The fastest way to renew your Florida license
You can renew your Florida driver's license online through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) website, by mail, or in person at a driver's license office. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $48 for a four-year license or $75 for an eight-year license. You'll receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. This is the fastest option if you meet the requirements.
If you cannot renew online — because your license is suspended, you need to change your address, or you're over 79 years old — you must go to a driver's license office in person. Mail renewal is also available but takes 4 to 6 weeks, so most people skip it.
Your current Florida license must not be expired by more than five years to renew by mail or online. If it's expired longer than that, you'll need to explore for a new license in person instead.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the DHSMV website is available if your license expired within the last five years and you have no suspensions or address changes.
- You'll need your Social Security number, date of birth, and current Florida license number to start an online renewal.
- The renewal fee is $48 for four years or $75 for eight years, paid by credit or debit card during the online process.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can drive on your old license until the new one arrives.
- If you cannot renew online, visit a driver's license office with your current license, proof of residency, and payment method.
Renewing online through the DHSMV website
Go to gorenew.com, which is the official Florida DHSMV renewal portal. Enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number. The system will pull up your current license information and ask you to confirm that your address, name, and other details are correct.
If everything matches, you'll see the renewal fee ($48 or $75 depending on how many years you want). Pay by Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover. You'll receive a confirmation number when ready, and your new license will be mailed to the address on file.
You do not need to take a new photo for online renewal — the system uses your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a driver's license office instead.
What you need before you start online renewal
Have your current Florida driver's license in front of you. You'll need the license number, which is on the front. You'll also need your date of birth and Social Security number — both of which the system will ask you to enter to verify your identity.
Your address on file must be current. If you've moved since your last license was issued, you cannot complete the renewal online. You'll need to visit a driver's license office in person to update your address at the same time.
Your license cannot be suspended or revoked. If you owe traffic fines, child support, or have other holds on your license, the online system will reject your renewal and tell you to visit an office instead.
Renewing in person at a driver's license office
Visit any Florida driver's license office with your current license, proof of your current address, and a payment method (cash, check, or card). Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number — a tax return, W-2, or bank statement works.
If you're changing your address, bring a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days showing your new address. A cell phone bill or credit card statement does not count as proof of residency.
You'll take a new photo at the office. The appointment usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on your old license until the new one arrives.
Renewing by mail
Request a renewal process by calling the DHSMV at 1-844-DL-RENEW (1-844-357-3639) or visiting a driver's license office. Mail your completed process, current license, proof of residency (if you changed your address), and payment to the address shown on the form.
Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks. Your old license remains valid during this time, so you can continue to drive. This option is slower than online or in-person renewal and is rarely the best choice unless you cannot visit an office or access the internet.
What happens if your license is expired more than five years
You cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been expired for more than five years. You must explore for a new license in person at a driver's license office. This requires a new photo, a vision test, and proof of identity and residency — the same documents you'd bring for an in-person renewal, plus an original or certified copy of your birth certificate or passport.
The process takes longer than a renewal because the office must verify your identity documents. Plan for a 30- to 45-minute appointment. The fee for a new license is the same as renewal ($48 or $75).
Finding a driver's license office and making an appointment
Visit flhsmv.gov and use the office locator tool to find the nearest driver's license office. Enter your city or ZIP code. The site shows office hours, phone numbers, and whether appointments are available.
You can make an appointment online through the same website or by calling the office directly. Walk-ins are accepted at most offices, but appointment holders are served first. If you walk in without an appointment, you may wait 30 minutes to an hour, especially during lunch hours or late afternoon.
Some offices are busier than others. If your local office has a long wait, try an office in a nearby town or visit early in the morning on a weekday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive on my old license while I wait for my new one?
Yes. Your old license remains valid until your new license arrives by mail. You can drive legally during the entire 7 to 10 business day wait. Once your new license arrives, the old one is no longer valid.
What if I need my license before the new one arrives?
The DHSMV can issue a temporary paper license at a driver's license office. Visit an office in person with your payment and identification, and ask for a temporary license. It's valid for 30 days while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail.
Do I need to renew my license if I'm over 79?
Yes, but you must renew in person at a driver's license office every two years instead of every four or eight years. You cannot renew online or by mail. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and payment.
What if I lost my license or it was stolen?
You cannot renew a lost or stolen license online. Visit a driver's license office in person to report it and request a replacement. Bring your Social Security card, proof of residency, and payment. A replacement license costs the same as renewal.
Can I change my name during renewal?
You can change your name during an in-person renewal, but not online. Bring your current license, proof of your legal name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), proof of residency, and payment. The office will issue a new license with your updated name.