What you need to do to renew in Florida
Florida lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Driver License office. The method you choose depends on how much time you have and whether your license has expired. If your license is still valid or expired less than six months ago, you can renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If it expired more than six months ago, you must renew in person.
The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes and costs $48 for a four-year license or $75 for an eight-year license. You will need your current Florida driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid email address. Florida will mail your new license to the address on file, which typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works only if your license is still valid or expired less than six months ago, and costs $48 for four years or $75 for eight years.
- Mail renewal takes the same documents as online but requires printing and mailing a form, and takes longer than online or in-person renewal.
- In-person renewal at a Driver License office is required if your license expired more than six months ago, and you can walk in without an appointment in most counties.
- You must bring your current license, proof of Florida residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of Social Security number to renew in person.
- Your new license will be mailed to you after renewal; you cannot pick it up the same day at most offices.
Renewing online through the Florida DHSMV website
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) website at flhsmv.gov has an online renewal tool. Go to the site, select "Renew Your Driver License," and enter your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your record and show you whether you are may be able to access to renew online.
After you confirm your information and choose your license term (four or eight years), you will pay by credit card or debit card. Florida will send your new license by mail to the address currently on file. Do not change your address during online renewal if you want your license mailed to your current home; if you need to update your address, you must renew in person or use the mail option and include a change-of-address form.
Online renewal does not include a new photo. Your new license will use the photo from your current license, so you will look the same on your renewed license as you do now.
Renewing by mail
To renew by mail, read the process for Driver License or ID Card (Form HSMV 82053) from the DHSMV website. Fill it out, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license to the address shown on the form. Include a check or money order for $48 (four years) or $75 (eight years) made payable to DHSMV.
Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks from the time DHSMV receives your form. If you need your license sooner, online or in-person renewal is faster. Like online renewal, mail renewal does not include a new photo and does not allow you to change your address unless you include a separate change-of-address form and proof of your new address.
Renewing in person at a Driver License office
You must renew in person if your license expired more than six months ago. Walk into any Driver License office in Florida during business hours; most offices do not require an appointment. Bring your current driver's license, proof of Florida residency (such as a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement), and proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form).
The office will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. You will pay $48 for a four-year license or $75 for an eight-year license by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You cannot take it home the same day.
If you need to change your address, update your name, or correct information on your license, you must do it in person. In-person renewal also gives you the chance to choose a new photo if you want one.
Finding your nearest Driver License office and hours
The DHSMV website has an office locator tool at flhsmv.gov. Enter your county or city, and the tool will show you all nearby offices, their hours, and whether they are currently open. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended evening hours on certain days. A few offices are open on Saturday mornings.
Wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices in smaller towns usually have shorter waits than those in major cities. If you go early in the morning or mid-week, you are more likely to be seen quickly. During lunch hours and late afternoon, offices tend to be busier.
What happens if your license is suspended or revoked
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must visit a Driver License office in person. The office staff will tell you why your license is suspended or revoked and what you must do to restore it. This might include paying a reinstatement fee, completing a driver improvement course, or waiting out a suspension period.
Suspensions and revocations happen for reasons such as unpaid traffic tickets, unpaid child support, medical conditions reported to the state, or DUI convictions. If you are unsure whether your license is suspended, you can check your status on the DHSMV website or call the office before you visit.
Costs and payment methods
A four-year Florida driver's license costs $48. An eight-year license costs $75. These are the only two options; you cannot renew for a different term. If you renew online or by mail, you pay by credit card, debit card, check, or money order. If you renew in person, you can also pay with cash.
Florida does not offer discounts for seniors or other groups. The price is the same for everyone. If you are renewing a license that was suspended or revoked, you may owe an additional reinstatement fee on top of the renewal cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Florida driver's license if I live out of state now?
No. Florida requires you to be a resident to hold a Florida driver's license. If you have moved out of state, you should get a license from your new state instead. If you still have a Florida address (such as a family member's home), you can renew by mail or online using that address, but you should switch to your new state's license as soon as you establish residency there.
What if I lost my driver's license and cannot renew online?
If you lost your license, you cannot renew online because the system needs your license number. You must renew in person at a Driver License office. Bring proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), proof of Florida residency, and proof of your Social Security number. The office will issue you a new license with a new number.
How long is my renewed license valid?
A four-year license is valid for four years from the date of renewal. An eight-year license is valid for eight years. Your expiration date will be printed on the front of your new license. You can renew again anytime during the last six months before it expires.
Will my new license have a different number?
No. When you renew, your license number stays the same. Only the expiration date and photo (if you renew in person) change. Your number does not change unless you lose your license and have to replace it.
What if the address on my license is wrong?
If you renew online or by mail, you cannot change your address during the renewal. You must renew in person to update your address. Bring proof of your new Florida address (such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days) along with your other documents.