What you need to renew your Florida driver's license
You can renew your Florida driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need to update your photo or address.
If your license expired fewer than six months ago, you can renew by mail or online without visiting an office. If it expired more than six months ago, you must renew in person. If your license is still valid and you want to renew early, all three methods are open to you.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $47.50 for a four-year license or $67.50 for an eight-year license, but only works if your license is current or expired fewer than six months ago.
- Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed process form, and payment to the DHSMV, and takes two to three weeks.
- In-person renewal at a DHSMV office is required if your license expired more than six months ago, and you will need to pass a vision test and provide proof of residency.
- You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address to renew online or by mail.
- If you want to change your address, add an organ donor designation, or update your photo, you must renew in person.
Renewing online through the DHSMV website
The fastest way to renew is through the official Florida DHSMV website at www.flhsmv.gov. You will need your current driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth. The system will ask you to verify your identity and confirm your address. The entire process takes about 10 minutes.
Online renewal costs $47.50 for a four-year license or $67.50 for an eight-year license. You pay by credit card or debit card during the transaction. Your new license will arrive by mail in about 7 to 10 business days. You can use your old license until the new one arrives.
Online renewal is only available if your current license is valid or expired fewer than six months ago. If your license expired more than six months ago, you cannot renew online and must use mail or in-person renewal instead.
Renewing by mail
To renew by mail, you will need to complete Form HSMV 80051, which is the driver's license renewal process. You can read this form from the DHSMV website or request it by mail. Mail your completed form along with your current driver's license and payment to the address listed on the form.
Payment by mail can be made by check or money order. The cost is the same as online renewal: $47.50 for four years or $67.50 for eight years. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the DHSMV receives your materials. You can continue to drive on your current license while your renewal is being processed.
Like online renewal, mail renewal is only available if your license is current or expired fewer than six months ago. You cannot update your photo, change your address, or add an organ donor designation through mail renewal.
Renewing in person at a DHSMV office
If your license expired more than six months ago, or if you need to update your photo, address, or other information, you must renew in person at a DHSMV office. Bring your current driver's license (or expired license if you no longer have it), proof of residency such as a utility bill or lease, and payment.
In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is. You will take a new photo and pass a vision test. The DHSMV will issue you a temporary license on the spot, and your permanent license will arrive by mail in about 7 to 10 business days.
The cost for in-person renewal is the same as online and mail renewal. You can find your nearest DHSMV office and check wait times on the DHSMV website. Many offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce your wait time.
What documents and information you need
For online or mail renewal, you will need your current driver's license number, Social Security number, date of birth, and current mailing address. You do not need to provide any physical documents.
For in-person renewal, bring your current driver's license or an expired license if you no longer have the current one. You will also need proof of your current Florida address, such as a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail. A bank statement or credit card statement with your name and address will also work.
If you have changed your name since your license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. If you are renewing after your license has been suspended or revoked, you may need additional documents — contact your local DHSMV office to find out what is required.
Understanding renewal fees and license validity periods
Florida driver's licenses are valid for either four or eight years. A four-year license costs $47.50 and an eight-year license costs $67.50. You choose which length you want when you renew. The eight-year license costs more upfront but means you will not need to renew again for eight years.
The fee covers the cost of producing and mailing your new license. There are no additional hidden fees. If you are renewing in person and need a duplicate license or a replacement for a lost or damaged license, those services have separate fees.
Your renewal fee is non-refundable once you have submitted your process. If you change your mind about renewing, you cannot get your money back.
What happens after you submit your renewal
After you renew online or by mail, the DHSMV will process your process within a few business days. You will receive a confirmation email if you renewed online. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you do not receive your new license within 10 business days, contact the DHSMV to check the status.
If you renewed in person, you will receive a temporary license when ready that is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license will arrive by mail. If your permanent license does not arrive within 10 business days, visit a DHSMV office with your temporary license and they can issue you a replacement.
Once your new license arrives, destroy your old license or turn it in at a DHSMV office. You are not required to do this, but it prevents confusion if someone finds your old license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?
No. If you have unpaid traffic citations or court fines, the DHSMV will suspend your license and you cannot renew it. You must pay the fines or resolve the citations first. Contact the court that issued the ticket to find out how to pay or dispute it.
What if my address has changed since my last license?
If you renew online or by mail, you can update your address during the renewal process. If you renew in person, bring proof of your new address such as a utility bill or lease. You cannot change your address through online renewal if you are renewing early — you must wait until your license is expired or nearly expired, or renew in person.
Do I need a new photo for my renewal?
If you renew online or by mail, your current photo will be used on your new license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person. The DHSMV will take a new photo at the office at no extra charge.
How long can I drive on an expired license while waiting for my renewal?
You cannot legally drive on an expired license. If you renewed online or by mail, you can drive on your current license until your new one arrives. If your license has already expired, you must renew in person or wait until your new license arrives by mail before driving.
What if I lost my driver's license and need to renew it?
If your license is lost or stolen, you must explore for a duplicate or replacement license in person at a DHSMV office. This is different from a renewal and has a separate fee. Bring proof of identity and proof of residency. You will receive a temporary license and your permanent license will arrive by mail.