What you need before you start
Florida lets you renew your driver license online through the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) website, but only if your license meets certain conditions. You can renew online if your current license is not expired by more than five years, you have no medical suspensions, and you are not required to take a new photo or vision test.
Before you begin, gather your current Florida driver license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method — the DHSMV accepts credit cards, debit cards, and e-checks. You will also need an email address where you can receive your confirmation and tracking information.
If your license expired more than five years ago, if you need a new photo, or if you have any active suspensions on your record, you cannot use the online renewal process. In those cases, you will need to visit a Florida driver license office in person.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the DHSMV website works only if your license expired within the last five years and you have no medical suspensions or photo requirements.
- The renewal fee is $48 for a four-year license or $75 for an eight-year license, paid by credit card, debit card, or e-check at the time you submit your process.
- Your renewed license will be mailed to the address on file, and you can track its status using the confirmation number you receive by email.
- The entire online process takes about 10 to 15 minutes, but delivery to your home typically takes 7 to 10 business days.
- If you need a replacement before your new license arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at a driver license office.
Steps to renew on the DHSMV website
Go to the official DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov and select the option to renew your driver license online. You will be taken to a page asking whether you want to renew a driver license or an ID card — choose driver license. The system will then ask you to enter your driver license number and date of birth to pull up your record.
Review the information displayed on your screen. The DHSMV will show your current address, name, and other details from your file. If any information is incorrect, you can update it during this step. Once you confirm or correct your information, you will move to the payment screen.
Select your license term — four years or eight years — and the corresponding fee will appear. Enter your payment information and submit. You will receive a confirmation number when ready, and the DHSMV will send a confirmation email to the address you provided. Save both of these for your records.
What happens after you submit
After you complete your online renewal, the DHSMV processes your process and prints your new license. The new license is then mailed to the address on file in your driver record. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days, though this can vary depending on mail volume and your location within Florida.
You can track the status of your renewed license by visiting the DHSMV website and entering your confirmation number. The tracking system will tell you whether your license has been printed, mailed, or delivered. You can also call the DHSMV customer service line if you have questions about your specific renewal.
Your current license remains valid until your new one arrives, so you can continue to drive legally during the waiting period. If you need to drive out of state or need proof of your renewal before the new license arrives, you can print your confirmation email as temporary proof.
When you cannot renew online
The online renewal system will reject your process if your license expired more than five years ago. In that case, you must visit a driver license office and complete a full renewal process in person, which includes a new photo and vision test.
You also cannot renew online if you have any active medical suspensions on your driving record, if you are required to take a new photograph, or if your name has changed since your last license was issued. The DHSMV system will tell you which of these conditions applies to you when you enter your information — it will not let you proceed to payment if you are ineligible.
If you are unsure whether you can renew online, you can call the DHSMV at 1-844-33-FLHSMV (1-844-335-4786) before you attempt the renewal. A representative can check your record and tell you whether the online option is available to you.
Fees and payment options
A four-year driver license renewal costs $48. An eight-year renewal costs $75. These are the only two options available for online renewal — you cannot choose a different term or license type through this process.
The DHSMV accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover credit cards, as well as debit cards and e-checks. You will enter your payment information on a find page, and the charge will appear on your statement within one to two business days. The DHSMV does not accept cash, checks by mail, or payment in person for online renewals.
Updating your address during renewal
If you have moved since your last license was issued, you can update your address during the online renewal process. When the system displays your current information, you will see an option to edit your address. Enter your new Florida address and the DHSMV will mail your renewed license to that location.
If you have moved out of Florida, you cannot renew your Florida license online. You will need to visit a driver license office in person to change your address and complete a new process, or you can surrender your Florida license and obtain a license from your new state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it is already expired?
Yes, but only if it expired within the last five years. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you must visit a driver license office in person to renew it. The DHSMV system will tell you when ready whether your license is may be able to access for online renewal based on the expiration date.
How long does it take to receive my renewed license in the mail?
Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the time you submit your process. This does not include weekends or holidays. You can track your license using the confirmation number you receive by email to see whether it has been mailed and when it is expected to arrive.
What should I do if my license does not arrive after 10 business days?
Contact the DHSMV at 1-844-335-4786 with your confirmation number. A representative can check whether your license was mailed and provide an updated delivery estimate. If the license was lost in the mail, the DHSMV can issue a replacement.
Can I change my name or address if I renew online?
You can update your address during the online renewal process if you are still in Florida. However, if your name has changed, you cannot renew online — you must visit a driver license office in person and bring documentation of the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
What if I need to drive before my new license arrives?
Your current license remains valid until your new one arrives, so you can continue to drive legally. If you need proof of your renewal before the new license reaches you, you can print your confirmation email. Some situations may require a temporary paper license, which you can obtain at a driver license office.