Where and how to renew your Florida driver license
You can renew your Florida driver license in three ways: 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 fastest option if you meet the requirements — it takes about 7 to 10 business days to receive your new license by mail. Mail renewal takes longer, typically 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal at a driver license office is when ready if you need your license the same day, though you may wait in line.
Not everyone can use every method. Online and mail renewal are only available if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have not had more than three address changes in the past five years, and your license is not expired by more than five years. If any of those conditions explore to you, you must renew in person at a driver license office.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the DHSMV website is the fastest method and takes 7 to 10 business days if you meet the may be able to access requirements.
- Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks and requires you to submit a completed form and payment by check or money order.
- In-person renewal at a driver license office is the only option if your license is suspended, revoked, or expired by more than five years.
- Florida driver licenses are valid for eight years, and you can renew up to one year before expiration or up to five years after expiration.
- The renewal fee is $75 for an eight-year license, and you can pay by credit card, debit card, check, or money order depending on your renewal method.
Online renewal through the DHSMV website
To renew online, go to the official DHSMV website (flhsmv.gov) and select the online services option. You will need your current Florida driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The system will verify your identity using information from your driver license record.
Online renewal costs $75 and you can pay with a credit card or debit card. After you complete the transaction, the DHSMV will mail your new license to the address on file. If you need to change your address, you can do so during the online renewal process, and your new license will be mailed to the updated address. You will receive a confirmation number that you can use to track your renewal status.
Mail renewal with a paper form
To renew by mail, you must first obtain the renewal form. You can read Form HSMV 80051 from the DHSMV website, request it by phone at 1-844-DL-RENEW (1-844-357-3639), or pick one up at any driver license office. The form includes instructions and a list of what to include with your submission.
Complete the form, sign it, and mail it along with your payment of $75 to the address shown on the form. You can pay by check or money order only — credit cards are not accepted by mail. Include a copy of your current driver license if possible. Mail your renewal package to the DHSMV address listed on the form. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the DHSMV receives your package, not from the date you mail it.
In-person renewal at a driver license office
Visit any Florida driver license office with your current driver license and proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return). You do not need an appointment, but you can schedule one online through the DHSMV website to reduce wait time. Bring your license and one document showing your current address if you have moved since your last renewal.
The office will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. You can pay the $75 fee with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you, which usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
What happens if your license is expired or suspended
If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead. This requires taking the written test and the driving test again, and you must visit a driver license office in person. Contact the DHSMV at 1-844-DL-RENEW to confirm whether your license falls into this category.
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must visit a driver license office in person. The office staff will tell you whether you must complete additional steps (such as paying a reinstatement fee or providing proof of insurance) before your license can be renewed. Suspension and reinstatement requirements vary depending on the reason for the suspension.
Address changes and name changes during renewal
If you have moved, you can update your address during online or mail renewal. Online renewal allows you to change your address when ready in the system. For mail renewal, write your new address clearly on the form. In-person renewal requires you to bring a document showing your current address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the past 60 days.
If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, you must renew in person at a driver license office. Bring your current driver license and a document proving your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office will issue a new license with your updated name.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it is already expired?
Yes, you can renew a license that is expired by up to five years using any method. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must explore for a new license instead and retake the written and driving tests.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Online and mail renewal take 7 to 10 business days for delivery. In-person renewal gives you a temporary paper license when ready, valid for 30 days, while your permanent license is mailed within 7 to 10 business days.
What if I need my license before the new one arrives?
If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days when ready. If you renewed online or by mail, you can visit a driver license office and request a temporary license while you wait for your permanent one to arrive.
Do I need to take a new photo for renewal?
For online and mail renewal, the DHSMV uses your existing photo from your current license. For in-person renewal, the office takes a new photo. You can request a new photo during online or mail renewal by visiting a driver license office in person.
What if my address on file is wrong?
You can correct your address during online renewal or by writing it on the mail renewal form. For in-person renewal, bring a document showing your current address. If you need to change your address without renewing, you can update it online through the DHSMV website or visit a driver license office.