How to Renew Your Florida Driver's License

Where to renew and what you'll need

You can renew your Florida driver's license in person at any Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office, or online through the state's website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes once you're at the office; online renewal takes a few minutes but only works if your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions, and your license hasn't been expired for more than six months.

Before you go to an office or start an online renewal, gather your current driver's license and proof of your Social Security number. If your address has changed, bring a document showing your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. If you're renewing more than six months after expiration, you must renew in person.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Florida DHSMV website works only if your license is current or expired less than six months, has no medical restrictions, and is not suspended.
In-person renewal at any DHSMV office takes about 30 minutes and works for all situations, including expired licenses and address changes.
You will need your current license and proof of your Social Security number; bring an address document if you've moved.
A renewed Florida license costs $75 for an eight-year license or $48.75 for a four-year license, paid at the time of renewal.

Renewing online through the DHSMV website

Go to the official Florida DHSMV website and select the online renewal option. You'll enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number to verify your identity. The system will confirm whether you're may be able to access — if you see a message that you cannot renew online, you must go to an office instead.

If you're may be able to access, you'll review your current information and update your address if needed. You'll choose whether you want an eight-year license ($75) or a four-year license ($48.75), then pay by credit card or debit card. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Renewing in person at a DHSMV office

Find your nearest DHSMV office using the office locator on the Florida DHSMV website. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to book an appointment online first — the locator will tell you which. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and an address document if you've moved.

At the office, you'll fill out the renewal form, have your photo taken, and pay the fee. The staff will issue you a temporary paper license on the spot that's valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed. Your new license will arrive within 7 to 10 business days.

What happens if your license is expired more than six months

If your license has been expired for more than six months, you cannot renew online. You must go to a DHSMV office in person. Bring the same documents — your expired license, proof of Social Security number, and an address document if you've moved — plus a completed renewal form (Form HSMV 82053), which you can read from the DHSMV website or fill out at the office.

The process at the office is the same: photo, fee payment, and a temporary paper license issued when ready. Your permanent license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. There is no penalty for renewing after expiration, but you cannot legally drive until your renewal is complete.

Renewing with a name change or address change

If your name has changed since your last license was issued, you must renew in person at a DHSMV office. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, an address document, and a document showing your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office will update your name and issue a new license on the spot.

If only your address has changed, you can renew online or in person. Online, you'll update your address during the renewal process. In person, tell the staff member your new address and they'll update it before issuing your license. Bring a document that shows your new address — a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement.

Understanding the cost and license validity period

A renewed Florida driver's license costs either $75 for an eight-year license or $48.75 for a four-year license. You choose which when you renew, whether online or in person. The eight-year license is the standard option and is valid from the date of issue until eight years later. The four-year license costs less but expires sooner, so you'll renew more often.

Payment is due at the time of renewal. Online, you pay by credit card or debit card before your process is submitted. In person, you pay at the office after your photo is taken. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days, and your permanent license arrives by mail.

What to do if you lose your license before the new one arrives

If your temporary paper license is lost or damaged before your permanent license arrives, go back to the DHSMV office and request a replacement temporary license. Bring your Social Security proof and address document. The office will issue a new temporary license at no additional charge.

If your permanent license arrives and is damaged or unreadable, contact the DHSMV or return to an office with the damaged license. You can request a replacement, though there may be a small fee depending on the reason for replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it's suspended?

No. You cannot renew online or in person while your license is suspended. You must first resolve the suspension through the DHSMV — this usually involves paying a reinstatement fee or completing a required course. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew your license.

How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?

Your permanent license arrives within 7 to 10 business days after renewal, whether you renewed online or in person. If you renewed in person, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while you wait for the permanent one.

What if I move out of state before my new license arrives?

Your Florida license will still arrive at the address you provided during renewal. If you've already moved, contact the DHSMV to request that your license be mailed to your new address, or pick it up at a Florida DHSMV office if you return to the state.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

Yes. Whether you renew online or in person, a new photo is taken or submitted as part of the renewal. If you renew online, you'll upload a digital photo; if you renew in person, the office takes your photo at the time of renewal.

Can I renew my license if I'm out of state?

Yes, if you renew online. The online renewal process works from anywhere and doesn't require you to be in Florida. If you need to renew in person, you must visit a Florida DHSMV office, so you would need to be in the state or plan a trip to complete the renewal.

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.