What you need before you start

Florida lets you renew your driver's license online through the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) website if your license is still valid or expired less than six months ago. You cannot renew online if your license expired more than six months ago — you will need to visit a driver's license office in person for that.

Before you begin the online renewal, gather these items: your current Florida driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit card, credit card, or electronic check). You will also need an email address where you can receive your confirmation.

The online renewal process takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, and you should receive it within 7 to 10 business days. During that time, you can still drive legally using your current license.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew online only if your license is currently valid or expired within the last six months.
  • The renewal fee is $48 for a four-year license or $75 for an eight-year license, paid by debit card, credit card, or electronic check.
  • You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid email address to complete the renewal.
  • Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, and your current license remains valid until it arrives.
  • If your license expired more than six months ago, you must renew in person at a driver's license office.

Step-by-step: completing your renewal online

Go to the DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov and look for the "Online Services" section. Click on "Renew Your Driver License" and select the option for online renewal. The system will ask you to enter your driver's license number and date of birth to pull up your record.

Review the information on your current license — name, address, height, eye color, and other details. If anything is incorrect, you will not be able to fix it online; you will need to visit a driver's license office instead. If everything is correct, proceed to confirm your information and move to payment.

Choose your license type: a four-year license or an eight-year license. The four-year license costs $48, and the eight-year license costs $75. Enter your payment information and confirm the email address where you want your receipt sent. Review your order one final time before submitting.

After you submit, you will receive a confirmation number on screen and an email confirmation. Save or print this confirmation — it is your proof that you have renewed. Your new physical license will arrive at the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

When the online renewal will not work

If your license expired more than six months ago, the online system will not let you renew. You will need to visit a driver's license office in person and bring your current or expired license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return).

You also cannot renew online if you need to change your name, address, or other personal information on your license. The online system only renews licenses with no changes to your record. If you have moved, you can update your address online through a separate service on the DHSMV website, but you must do this before you renew your license.

If your license was suspended, revoked, or cancelled, you cannot renew online. You will need to contact the DHSMV or visit a driver's license office to find out what steps are required before you can renew.

What happens after you submit your renewal

Once your renewal is submitted and paid, the DHSMV processes your request. You will receive an email confirmation with your confirmation number. This email is your receipt and proof that you have renewed — keep it until your new license arrives.

Your new license is printed and mailed to the address on your current license. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days, though it can take longer during busy periods or if there are weather delays. You can continue to drive using your current license during this time; it remains valid even after it shows as expired on the DHSMV system.

If you do not receive your new license within 15 business days, contact the DHSMV at 1-844-33-FLHSMV (1-844-335-4768) or visit flhsmv.gov to check the status of your renewal.

Updating your address before you renew

If you have moved since your license was issued, you should update your address on the DHSMV system before you renew online. Go to flhsmv.gov, find the "Online Services" section, and select "Update Your Address." You will need your driver's license number and date of birth.

Updating your address takes just a few minutes and is free. Your new license will then be mailed to your new address when you complete your renewal. If you renew online without updating your address first, your new license will go to your old address, and you will have to contact the DHSMV to have it reissued to the correct location.

Payment and fees

The renewal fee depends on which license type you choose. A four-year license costs $48, and an eight-year license costs $75. These are the only fees charged for online renewal — there are no additional processing fees or service charges.

You can pay by debit card, credit card, or electronic check. The payment is processed when ready when you submit your renewal. Your confirmation email will show the amount charged and the last four digits of the payment method you used.

If your payment is declined, the renewal will not go through. Check that your card number, expiration date, and billing address are correct, and try again. If you continue to have trouble, you can renew in person at a driver's license office and pay with cash, check, or card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it expired more than six months ago?

No. The online renewal system only works if your license is currently valid or expired within the last six months. If it expired more than six months ago, you must renew in person at a driver's license office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.

How long does it take to receive my new license in the mail?

Your new license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days of submitting your renewal. During this time, your current license remains valid and you can continue to drive. If you do not receive it within 15 business days, contact the DHSMV at 1-844-335-4768 or check the status on flhsmv.gov.

What if I need to change my name or address?

You can update your address for free on flhsmv.gov before you renew. If you need to change your name, you must visit a driver's license office in person and bring a court order or certified copy of your marriage certificate or divorce decree.

Can I renew online if my license was suspended or revoked?

No. You cannot renew online if your license was suspended, revoked, or cancelled. Contact the DHSMV at 1-844-335-4768 or visit a driver's license office to find out what you need to do to restore your driving privileges before you can renew.

What payment methods does the online renewal accept?

The DHSMV online renewal system accepts debit cards, credit cards, and electronic checks. Your payment is processed when ready when you submit your renewal, and you will receive an email confirmation with the amount charged.