Florida driver's licenses expire on your birthday, six years after you received them

Your Florida driver's license is valid for exactly six years from the date you received it, and it expires on your birthday in the year it reaches that six-year mark. If you turned 16 and got your first license on March 15, 2018, your license expires on March 15, 2024. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) prints the expiration date on the front of your card in the bottom right corner.

You do not have to wait until your birthday to renew. Florida allows you to renew your license up to 18 months before the expiration date, which means you can handle it well in advance if you prefer not to wait until the last minute. Many people renew during the months leading up to their birthday to avoid the rush closer to the actual date.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Florida license expires on your birthday, six years after you received it, with the expiration date printed on the front of your card.
  • You can renew up to 18 months before your expiration date, so you do not have to wait until your birthday arrives.
  • Renewal can be done online through the DHSMV website, by mail, or in person at a driver's license office, depending on your situation.
  • Driving on an expired license is illegal in Florida and can result in a traffic citation and fines.
  • If your license has been expired for more than six months, you may need to pass a vision test or written exam when you renew.

How to check your exact expiration date

The expiration date is printed on the front of your physical license card in the bottom right corner, listed as "Expires" followed by the month and year. You can also look up your expiration date on the DHSMV website by entering your driver's license number and date of birth, though you will need to create an account or log in to do so.

If you have lost your license or cannot find it, you can call the DHSMV at 1-844-DL-FLORIDA (1-844-353-5762) and provide your name and date of birth. The staff can tell you when your license expires and whether you are may be able to access to renew online or must visit an office in person.

Renewing online through the DHSMV website

Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access. You can renew on the DHSMV website (www.flhsmv.gov) if your license is not expired, you have not had any address changes, your vision is still good, and you do not need to update your photo. The process takes about 10 minutes, costs $48 for a six-year renewal, and your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

To renew online, you will need your current driver's license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method (debit card or credit card). You will also confirm your address and answer a few health questions. Once you submit, you receive a confirmation number when ready. Your new physical card is mailed to the address on file, so make sure your address is current before you start.

Renewing by mail or at a driver's license office

If you cannot renew online—because your license is already expired, you need a new photo, or you have had an address change—you must renew in person at a DHSMV office or by mail. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes at most offices, though wait times vary by location and time of day. You will need to bring your current license (or an expired one if that is all you have), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address.

Renewing by mail is slower but avoids the office visit. You can request a renewal form from the DHSMV website or call 1-844-DL-FLORIDA to have one mailed to you. You fill it out, include copies of your documents, and mail it back with a check or money order. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date DHSMV receives it, so plan ahead if you choose this route.

What happens if your license expires

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Florida, even if the expiration happened just yesterday. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can receive a traffic citation, which carries a fine of up to $30 for a first offense. The citation does not add points to your driving record, but it is still a violation you want to avoid.

If your license has been expired for more than six months, you will need to pass a vision test when you renew, and you may be required to pass a written exam as well. The longer your license has been expired, the more likely the DHSMV will ask you to retake the written test to confirm you still know the rules of the road. This is another reason to renew before your expiration date rather than after.

Renewing if you have been out of state

If you have been living outside Florida for a while and your license has expired, you can still renew it when you return. You will need to renew in person at a DHSMV office and bring proof of your Florida residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days). If your license has been expired for more than six months, expect to take the vision test and possibly the written exam.

If you have moved to another state and obtained a license there, your Florida license is no longer valid. You do not need to formally cancel it, but you should not carry it as your primary ID. If you move back to Florida later, you can renew your Florida license at any DHSMV office.

Renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL)

Commercial driver's licenses in Florida follow the same six-year expiration rule as regular licenses, but the renewal process is different. You must renew a CDL in person at a DHSMV office and pass a medical examination (the DHSMV Medical Examination Report form, also called the DOT physical). You will also need to pass the written test and vision test, even if your CDL is not yet expired.

CDL renewals cannot be done online or by mail. Plan to spend 45 minutes to an hour at the office, and bring your current CDL, proof of Social Security number, proof of address, and your completed medical examination form signed by a licensed medical examiner. The cost is $75 for a six-year renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive if my license expires tomorrow?

No. Your license becomes invalid at the end of your birthday, and driving after that point is illegal. You should renew before your birthday arrives, not after. If you are close to your expiration date, renew online or visit an office as soon as you can.

How much does it cost to renew my Florida license?

A standard six-year renewal costs $48 if you renew online or by mail, or $75 if you renew in person at an office. If you need a replacement license (because yours was lost or stolen), the cost is $25. Some offices may charge a small additional fee for services like duplicate copies.

What if I renew online but then need to change my address?

You can change your address on the DHSMV website without renewing your license. Log in to your account, go to the address change section, and update it. Your new license will still be mailed to your old address if you have already submitted a renewal, so contact the DHSMV if you need to redirect it.

Do I need an appointment to renew at a driver's license office?

Most DHSMV offices accept walk-ins, but many also allow you to schedule an appointment online through the DHSMV website. Scheduling an appointment usually reduces your wait time, especially during busy periods like the end of the month or near holidays.

What if my license was suspended or revoked?

You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the DHSMV. Contact the DHSMV directly to find out what steps are required to restore your driving privileges before attempting to renew.