Renew online, by mail, or in person depending on how long it has been expired
Florida lets you renew an expired driver license through three different routes, and which one you can use depends on how recently it expired. If your license expired less than six months ago, you can renew online or by mail without visiting a driver license office. If it expired more than six months ago, you must renew in person at a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office.
The online route is fastest — you can complete it in about 15 minutes and your new license ships within 7 to 10 business days. The by-mail route takes longer overall but requires no office visit. The in-person route is necessary if your license has been expired for more than six months, but it also lets you update your photo and address on the same day.
Key Takeaways
- Licenses expired less than six months can be renewed online at GoRenew.org or by mail; licenses expired more than six months must be renewed in person at a DHSMV office.
- Online renewal costs $48 for a four-year license and takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail.
- You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and current Florida license number to renew online.
- In-person renewal requires proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days) and a primary ID document if your license has been expired for more than six months.
- You cannot renew online if your license was suspended, revoked, or if you have unpaid traffic violations or child support obligations.
Renewing online if your license expired within six months
Visit GoRenew.org, Florida's official online renewal portal. You will need your current Florida driver license number, date of birth, and Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and pull up your existing license information.
Review your personal details — name, address, date of birth — and update anything that has changed. You cannot upload a new photo online; your new license will use the photo from your current license. If you need a new photo, you must renew in person instead.
Pay the renewal fee of $48 for a four-year license using a credit or debit card. After you submit payment, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you move before it arrives, contact the DHSMV to update your mailing address.
Renewing by mail if your license expired within six months
read the renewal form from the DHSMV website (form HSMV 82101) or request one by calling 1-844-DL-RENEW (1-844-357-3639). Fill out the form completely, including your name, date of birth, current license number, and new address if applicable.
Mail the completed form along with a check or money order for $48 to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of your current driver license (front and back). Mail processing takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date the DHSMV receives your envelope, so send it early if you need your license by a specific date.
Do not mail cash. If your check is returned for insufficient funds, the DHSMV will contact you. Keep a copy of everything you mail for your records.
Renewing in person at a DHSMV office
You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than six months. Visit the DHSMV office locator at flhsmv.gov to find the office nearest you and check its hours. Many offices now use an online appointment system; booking ahead can reduce your wait time, though walk-ins are also accepted.
Bring your expired Florida driver license and one primary ID document (passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate). You will also need proof of your current Florida address dated within 90 days — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. If your name has changed since your license was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.
At the office, you will have your photo taken for your new license. Tell the staff if you want to update your address or change any other information on your license. The new license is printed on-site and you receive it before you leave. The cost is $48 for a four-year license.
When you cannot renew online or by mail
The online and mail-in routes are not available if your license was suspended or revoked, if you have unpaid traffic violations, or if you owe child support. You also cannot renew online if you are over 79 years old (Florida requires in-person renewal for seniors). In any of these cases, you must visit a DHSMV office in person.
If your license was suspended or revoked, the DHSMV office can tell you the reason and what you need to do to restore it. This might involve paying a reinstatement fee, completing a defensive driving course, or resolving the underlying violation. You cannot get a new license until the suspension or revocation is lifted.
What happens if you drive with an expired license
Driving with an expired license in Florida is a non-criminal traffic violation. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can be issued a citation and fined. The fine amount varies, but a first offense typically results in a fine of $30 to $500. If your license has been expired for more than six months, the violation is treated more seriously.
If you are involved in an accident while driving with an expired license, your insurance may deny your claim, leaving you responsible for all damages. Renewing before you drive protects you legally and financially.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I drive after my license expires?
You cannot legally drive once your license expires. Florida does not have a grace period. If your license expired yesterday, you should not drive today. Renew online or by mail as soon as you notice the expiration date has passed.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket?
No. You must resolve the ticket first — either pay the fine, contest it in court, or complete traffic school if that option is available. Once the ticket is resolved, you can renew online or in person depending on how long your license has been expired.
What if I lost my driver license and it is also expired?
You will need to explore for a replacement license, not a renewal. This requires an in-person visit to a DHSMV office with proof of identity and Florida residency. Bring your passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate. The replacement fee is $25, separate from the license renewal fee.
Can I renew my license if I moved out of Florida?
No. Your Florida license is only valid if you are a Florida resident. If you moved to another state, you must get a driver license from that state. If you moved temporarily but still live in Florida, you can renew online or by mail and update your address on the form or at the office.
How do I know if my license was suspended or revoked?
Call the DHSMV at 1-844-DL-RENEW or visit the DHSMV website and use the license status checker. You will need your driver license number and date of birth. If there is a suspension or revocation, the system will tell you the reason and what steps you need to take to restore your driving privileges.