How to Renew Your Florida Driver's License

Florida driver's licenses renew by mail, online, or in person depending on your age and record

Florida offers three renewal paths: online through the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) website, by mail using a renewal notice, or in person at a driver's license office. Which route you can use depends on your age, whether you have any violations or suspensions on your record, and how long your license has been expired. Most people under 80 with a clean record can renew online or by mail without visiting an office.

The online method is fastest — you can complete it in minutes from home, pay the fee with a credit or debit card, and receive your renewed license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no computer access. In-person renewal is necessary only if you cannot use the other methods, your license has been expired for more than 6 months, or you need to update your address, name, or other information on the card itself.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the DHSMV website works for most people under 80 with no suspensions or violations, and takes 7 to 10 business days from payment to delivery.
Mail renewal requires a renewal notice sent by DHSMV, which arrives 60 days before your license expires, and takes 2 to 3 weeks after you mail the form back.
In-person renewal at a driver's license office is required if your license expired more than 6 months ago, you have an active suspension, or you need to change your address or name on the card.
The renewal fee in Florida is $48 for a 4-year license or $75 for an 8-year license, payable by credit card, debit card, or check depending on your renewal method.
You must bring your current license or a valid ID to any in-person renewal, along with proof of your Social Security number and Florida residency if you are changing your address.

Online renewal through the DHSMV website

To renew online, go to the official DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov and select the driver's license renewal option. You will need your current Florida driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and pull up your driving record. If you have no suspensions, violations, or other holds, you can proceed to payment.

Online renewal costs $48 for a 4-year license. You pay by credit card or debit card at the time of renewal. After you submit payment, the DHSMV mails your new license to the address on file. If you need to change your mailing address, you can do that during the online process, but you cannot change your name, date of birth, or other personal information online — those changes require an in-person visit.

The new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Your current license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can continue to drive and use it as identification during that time. If you do not receive your license within 10 business days, contact the DHSMV customer service line at 1-844-DL-RENEW (1-844-357-3639).

Mail renewal using your renewal notice

About 60 days before your license expires, the DHSMV mails you a renewal notice to the address on file. This notice contains a form you fill out, sign, and mail back along with your payment. Do not mail your current license — keep it until the new one arrives. The renewal fee is $48 for a 4-year license or $75 for an 8-year license, payable by check or money order.

Mail your completed form, payment, and renewal notice to the address printed on the notice itself. The DHSMV processes mail renewals in the order received. After they receive your envelope, allow 2 to 3 weeks for processing and mailing of your new license. Your current license stays valid during this time.

If you lose your renewal notice before you mail it, you can still renew by mail — contact the DHSMV at 1-844-DL-RENEW to request a replacement notice. You can also renew online instead if you prefer not to wait for a new notice to arrive.

In-person renewal at a driver's license office

Visit a local driver's license office if your license expired more than 6 months ago, you have a suspension or violation on your record, you need to change your name or address on the card itself, or you prefer to renew in person. Bring your current Florida driver's license or another valid photo ID, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current Florida address (such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days).

The renewal fee is $48 for a 4-year license or $75 for an 8-year license, payable by cash, check, debit card, or credit card depending on the office. Processing time varies by location and how busy the office is, but most renewals are completed the same day. You receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your new license is mailed to you.

Find your nearest driver's license office and check wait times on the DHSMV website. Many offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce your wait time significantly. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointment holders are served first.

What happens if your license has been expired for more than 6 months

If your license expired more than 6 months ago, you cannot renew online or by mail — you must visit a driver's license office in person. The DHSMV treats this as a new license process rather than a renewal, which means you must pass a vision test and may need to retake the written driving test depending on how long ago your license expired.

Bring your current (expired) license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your Florida residency, and proof of your date of birth. You will also need to bring your Social Security card or a document showing your full Social Security number. The office will take a new photo and issue you a temporary paper license on the spot, with your new license arriving by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Changing your name or address during renewal

If you are renewing online and only need to change your mailing address, you can do that during the online renewal process without visiting an office. However, if you need to change your name on the license itself, change your residential address (not just mailing address), or update your date of birth or other personal information, you must renew in person at a driver's license office.

Bring your current license, proof of your new name (such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), proof of your new residential address (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of your Social Security number. The office will take a new photo and issue your renewed license with the updated information.

Renewal fees and payment methods

Florida driver's license renewal costs $48 for a 4-year license or $75 for an 8-year license. The fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Online renewal accepts credit cards and debit cards only. Mail renewal accepts checks or money orders. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, or credit card depending on the specific office.

Some driver's license offices also accept electronic payment methods like Apple Pay or Google Pay, but this varies by location. If you are renewing in person, call ahead or check the DHSMV website to confirm what payment methods your local office accepts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Florida driver's license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew online or by mail up to 6 months before your license expires. This is useful if you are traveling or want to avoid the rush near your expiration date. The new license will have a new expiration date 4 or 8 years from the date you renew.

What if I moved out of Florida but still have a Florida license?

You cannot renew a Florida license if you no longer live in Florida. You must obtain a license from your new state instead. If you still have a Florida address on file but have moved, you should update your address with your new state's motor vehicle department.

How long does a renewed Florida driver's license take to arrive?

Online and in-person renewals typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewals take 2 to 3 weeks after the DHSMV receives your form. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, your current license remains valid.

What if I have a suspended or revoked license?

You cannot renew online or by mail if your license is suspended or revoked. You must visit a driver's license office in person. The office will tell you what steps you need to take to clear the suspension or revocation before you can renew.

Can someone else renew my license for me?

No. You must renew your own license in person or online using your own information. A family member or representative cannot renew it on your behalf, even with your permission.

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.