Documents and information you'll need before you go
To renew your Florida driver's license, you need to bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Florida residency. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) requires these three things in almost every case — without them, you cannot complete the renewal at the counter.
Your current license serves as your identity document. For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or homeowner's insurance declaration — the document must show your name and current Florida address and be dated within the last 60 days.
If your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring the document that shows the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing by mail or online, the rules are slightly different — see the section below on which method works for you.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Florida address dated within the last 60 days.
- You can renew in person at any DHSMV office, by mail if your license is not suspended and you have not changed your name, or online if you meet specific requirements.
- In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes; mail renewal takes two to three weeks; online renewal is when ready but only works if your license is valid and you have not had certain violations.
- Your new license will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days if you renew in person, or within two to three weeks if you renew by mail.
- The renewal fee is $75 for an eight-year license or $25 for a four-year license; you cannot choose the length — it depends on your age and whether you are a Florida resident.
Renewing in person at a DHSMV office
In-person renewal is the most straightforward route if you have time to visit an office. Bring your current license, proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, and your payment method (debit card, credit card, or check). You do not need an appointment — walk-ins are accepted, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
When you arrive, take a number and wait to be called. The clerk will check your documents, take a new photo, and process your payment. The entire visit usually takes 20 to 40 minutes. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed to you. Your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
Find your nearest DHSMV office on the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website. You can search by county or city. Some offices are busier than others — offices in smaller towns often have shorter waits than those in major cities.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal is an option if your current license is not suspended, you have not changed your name, and your license is not expired by more than six months. You cannot renew by mail if you have had certain violations or if you are under 21.
To renew by mail, request a renewal form from the DHSMV website or call 1-888-DSL-RENEW (1-888-375-7369). Fill out the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it along with a copy of your proof of residency to the address shown on the form. Do not send your original documents — copies are sufficient.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the DHSMV receives your packet. Your new license will arrive in the mail after that. The total time from mailing to receiving your new license is usually four to five weeks. During this time, your current license remains valid.
Renewing online
Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access. You can renew online only if your license is valid (not expired), you have not changed your name, you are 21 or older, and you have not had certain violations in the past three years. You also need a valid email address and a payment method (debit or credit card).
Go to the DHSMV website and select the online renewal option. You will answer questions about your identity and driving record, upload a new photo or use the photo from your current license, and pay the renewal fee. The process takes about 10 minutes. Your new license is issued when ready, and you can print a temporary license to use right away. Your permanent license arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If you are not may be able to access for online renewal, the system will tell you why and direct you to in-person or mail renewal instead.
The renewal fee and license length
The renewal fee is either $75 for an eight-year license or $25 for a four-year license. You do not choose which one you receive — the length depends on your age and residency status. Florida residents aged 21 to 64 receive an eight-year license. Residents 65 and older, and residents under 21, receive a four-year license. Non-residents receive a four-year license regardless of age.
The fee is the same whether you renew in person, by mail, or online. Some DHSMV offices accept cash, but most accept debit cards, credit cards, and checks. If you renew by mail, you must send a check or money order — you cannot pay by card.
What happens if your license is expired
If your license has been expired for more than six months, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must renew in person at a DHSMV office. Bring the same documents you would bring for a regular renewal: your expired license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency.
If your license has been expired for more than three years, you may need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test in addition to the standard renewal process. Call the DHSMV at 1-888-DSL-RENEW to confirm what you need before you visit an office.
If your name has changed
If you have married, divorced, or legally changed your name since your last license was issued, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person. Bring your current license, proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, and the document that shows your name change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
The clerk will update your name in the system and issue a new license with your current name. The process is the same as a standard in-person renewal and takes about 30 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew your Florida license up to six months before it expires. This is useful if you are planning a trip or want to avoid the rush near your expiration date. The renewal fee is the same, and your new license will have a new expiration date six or eight years from the date you renew.
What if I lost my current license?
If you have lost your license, you cannot renew it — you must replace it instead. Replacement is a different process that requires an in-person visit to a DHSMV office. Bring proof of your identity, Social Security number, and residency, and tell the clerk you need a replacement. The fee and timeline are the same as renewal.
Do I need an eye exam to renew?
No, you do not need an eye exam unless you are renewing in person and the clerk determines during your visit that you cannot read the eye chart. If that happens, you will be asked to take a vision test at the office. Most people do not need this test.
Can someone else renew my license for me?
No. You must renew your license yourself, either in person, by mail, or online. A family member or representative cannot do it on your behalf. If you are unable to visit an office, mail renewal or online renewal may be your best option.
What if I moved to Florida from another state?
If you have a valid out-of-state license, you can renew your Florida license in person, by mail, or online using the same process as anyone else. Bring your out-of-state license instead of a Florida license, along with proof of Social Security number and proof of Florida residency. If your out-of-state license is expired, you must renew in person.