How to Renew Your Florida Driver's License

Renew Your License Online, by Mail, or In Person

You can renew your Florida driver's license through three routes: online at the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) website, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a local Driver License office. Most people renew online because it takes 10 to 15 minutes and you keep your current license while the new one is mailed to you. Mail renewal works only if your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed. In-person renewal is necessary if you need to update your photo, address, or medical information, or if you're renewing after your license has expired for more than six months.

Florida sends you a renewal notice 6 months before your license expires, but you don't have to wait for it to start the process. You can renew up to 18 months before expiration. Your new license is valid for eight years if you're under 80, or five years if you're 80 or older.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal takes 10 to 15 minutes, costs $47.50 for an eight-year license, and you can do it anytime from your computer without visiting an office.
Mail renewal is free but only works if your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed since your last renewal.
In-person renewal is required if you need a new photo, have changed your address, have medical restrictions, or your license expired more than six months ago.
You will need your Social Security number, current license number, and a valid payment method (credit or debit card) to renew online.
Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after approval, and your current license remains valid until the new one arrives.

Renewing Online Through the DHSMV Website

Go to the official DHSMV website (flhsmv.gov) and select "Renew Your Driver License" from the homepage. You'll be directed to create or log into your Florida DHSMV account. Have your current driver's license number and Social Security number ready. The system will ask you to confirm your personal information, verify your address, and answer a few security questions based on your driving record and personal history.

After you confirm your information, you'll review your license details and choose whether to keep your current photo or upload a new one. If you keep your current photo, the process moves faster. Then you'll pay the renewal fee of $47.50 (for an eight-year license) using a credit or debit card. Once payment is processed, you'll receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

If the system cannot verify your information or flags something unusual, you'll be directed to renew in person at a Driver License office instead. This happens occasionally and is not a problem — it just means the online system needs to see you face-to-face.

Renewing by Mail

Mail renewal is only an option if all of the following are true: your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical restrictions on your license, your address has not changed since your last renewal, and your license has not expired for more than six months. If you meet these conditions, you can mail your current license to the DHSMV with a completed renewal form.

Request a renewal form by calling the DHSMV at 1-844-DL-RENEW (1-844-357-3639) or by visiting a Driver License office in person. Mail your current license and the completed form to the address provided on the form. Do not mail cash — the renewal is free. The DHSMV will process your renewal and mail your new license back to you within 7 to 10 business days. Your current license remains valid during this time.

Mail renewal is slower than online renewal and requires you to give up your current license temporarily, so most people choose online renewal instead. Use mail renewal only if you have no internet access or prefer not to use a credit card online.

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 your payment method — the renewal fee is $47.50 for an eight-year license. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card depending on the office.

Check the DHSMV website for office hours and locations near you before you go. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to schedule an appointment online first. Call ahead or check the website for your specific office. The renewal process at the office takes 15 to 30 minutes. You'll have your photo taken, confirm your information, and pay the fee. You'll receive a temporary license on the spot, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

You must renew in person if you need to change your photo, update your address or name, add or remove medical restrictions, or if your license expired more than six months ago. You should also renew in person if the online system directed you to do so.

What Happens If Your License Has Expired

If your license expired less than six months ago, you can renew it using any of the three methods above — online, by mail, or in person. If your license expired more than six months ago, you must renew in person at a Driver License office. Bring the same documents you would bring for a standard in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Florida, even if you have submitted a renewal process. Do not drive until your new license arrives or you receive a temporary license at the office. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you could face a citation.

Renewing a License That Is Suspended or Revoked

You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license through the standard renewal process. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the DHSMV. Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or accumulating too many points from traffic violations.

Contact the DHSMV at 1-844-DL-RENEW to find out why your license is suspended and what steps you need to take to restore it. Once your suspension is lifted, you can renew through any of the three methods. If you need to drive before your license is restored, you may be able to request a hardship license from a Driver License office, though this is not available for all types of suspensions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I've moved to a different address?

If you moved recently, you can renew online or in person and update your address at the same time. Mail renewal will not work because it requires your address to be unchanged. When you renew online, you'll be asked to confirm your address; update it there. If you renew in person, bring proof of your new address such as a utility bill or lease.

What if I want a new photo on my license?

Online renewal lets you upload a new photo or keep your current one. If you renew in person, a new photo is taken automatically. Mail renewal keeps your current photo. If you want a new photo and prefer to renew by mail, you'll need to renew in person instead.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

All three methods — online, mail, and in person — result in your new license arriving by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Your current license stays valid until the new one arrives, so you can continue to use it for identification and driving during this time.

What if I renew online but the system says I need to come in person?

The online system sometimes cannot verify your information and will direct you to a Driver License office instead. This is normal and not a sign of a problem. Visit an office with your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address. The office staff will complete your renewal.

Can I renew my license if it's damaged or worn?

Yes. You can renew online, by mail, or in person even if your license is damaged. If you renew online or by mail, send in your damaged license with your process. If you renew in person, bring your damaged license to the office. Your new license will replace it.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.