Where to renew and what you'll need

You can renew your Florida driver license at any Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office, or online through the official Florida DHSMV website if you meet certain conditions. The online option is faster — you can complete it from home in about 10 minutes — but not everyone is may be able to access. You're may be able to access to renew online if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical conditions on file that need review, and your license hasn't been renewed online more than once in a row.

If you go in person, bring your current Florida driver license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number. You do not need to take a new photo or pass a driving test for a standard renewal, though DHSMV may ask you to retake the vision test.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Florida DHSMV website takes about 10 minutes and costs $47.50, but only works if your license is valid and you haven't renewed online twice in a row.
  • In-person renewal at a DHSMV office requires your current license, proof of residency dated within 90 days, and your Social Security number.
  • Your renewed license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days if you renew online, or you can leave with a temporary paper license if you renew in person.
  • Florida driver licenses expire on your birthday, and you can renew up to 18 months before expiration without losing your renewal date.

Online renewal step by step

Go to the official Florida DHSMV website and select "Online Services." Click on "Renew Your Driver License" and enter your driver license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and show you the renewal fee of $47.50.

Review your personal information on the screen — name, address, and any restrictions or endorsements on your license. If anything is wrong, you cannot fix it online; you'll need to visit a DHSMV office instead. If everything is correct, pay the fee with a debit or credit card and submit. You'll receive a confirmation number by email. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

In-person renewal at a DHSMV office

Find your nearest DHSMV office on the Florida DHSMV website and check its hours before you go — some offices have limited hours or are closed certain days. Bring your current driver license, proof of residency (a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement), and be ready to provide your Social Security number. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations use an online reservation system; check before you arrive.

At the office, you'll check in and wait for your number to be called. A staff member will verify your documents, take a new photo if required, and may ask you to read an eye chart. The fee is $47.50. You'll leave with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you, which typically takes 7 to 10 business days.

Renewal fees and payment methods

A standard eight-year driver license renewal in Florida costs $47.50. If you're 65 or older, a four-year renewal costs $31. You can pay online with a debit or credit card, or in person with cash, debit, credit card, or check. Some DHSMV offices also accept money orders.

If you renew online, the fee is charged when ready when you submit your process. If you renew in person, you pay at the counter before you leave. There are no additional fees for standard renewals, though you may pay extra if you need to change your address, add an endorsement, or correct information on your license.

What happens if your license is expired or about to expire

You can renew your Florida driver license up to 18 months before it expires. If you renew early, your new expiration date will be 8 years from your current expiration date (or 4 years if you're 65 or older), not from the date you renew. This means you don't lose time by renewing early.

If your license has already expired, you can still renew it by mail or in person using the same process, but you cannot renew online. An expired license is still acceptable as proof of identity at a DHSMV office. If your license expired more than six months ago, DHSMV may require you to pass the vision test again.

Renewing by mail

You can renew by mail if you prefer not to go online or visit an office in person. Request a renewal form from the Florida DHSMV website or call 1-844-33-FLHSMV (1-844-335-4768). Fill out the form, include a check or money order for $47.50 (or $31 if you're 65 or older), and mail it with a copy of your current driver license and proof of residency to the address listed on the form.

Mail renewal takes longer than online or in-person renewal — typically 3 to 4 weeks from the time DHSMV receives your process. You won't receive a temporary license by mail, so if you need to drive before your new license arrives, renew in person instead to get a temporary paper license on the spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it's suspended or revoked?

No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation with DHSMV before you can renew. Contact your local DHSMV office or call 1-844-33-FLHSMV to find out why your license is suspended and what steps you need to take to restore it.

What if my address has changed since my last renewal?

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 (a utility bill or lease dated within 90 days) along with your other documents, and the DHSMV staff will update it for you.

Do I need a new photo for my renewal?

Not necessarily. DHSMV uses your photo from your previous license unless the photo is too old or damaged. If you renew online, you won't get a new photo. If you renew in person, the staff member will decide whether a new photo is needed based on the condition of your current one.

How long does it take to get my renewed license?

Online and in-person renewals typically take 7 to 10 business days by mail. If you renew in person, you'll receive a temporary paper license when ready that's valid for 30 days. Mail renewal takes 3 to 4 weeks from the date DHSMV receives your process.

What if I need my license before the new one arrives?

If you renew in person, you'll get a temporary paper license on the spot that's valid for 30 days. If you renewed online or by mail, you can visit a DHSMV office and request a temporary license, though some offices may charge a small fee.