How to renew your Florida driver's license

You can renew your Florida driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office. The method you choose depends on whether you need a new photo, how soon you need the license, and whether your address or name has changed. Most people renew by mail or online without visiting an office, but some situations require an in-person visit.

Florida allows you to renew up to 18 months before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the last moment. The state charges a renewal fee that varies depending on the type of license and how long you want it valid — typically between $48 and $75 for a standard driver's license renewed for four or eight years.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew online at GoRenew.com if your license is not expired, you have not had a name change, and you do not need a new photo.
  • Mail renewal takes about two weeks and requires you to send in your current license, a check or money order, and the renewal form — no photo needed.
  • In-person renewal at a DHSMV office is required if your license is already expired, your name has changed, or you want a new photo.
  • Florida charges between $48 and $75 depending on whether you choose a four-year or eight-year renewal, and you can pay by check, money order, or credit card depending on your method.
  • You must renew before your license expires to avoid driving with an expired license, which is illegal and can result in a traffic citation.

Online renewal through GoRenew.com

The fastest way to renew is online at GoRenew.com, Florida's official renewal portal. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The entire process takes about 10 minutes, and you pay the renewal fee with a credit or debit card.

Online renewal is available only if your current license is not expired, your name has not changed since you got it, and you do not want a new photo. If any of these conditions do not explore to you, you must renew by mail or in person. After you complete the online renewal, your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

You will receive a temporary digital license on your phone when ready after completing the online renewal. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and can be shown to law enforcement if you are stopped while waiting for your physical license to arrive.

Mail renewal with a paper form

To renew by mail, you must request the renewal form from the DHSMV or read it from their website. The form is called the process for Florida Driver License, Identification Card, or Permit (HSMV 82053). You will fill it out, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license and a check or money order for the renewal fee.

Mail the packet to the address listed on the form — typically the DHSMV office in Tallahassee. The entire process takes about two weeks from the time the DHSMV receives your packet. You do not need to include a new photo; the DHSMV will use the photo from your current license unless you request a new one in writing.

Mail renewal works well if your license is not yet expired, your name has not changed, and you are willing to wait two weeks. If you need your license sooner, in-person renewal is faster — you can walk out with a temporary license the same day.

In-person renewal at a DHSMV office

Visit your local DHSMV office if your license is expired, your name has changed, or you want a new photo. You will need to bring your current driver's license (or expired license), proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). Bring your original documents or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.

The DHSMV will take a new photo during your visit and process your renewal on the spot. You will receive a temporary license that is valid for 30 days, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Bring a check, money order, or credit card to pay the renewal fee.

Wait times at DHSMV offices vary by location and time of day. You can check the current wait time for your local office on the DHSMV website before you go. Many offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce your wait time significantly.

What happens if your license is already expired

If your license has already expired, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must visit a DHSMV office in person. Driving with an expired license is illegal in Florida and can result in a traffic citation. The DHSMV will still process your renewal the same way, but you will need to bring the same documents as any other in-person renewal.

If your license expired more than six months ago, the DHSMV may require you to pass the written driving test again before they will renew it. Check with your local DHSMV office about their specific rules for licenses that have been expired for a long time.

Name changes and address updates

If your name has changed since you got your current license, you must renew in person at a DHSMV office. Bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change — this could be a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DHSMV will not accept photocopies.

If only your address has changed but your name is the same, you can still renew by mail or online. The DHSMV will update your address during the renewal process. You do not need to bring proof of your new address unless you are renewing in person, in which case a utility bill or lease is acceptable.

Renewal fees and payment methods

Florida charges a renewal fee based on the type of license and how long you want it valid. A standard driver's license costs $48 for a four-year renewal or $75 for an eight-year renewal. If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), the fee is higher. You can check the exact fee for your license type on the DHSMV website.

Payment methods depend on how you renew. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards only. Mail renewal accepts checks or money orders made payable to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. In-person renewal accepts checks, money orders, and credit cards.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Florida allows you to renew up to 18 months before your license expires. This is useful if you are planning a trip or want to avoid the rush near your expiration date. The renewal fee is the same whether you renew early or close to your expiration date.

What if I lost my current driver's license?

You cannot renew by mail or online if you do not have your current license. You must visit a DHSMV office in person and bring a government-issued photo ID such as a passport. The office will issue you a replacement license and process your renewal at the same time.

How long does a renewed Florida driver's license last?

You choose either a four-year or eight-year renewal when you renew. The eight-year option costs more but means you will not need to renew again for eight years. Both options are available whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.

Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or child support obligations?

The DHSMV may suspend your license if you have unpaid traffic fines or certain other court-ordered debts. You can check whether your license is suspended on the DHSMV website. If it is, you must resolve the underlying debt before you can renew.

What if my renewal process is rejected?

The DHSMV will contact you by mail if your process is rejected and explain the reason. Common reasons include missing documents, incorrect information, or a suspended license. Follow the instructions in the rejection letter to correct the problem and resubmit your process.