How to Renew Your Florida Driver's License

Where to renew and what you need before you start

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 online route is faster — it takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. The in-person route takes longer at the office but gives you a temporary license to use when ready.

Before you choose which route to use, gather your current 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, you'll also need a document proving the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you're renewing more than 5 years after your license expired, you cannot renew by mail or online; you must go in person.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal takes 10 minutes and costs $48 for a 6-year license, but only works if your license is not expired and you haven't changed your name or address since your last renewal.
In-person renewal at a DHSMV office takes 30 minutes to an hour but works for anyone, including those with expired licenses or name changes.
You need your current license, proof of residency dated within 90 days, and your Social Security number for either method.
Online renewals arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days; in-person renewals give you a temporary license on the spot and the permanent one arrives later.

Renewing online through the Florida DHSMV website

Go to the official Florida DHSMV website and select "Renew Your Driver License" from the homepage. You'll be asked to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your record and show you whether you're may be able to access to renew online — if your license is not expired, your name and address haven't changed, and you haven't had any medical suspensions, you can proceed.

Review your information on the screen. If anything is wrong — your address, your name spelling, your height or eye color — stop and go in person instead, because you cannot correct those details online. If everything is correct, you'll pay $48 for a 6-year license using a credit or debit card. You'll receive a confirmation number by email. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days, and you can use your old license until the new one arrives.

Renewing in person at a DHSMV office

Find your nearest DHSMV office using the office locator on the state website. Many offices use an online appointment system; booking ahead cuts your wait time significantly. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait 45 minutes to an hour depending on the time of day and how busy the office is. Bring your current license, proof of residency dated within 90 days, and your Social Security number.

At the counter, tell the clerk you're renewing your license. They'll verify your information, take a new photo, and collect the $48 fee. You'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days, which you can use to drive when ready. Your permanent license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you need to correct your address, name, or other information, the clerk can do that during this visit.

What happens if your license is expired

If your license expired fewer than 5 years ago, you can renew it using the same process as above — online if you're may be able to access, or in person at any DHSMV office. You cannot drive on an expired license, so if you need to drive before your new license arrives, go in person to get the temporary paper license.

If your license expired more than 5 years ago, you cannot renew it; you must reapply for a new license. This requires an in-person visit, a written test, and a driving test. Contact your local DHSMV office to schedule the retest appointment.

Fees and what they cover

A standard 6-year driver's license renewal costs $48. If you want a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic flights), the cost is $68 for 6 years. You pay the same amount whether you renew online or in person. Payment is by credit card, debit card, or cash at an office; online renewal accepts cards only.

The fee covers your new license and the state's processing. It does not cover any corrections to your record, name changes, or address updates — those are included in the renewal process at no extra cost. If you need a duplicate license (because yours was lost or stolen), that's a separate $20 transaction.

Tracking your new license after renewal

After you renew online or in person, you won't receive a tracking number. The state mails licenses in batches, so arrival times vary. Most arrive within 7 to 10 business days, but some take up to 2 weeks. If your new license doesn't arrive within 15 business days, contact the DHSMV customer service line at 1-844-DL-RENEW (1-844-357-3639) with your confirmation number or receipt.

Until your new license arrives, your old license remains valid if you renewed online, or your temporary paper license is valid if you renewed in person. Do not discard your old license until the new one arrives — you may need it as proof of identity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have an out-of-state address?

No. Your Florida driver's license is tied to your Florida residency. If you've moved out of state, you need to get a license from your new state. If you still live in Florida but have a temporary out-of-state address, bring a document showing your Florida residency (like a lease or utility bill) to renew in person.

What if my name changed since my last license?

You must renew in person and bring a document proving the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Online renewal will not work because the system will detect the mismatch. The clerk at the office will update your name during the renewal process at no extra cost.

Do I need a new photo every time I renew?

Yes. A new photo is taken every time you renew, whether online or in person. If you renew online, the system uses your existing photo from the DHSMV database. If you renew in person, the clerk takes a new photo at the counter.

What if I lost my license and need to renew it?

You can renew online only if you have your license number and can remember your date of birth and Social Security number. If you don't have that information, go in person to any DHSMV office with your proof of residency and Social Security number, and the clerk will look up your record and process the renewal.

Can someone else renew my license for me?

No. You must renew in person or online yourself. A family member or representative cannot renew on your behalf. If you're unable to visit an office due to disability or medical reasons, contact the DHSMV to ask about accommodations or alternative options.

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.