Call ahead to ask whether your local office has an appointment system.

Fees and payment methods

The renewal fee for drivers under 80 is $75 for an eight-year license. If you're 80 or older, the fee is $56.25 for a five-year license. These are the standard fees as of now, though fees can change. Check the DHSMV website to confirm the current fee before you renew.

For in-person renewal, the DHSMV accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. For online renewal, you'll pay by credit or debit card. For mail renewal, send a check or money order — do not send cash.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have an out-of-state address?

No. To renew a Florida license, you must be a Florida resident. If you've moved out of state, you'll need to get a driver's license from your new state. If you've moved temporarily but still live in Florida, bring a document that proves your Florida residency, such as a lease or utility bill.

What if I lost my current license?

You cannot renew a lost license online or by mail. You must go to a DHSMV office in person. Bring your proof of Social Security number and proof of residency. The staff will help you file a replacement and can renew it at the same time if it's not expired.

How long does it take to get my renewed license after I explore online?

Your renewed license arrives by mail in about two weeks. If you need it sooner, renew in person at a DHSMV office and request a temporary paper license to use while you wait for the physical card.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

You can keep your current photo if you renew online or by mail. If you renew in person, you'll get a new photo automatically. Some drivers choose in-person renewal specifically to get a new photo.

What if my name changed since my last license?

You must renew in person at a DHSMV office. Bring a certified copy of the document showing your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You cannot renew online or by mail with a name change.

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.