The fastest way to renew in Florida
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 License office. Online renewal is the quickest option if you meet the requirements — you'll get your new license in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes about two weeks. In-person renewal at an office takes a few minutes but requires you to visit a location during business hours.
Your renewal method depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you've had a name change, and how long it's been since your last renewal. Most people can renew online or by mail without visiting an office at all.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the DHSMV website is available if your license hasn't been expired for more than six months and you haven't had a name change since your last renewal.
- You'll need your current Florida driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method to renew online.
- Mail renewal takes about two weeks and requires you to send in your current license along with a completed form.
- If your license has been expired for more than six months or you've changed your name, you must renew in person at a Driver License office.
- Your new license will arrive by mail; Florida does not issue temporary licenses during the renewal process.
Renewing online through the DHSMV website
Go to the official DHSMV website (flhsmv.gov) and look for the "Renew Your Driver License" option. You'll enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will confirm your identity and show you whether you're may be able to access to renew online.
If you're may be able to access, you'll pay the renewal fee (currently $75 for an eight-year license for most adults) and choose your mailing address. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Online renewal is not available if your license expired more than six months ago, if you've had a legal name change since your last renewal, or if you need to update your address on the license itself (though you can update your mailing address for where the new license is sent).
Renewing by mail
Request a renewal form by calling the DHSMV at 1-844-33-FLHSMV (1-844-335-4748) or by visiting a Driver License office in person. You can also read the form from the DHSMV website. Fill out the form completely, including your current license number and signature.
Mail your completed form along with your current driver's license and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address shown on the form. Do not send cash. Mail renewal typically takes about two weeks from the time the DHSMV receives your materials. You'll receive your new license by mail at the address you provided.
Like online renewal, mail renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than six months or if you've had a name change. If either applies to you, you must renew in person.
Renewing in person at a Driver License office
Visit any Driver License office in Florida with your current license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). Bring a valid payment method — the office accepts cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
You'll complete an process form at the office, have your photo taken, and pay the renewal fee. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. You'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot that's valid for 30 days, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than six months ago, if you've had a legal name change, or if you need to correct information on your license. You must also renew in person if you're over 79 years old.
What happens if your license is expired
If your license expired fewer than six months ago, you can renew online or by mail using the standard process. If it expired more than six months ago, you cannot use online or mail renewal — you must go to a Driver License office in person and complete a new process as if you were getting your first license.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Florida. If you've been driving on an expired license, renew as soon as you can. The in-person renewal process is straightforward and takes less than an hour.
Renewal fees and payment methods
The standard renewal fee for an eight-year driver's license is $75 for most adults. Drivers over 65 pay $20 for a four-year license. Drivers with certain medical conditions may pay a reduced fee or renew for a shorter period. The fee varies slightly depending on whether you're renewing online, by mail, or in person, so confirm the exact amount before you pay.
Online renewal accepts debit cards and credit cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, or credit card. If you're renewing by mail, never send cash through the mail.
Finding a Driver License office near you
Use the office locator on the DHSMV website to find the nearest Driver License office, hours of operation, and current wait times. Many offices are busier on certain days and times — the website often shows which times have shorter waits. Some offices accept walk-ins, while others operate by appointment only. Check before you go.
If you live in a rural area far from an office, online or mail renewal is your best option. If you must visit an office and travel is difficult, calling ahead to ask about the current wait time can help you plan your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I've moved to a different state?
No. You must renew your Florida license while it's still valid or within six months of expiration. If you've moved out of state, you should get a license from your new state instead. If you still need a Florida license for work or other reasons, you can renew by mail or online if your license hasn't been expired for more than six months.
What if I lost my current license?
You can still renew online or by mail if your license hasn't been expired for more than six months — you don't need to have the physical card. If your license expired more than six months ago, you must visit a Driver License office in person and bring proof of your identity and Social Security number.
How long is my new license valid?
A standard Florida driver's license is valid for eight years from the date of issue. Drivers over 65 receive a four-year license. Some medical conditions result in shorter validity periods. Your new license will show the expiration date on the front.
Can I change my address during renewal?
You can update your mailing address (where your new license is sent) during any renewal method. To change the address printed on your license itself, you must renew in person at a Driver License office. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.
What if my name has changed since my last renewal?
You must renew in person at a Driver License office and bring legal proof of your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You cannot renew online or by mail if your name has changed.