Where to renew and what you'll need
You can renew your Florida driver license at any Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office, or online through the official Florida DHSMV website if you meet certain conditions. The online route is faster — you can complete it from home in about 10 minutes — but you're only may be able to access if your license hasn't been suspended or revoked, you have no medical conditions flagged on your record, and your license is not expired by more than six months.
If you renew in person at a DHSMV office, bring your current driver license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number. If you're renewing online, you'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method for the renewal fee.
The renewal fee is $75 for an eight-year license or $25 for a four-year license. You can pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check online. In person, DHSMV offices accept cash, check, credit card, and debit card.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $75 for eight years or $25 for four years, but only works if your license is not suspended, revoked, or expired by more than six months.
- In-person renewal at a DHSMV office requires your current license, proof of residency dated within 90 days, and your Social Security number.
- Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you renew online, or you receive it when ready if you renew in person.
- You can renew up to 18 months before your license expires, so you don't have to wait until the expiration date.
Renewing online through the DHSMV website
Go to the official Florida DHSMV website and select the online renewal option. You'll enter your driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will pull up your record and confirm your current address. If your address has changed, you can update it during the renewal process.
Review the vision and medical questions on the form. If you answer yes to any medical condition questions, you'll be directed to renew in person instead. Once you've confirmed your information and paid the $75 or $25 fee, you're done. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
You can use your current license to drive legally while you wait for the new one to arrive. The DHSMV will send you a confirmation email with a reference number — keep this in case you need to check on your order.
Renewing in person at a DHSMV office
Find your nearest DHSMV office using the office locator on the Florida DHSMV website. Most offices operate Monday through Friday, though some have extended hours. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but some offices allow you to schedule one online to reduce wait time.
Bring your current driver license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill dated within 90 days), and be ready to provide your Social Security number. If your address has changed since your last license, bring two documents showing your new address — one can be the proof of residency, and the second can be a bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail.
At the office, you'll check in, have your photo taken, and pay the renewal fee. You'll receive your new license when ready. If you need a duplicate or replacement while you wait, the office can issue a temporary driving permit valid for 30 days.
What happens if your license has expired
If your license expired fewer than six months ago, you can renew online or in person using the standard process. If it expired more than six months ago, you must renew in person at a DHSMV office — the online system will not accept your process.
When you renew an expired license in person, bring the same documents: your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The DHSMV will process it as a standard renewal, and you'll receive your new license when ready.
You can drive legally while your renewal is being processed as long as you have proof that you've submitted your renewal process. If you're stopped by law enforcement, show them your confirmation email or receipt from the DHSMV office.
Renewing early and license validity dates
You can renew your license up to 18 months before it expires. This is useful if you're planning a trip or want to avoid the rush closer to your expiration date. The new license will be valid for eight years (or four years if you choose the shorter term) from the date you renew, not from your old expiration date.
Your license expiration date is based on your birth month. If you were born in March, your license expires in March. When you renew, your new license will expire eight years later in March, regardless of when you renewed it during that 18-month window.
If you need a REAL ID-compliant license
Florida driver licenses are REAL ID-compliant by default — you don't have to request it or pay extra. Your current license already meets federal requirements for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. When you renew, your new license will automatically be REAL ID-compliant.
If you want to verify that your license is REAL ID-compliant, look for a small star in the upper right corner of your license. If you're renewing online and want to confirm your new license will have this star, the DHSMV website will show it during the renewal process.
What to do if you can't renew online
If the online system tells you that you're not may be able to access to renew online, it's usually because your license is suspended or revoked, you have a medical condition flagged on your record, or your license expired more than six months ago. In any of these cases, you must renew in person at a DHSMV office.
If your license is suspended or revoked, contact the DHSMV before you renew to find out why and what steps you need to take to clear the suspension. You may need to pay a reinstatement fee, complete a driver improvement course, or provide proof of insurance. The DHSMV customer service line can tell you what's required for your specific situation.
If you have a medical condition flagged on your record, you'll need to visit a DHSMV office in person so an examiner can review your medical history and determine whether you can safely drive. Bring any medical documentation that supports your ability to drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you complete your online renewal. You can continue to drive using your current license during this time. If you need your license sooner, you can renew in person at a DHSMV office and receive it when ready.
Can I renew my license if I've moved out of state?
No. You must be a Florida resident to hold a Florida driver license. If you've moved to another state, you'll need to obtain a license from that state. If you're still a Florida resident but temporarily out of state, you can renew online or by mail through the DHSMV.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you'll need to renew in person at a DHSMV office and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The office will update your record and issue a new license with your current name.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?
If you renew online, your photo from your current license is used on your new license. If you renew in person, the DHSMV will take a new photo. If you want a new photo when renewing online, you'll need to renew in person instead.
What if I lose my license before the new one arrives?
Contact the DHSMV when ready and report it lost. You can request a replacement license in person at any DHSMV office. Bring your proof of residency and Social Security number. The replacement fee is $25, and you'll receive your license when ready.