Where to go and what to bring for Lake County renewal
In Lake County, you renew your driver's license at a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office. The county has two full-service locations: one in Tavares (the county seat) and one in Leesburg. Both offices handle renewals during regular business hours, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
Before you go, gather these documents: your current Florida driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number. 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. You do not need to bring your original Social Security card, but you will need to know the number.
If you are renewing by mail or online (which Florida allows for some renewals), you still need to verify your identity and residency, but the process works differently — see the sections below for those routes.
Key Takeaways
- Lake County has DHSMV offices in Tavares and Leesburg; both handle renewals during business hours without an appointment needed.
- Bring your current license, proof of residency dated within 90 days, and know your Social Security number.
- In-person renewal takes about 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is and whether your documents are in order.
- Florida allows mail and online renewal for some drivers; check the DHSMV website to see which method works for your situation.
- Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you renew; you can use your old license until it arrives.
In-person renewal at a Lake County DHSMV office
Walk into either the Tavares or Leesburg office during their posted hours. You do not need an appointment. Take a number at the entrance and wait for your turn. When called, hand your documents to the clerk and answer questions about your address, any medical conditions that affect your driving, and whether you want to register as an organ donor.
The clerk will take a new photo and your fingerprints. You will pay the renewal fee — the amount depends on how long your new license is valid for (typically $48 for a four-year renewal or $75 for an eight-year renewal). Florida accepts cash, debit, and credit cards at most offices, but call ahead if you want to confirm payment methods at your specific location.
After you pay, you are done. Your new license is mailed to the address on file. You can continue driving on your old license until the new one arrives, which usually takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive out of state before your new license arrives, bring your old license and the receipt from your renewal transaction as proof.
Renewing by mail if you are out of state or unable to visit an office
Florida allows mail renewal for drivers whose licenses are not suspended or revoked and who do not need to update their photo. To use this route, you must have a valid Florida address on file and your current license must not be expired by more than six months.
Request a mail renewal form from the DHSMV website or call the Lake County office directly. Fill out the form, include a copy of your proof of residency, and mail it with your payment to the address on the form. Processing takes longer by mail — typically three to four weeks — so plan ahead if you need your license by a specific date.
You cannot renew by mail if your license has been suspended, if you have had a name change, or if you need to update your photo. In those cases, you must visit an office in person.
Online renewal through the DHSMV website
Florida's online renewal system works only if your license is not expired and you do not need to change your photo or address. Visit the DHSMV website, enter your driver's license number and date of birth, and follow the prompts to pay the renewal fee online.
Online renewal is the fastest route — your new license is mailed within 5 to 7 business days. However, the system will reject you if your license is suspended, if you have outstanding traffic violations, or if you have not renewed in more than eight years. If the online system does not accept your information, you must renew in person at a Lake County office.
What happens if your license is expired or suspended
If your license expired more than six months ago, you cannot use mail or online renewal. You must go to a Lake County DHSMV office in person. Bring the same documents as for a standard renewal, plus any documents related to why your license was suspended (if applicable).
If your license is currently suspended due to unpaid traffic fines, unpaid child support, or a medical hold, you cannot renew until the suspension is lifted. Contact the Lake County Clerk of Court or the agency that placed the suspension to find out what you need to do. The DHSMV office staff can tell you which agency to contact, but they cannot remove the suspension themselves.
Lake County DHSMV office locations and hours
The Tavares office is located at 315 West Main Street, Tavares, FL 32778. The Leesburg office is at 1320 Citrus Boulevard, Leesburg, FL 34748. Both offices are typically open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours may vary seasonally or due to staffing. Call ahead or check the DHSMV website to confirm hours before you visit, especially if you are planning to go on a Friday or during a holiday week.
Wait times are usually shorter in the early morning (before 10 a.m.) and mid-afternoon (after 2 p.m.). Avoid lunch hours and the end of the month, when more people come in to renew before their licenses expire. If you cannot visit during regular hours, neither office offers evening or weekend appointments.
Fees and payment methods
A four-year renewal costs $48. An eight-year renewal costs $75. These are the standard fees set by the state of Florida; Lake County offices cannot change them. If you are over 65, you may be may be able to access for a reduced fee — ask the clerk when you arrive.
Both Lake County offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices also accept checks, but call ahead to confirm. If you renew by mail, you can pay by check or money order. If you renew online, you must pay by debit or credit card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. Florida allows you to renew up to six months before your license expires. Renewing early does not affect when your new license expires — your expiration date is based on your birth date, not when you renew. Many people renew early to avoid the rush near their expiration date.
What if I moved to Lake County after getting my Florida license?
You can renew your license at any DHSMV office in Florida, including the Lake County locations. Bring your current license and proof of your new Lake County address. The office will update your address during the renewal process.
Do I need an appointment to renew at a Lake County office?
No. Both the Tavares and Leesburg offices operate on a walk-in basis. You take a number when you arrive and wait for your turn. Appointments are not available for standard renewals.
How long does my new license take to arrive after I renew?
By mail, 7 to 10 business days is typical. Online renewal is faster — usually 5 to 7 business days. Mail renewal takes longer, typically three to four weeks. You can drive on your old license until the new one arrives.
What if my name changed since I got my current license?
You must renew in person at a Lake County office. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and a certified copy of the document showing your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The office will update your name and issue a new license with your current photo.