Florida driver's licenses renew every six or eight years depending on your age, and you can renew in person, by mail, or online through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV)
The renewal process in Florida is straightforward if you know which method works for your situation. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting a driver's license office, though in-person renewal is always an option. Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 90 days before your license expires, and that notice tells you which renewal methods are available to you based on your driving record and license type.
The cost is $75 for a standard six-year renewal if you are under 80, or $27 for an eight-year renewal if you are 80 or older. If you renew online or by mail, you pay by credit card or debit card. If you renew in person, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at most offices.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the DHSMV website is the fastest method and takes about 10 minutes if your license is not suspended and you have not had certain violations.
- Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, the renewal notice, and payment to the DHSMV address listed on your notice, and processing takes two to three weeks.
- In-person renewal at a driver's license office is necessary only if you cannot renew online or by mail, or if you need to update your photo or address.
- Your renewal notice arrives 90 days before expiration and lists which methods you can use based on your driving history.
- A renewed license is valid when ready if you renew online, or from the date the DHSMV processes it if you renew by mail or in person.
Online renewal through the DHSMV website
Online renewal is available at gorenew.org, the official DHSMV renewal portal. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system checks your driving record in real time and tells you within seconds whether you can renew online.
You cannot renew online if your license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled; if you have unpaid traffic tickets or child support obligations; if you have had certain violations in the past three years; or if you need to change your address or photo. If any of these explore, the system will tell you and direct you to renew by mail or in person instead.
If you are approved, you pay the $75 renewal fee by credit card or debit card, and your new license is valid when ready. The physical card arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Mail renewal with your notice
To renew by mail, send your current driver's license, your renewal notice, and a check or money order for $75 to the address printed on your renewal notice. Do not send cash. Include a copy of the notice if you want to keep the original for your records, though this is not required.
Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DHSMV receives your envelope. Your new license is valid from the date it is processed, not from the date you mailed it, so do not mail your renewal too early if your current license is still valid. The new card arrives in the mail once processing is complete.
Mail renewal is a good option if you prefer not to go online or if you do not have a credit card. It is also the only option if you are outside Florida and cannot visit an office in person.
In-person renewal at a driver's license office
You can renew in person at any Florida driver's license office. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and payment. You do not need an appointment at most offices, though some locations allow you to reserve a time slot online to reduce wait time.
In-person renewal takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the office is. Your new license is valid when ready, and you receive the physical card before you leave. You must renew in person if you want to update your photo, change your address, or if you are not able to renew online or by mail.
Visit the DHSMV office locator at flhsmv.gov to find the office nearest you and see current wait times. Some offices are busier than others, and visiting early in the day or on weekdays typically means shorter waits.
What happens if your license expires before you renew
Driving on an expired license is illegal in Florida, even if you have already started the renewal process. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can show your renewal notice as proof that you applied, but this does not prevent a citation.
If your license expires and you have not yet renewed, you can still renew using any of the three methods above. There is no penalty or extra fee for renewing after expiration, but you cannot legally drive until your new license is processed. If you need to drive when ready, renew in person at a driver's license office so your new license is valid the same day.
Renewing with a different name or address
If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The DHSMV will not process a name change by mail or online.
If you have moved and need to update your address, you can do so during online or mail renewal. The system or form will ask for your new address, and your renewed license will show the updated information. If you renew in person, bring proof of your new residency such as a utility bill or lease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it is suspended?
No. You must resolve the suspension before you can renew. Contact the DHSMV or the court that issued the suspension to find out what is required. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew online, by mail, or in person.
How long does my renewed license take to arrive in the mail?
If you renew online, your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew by mail, processing takes two to three weeks, and the card arrives after that. If you renew in person, you receive it the same day.
Do I need to take a new photo for my renewal?
No, unless you renew in person. Online and mail renewals use your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a driver's license office.
What if I lose my renewal notice?
You do not need the notice to renew online or in person. For online renewal, use your license number and Social Security number. For in-person renewal, bring your current license and proof of residency. If you want to renew by mail, call the DHSMV at 1-844-33-RENEW to request a duplicate notice.
Can I renew my license early?
Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. Your new license will be valid for the full six or eight years from the date it is issued, not from your old expiration date.