Renew Your Florida Driver License by Mail, Online, or In Person

You can renew your Florida driver license through three routes: mail, online, or at a Driver License office. The fastest is online if your license is not expired and you have not had a name change or address change since your last renewal. Mail takes about two weeks. In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than six months, if you need to update your photo, or if you have a commercial license.

Florida sends renewal notices about 90 days before your license expires. The notice includes a renewal code you will need for online or mail renewal. If you cannot find your notice, you can still renew in person at any Driver License office with your current license and proof of residency.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days if your license is not expired and nothing has changed since your last renewal.
  • Mail renewal requires the renewal notice from Florida, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and takes about two weeks from the date you mail it.
  • In-person renewal at a Driver License office is required if your license expired more than six months ago, if you need a new photo, or if you hold a commercial license.
  • The renewal fee is $75 for an eight-year license or $25 for a four-year license, and you can pay by check, money order, credit card, or debit card depending on your renewal method.
  • You must bring proof of residency to any in-person renewal, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days.

Renewing Online Through the Florida DHSMV Website

Online renewal is the fastest option if you meet the requirements. Go to gorenew.com, which is Florida's official renewal portal run by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). You will need your driver license number, the renewal code from your notice, your date of birth, and a valid credit or debit card.

The system will ask you to confirm your address and vision information. If anything has changed — your address, name, or you need a new photo — you cannot finish online and must renew in person instead. Once you submit, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file and should arrive within 7 to 10 business days.

Online renewal costs $75 for an eight-year license. You cannot renew online if your current license has been expired for more than six months.

Renewing by Mail With Your Renewal Notice

Mail renewal requires the renewal notice Florida sent you. Fill out the form on the back of the notice, write a check or money order for the renewal fee ($75 for eight years, $25 for four years), and mail both to the address printed on the notice. Do not send cash.

Include a copy of your proof of residency if your address has changed since your last renewal. Acceptable documents are a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government-issued mail dated within 90 days. Mail your renewal at least three weeks before your license expires to avoid delays.

Processing takes about two weeks from the date DHSMV receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your renewal form. If you do not receive it within three weeks of mailing, call the DHSMV at 1-844-DL-RENEW (1-844-357-3639) with your confirmation number from the notice.

Renewing In Person at a Driver License Office

You must renew in person if your license expired more than six months ago, if you need a new photo, if you have a commercial license, or if you want to change your address or name. Bring your current driver license, proof of residency dated within 90 days, and payment for the renewal fee.

Acceptable proof of residency includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, homeowner's insurance bill, or government-issued mail. A utility bill in your name is the fastest option. If you do not have proof of residency, bring two documents that show your name and current address, such as a bank statement and a credit card bill.

Visit the DHSMV office locator at flhsmv.gov to find the office nearest you and check current wait times. Many offices allow you to make an appointment online, which can cut your wait from 45 minutes to 15 minutes. Bring your documents and payment method — offices accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card.

In-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes. You will have your photo taken and receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

What to Do If Your License Expired More Than Six Months Ago

If your license has been expired for more than six months, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to a Driver License office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment for the renewal fee.

You will need to pass a vision test at the office. The test is straightforward — you look through a machine and read letters on a screen. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. If you fail the vision test, the office will refer you to an eye doctor before you can renew.

If your license expired more than five years ago, you may need to retake the written knowledge test as well. Call your local Driver License office before you go to confirm what tests you will need.

Renewal Fees and Payment Methods

Florida charges $75 for an eight-year driver license or $25 for a four-year license. The fee depends on which term you choose at renewal. You cannot renew for a longer term than your current license allows.

Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards only. Mail renewal accepts checks and money orders only — do not send cash. In-person renewal at a Driver License office accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. If you pay by check or money order by mail, make it payable to "DHSMV".

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?

No. The DHSMV will not renew your license if you have an unpaid traffic fine or court-ordered suspension. You must resolve the ticket or fine first. Contact the court listed on your ticket or call the DHSMV at 1-844-357-3639 to find out what you owe.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You can still renew in person at any Driver License office with your current license and proof of residency. You cannot renew online or by mail without the renewal code from your notice, but the office staff can look up your information and process your renewal on the spot.

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

If you renew online or by mail, your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive with the temporary license until the permanent one arrives.

Can I change my address when I renew?

Yes. If you renew online, you can update your address during the process. If you renew by mail, include a copy of your new proof of residency. If you renew in person, bring your new proof of residency and tell the office staff you want to update your address.

What if my name changed since my last renewal?

You cannot renew online or by mail if your name has changed. You must renew in person at a Driver License office and bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Bring your current license and proof of residency as well.