Bring These Documents to Your Renewal Appointment

You need to bring your current Florida driver's license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your residential address. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) will not process your renewal without all three. If you're renewing in person at a driver's license office, bring the originals — photocopies are not accepted.

Your current license serves as your identity document. Proof of Social Security number can be your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. Proof of address must be dated within the last 60 days and can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or insurance policy. A bank or credit card statement also works if it shows your name and current address.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring your current Florida driver's license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your residential address dated within the last 60 days.
  • Acceptable proof of address includes utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax bills, insurance policies, and bank statements.
  • If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that changed it — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
  • You will need to pass a vision screening at the office, so bring your glasses or contacts if you use them to drive.
  • If you are renewing by mail, you do not need to bring documents to an office, but you must include copies with your process.

What to Bring If Your Name Has Changed

If you have married, divorced, or legally changed your name since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that changed it. A certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for a name change all work. The document must be an official certified copy from the county clerk or court — a photocopy you made yourself will not be accepted.

DHSMV will compare the name on your new document to the name on your current license. If they match the name you are requesting on your new license, the renewal will proceed. If there is a mismatch, the office may ask for additional documentation or may require you to explore for a new license rather than renewing.

Vision Screening and Medical Documentation

You will take a vision screening at the driver's license office as part of your renewal. Bring your glasses or contact lenses if you use them to drive. You do not need to bring a separate eye exam report unless DHSMV has notified you that one is required.

If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive, or if DHSMV has sent you a letter asking for a medical report, bring a completed Medical Examination Report (Form HSMV 78-001) signed by your doctor. This form is available on the DHSMV website. Without this form when it has been requested, your renewal will be delayed or denied.

Documents You Do Not Need to Bring

You do not need to bring your birth certificate, passport, or immigration documents to a standard renewal. DHSMV already has your identity information on file from your current license. Bringing extra documents will not speed up the process and may create confusion at the counter.

You also do not need to bring proof of insurance, vehicle registration, or any documents related to your vehicle. A driver's license renewal is separate from vehicle registration and does not require vehicle paperwork.

Renewing by Mail Instead of in Person

If you are renewing by mail, you will not bring documents to an office. Instead, you will mail photocopies of your proof of Social Security number and proof of address along with your process. Mail the copies, not the originals. Keep your originals for your records.

Mail renewal is available only if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical restrictions, and you are not changing your name or address. If any of these explore to you, you must renew in person at a driver's license office and bring the original documents listed above.

What Happens at the Office With Your Documents

When you arrive at the driver's license office, a clerk will review your documents to confirm they meet DHSMV requirements. They will scan or photograph your proof of Social Security number and proof of address into the system. Your current license will be scanned as well. This process usually takes a few minutes.

After your documents are verified, you will take the vision screening, have your photograph taken, and sign the back of your new license. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided, usually within 7 to 10 business days. The office will give you a temporary paper license to use while you wait.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a phone bill or internet bill as proof of address?

Yes, utility bills including phone, internet, electric, gas, and water bills all work as proof of address. The bill must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days. If the bill is in a roommate's or spouse's name, it will not be accepted.

What if I do not have a Social Security card?

You can bring a W-2 form, 1099 form, or tax return instead. These documents must show your full Social Security number and your name. If you do not have any of these documents, contact DHSMV before your appointment to ask what other documents they will accept.

Do I need to bring my old license if it is expired?

Yes, bring your expired license. DHSMV uses it to verify your identity and pull up your existing record. If you have lost your license, bring a police report of the loss or contact DHSMV before your appointment to ask what to bring instead.

Can I bring a lease agreement that is older than 60 days?

No, your proof of address must be dated within the last 60 days. If your lease is older, bring a recent utility bill, insurance policy, or bank statement instead. If you have just moved and do not have a 60-day-old document yet, contact DHSMV to ask what temporary proof they will accept.

What if my name on my Social Security card does not match my current license?

Bring both your Social Security card and the document that changed your name — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. DHSMV will use the name-change document to update your record and issue a new license with the correct name.