How to Renew Your Florida Driver's License Online

What you need before you start

Florida lets you renew your driver's license online if your license is not expired more than five years, you have no medical suspensions on your record, and your address on file is current. You will need your Florida driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method — a debit card, credit card, or electronic check.

Before you begin, check the expiration date on your license. If it expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew online; you will need to visit a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office in person. If your address has changed since your last renewal, update it through the DHSMV website first, or plan to update it during the online renewal.

The online renewal takes about 10 minutes. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, and you should receive it within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license while you wait.

Key Takeaways

You can renew online only if your license expired within the last five years and you have no medical suspensions.
Go to the official DHSMV website (flhsmv.gov) and select the online renewal option to start the process.
You will pay a renewal fee using a debit card, credit card, or electronic check during the online transaction.
Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, and you can drive legally on your current license until it arrives.

Step-by-step: completing the online renewal

Start at flhsmv.gov and look for the "Online Services" section. Click on "Renew Your Driver License" or "Driver License Renewal." You will be taken to the find renewal portal.

Enter your Florida driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your record and show you the information on file — your name, address, and license class. Review it carefully. If your address is wrong, you can update it at this step before you pay.

Next, you will answer a few questions about your health and driving record. These are standard questions: whether you have any medical conditions that affect your ability to drive, whether you have been convicted of certain traffic offenses, and whether you wear corrective lenses. Answer honestly. If you answer "yes" to any of these, the system may tell you that you cannot renew online and will need to visit an office.

Once you pass those questions, you will see the renewal fee. As of 2024, a standard eight-year renewal costs $75. The fee can vary if you are renewing for a shorter period or if you hold a commercial license. Enter your payment information and complete the transaction. You will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email.

What happens after you pay

After your payment is processed, the DHSMV will print your new license and mail it to the address you provided. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to do anything else — no visit to an office, no additional forms.

While you wait, your current license remains valid. You can drive, use it for identification, and present it to law enforcement if stopped. Do not destroy your old license until the new one arrives.

If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, you can check the status on the DHSMV website using your confirmation number, or call the DHSMV at 1-844-DL-RENEW (1-844-357-3639). Have your confirmation number ready.

When you cannot renew online

If your license expired more than five years ago, online renewal is not an option. You will need to visit a DHSMV office and renew in person. Bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease), and proof of Social Security number (a Social Security card or tax return).

If you have a medical suspension on your record, you cannot renew online. A medical suspension means the DHSMV has flagged your license because of a health condition or a failed medical review. You will need to visit an office and may need to provide medical documentation or pass a vision or driving test before your license can be renewed.

If you answer "yes" to any of the health or driving record questions during the online process, the system will stop and direct you to an office. This does not mean you have done anything wrong — it means your situation needs to be reviewed by a DHSMV employee in person.

Updating your address during renewal

If your address has changed, you can update it during the online renewal. When the system shows your current information, look for an "Edit" or "Update Address" button. Enter your new address and the system will verify it. Your new license will be mailed to the updated address.

If you do not update your address during renewal and realize it is wrong after you have paid, contact the DHSMV right away. You may be able to request that your license be mailed to a different address, though this depends on how far along your license is in the printing and mailing process.

Payment and fees

The renewal fee for a standard eight-year license is $75 as of 2024. The DHSMV accepts debit cards, credit cards, and electronic checks. There is no additional fee for paying online — the cost is the same whether you renew in person or through the website.

If you are renewing for a shorter period — for example, if you are renewing before you turn 79, when Florida requires an in-person renewal — the fee will be lower. The system will calculate the correct fee based on your birth date and the current date.

Keep your confirmation number and receipt. You will need the confirmation number if you have to contact the DHSMV about your renewal, and the receipt is proof that you paid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it is already expired?

Yes, you can renew online if it expired within the last five years. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a DHSMV office. Driving with an expired license is illegal, so renew as soon as you notice your license has expired.

How do I know if I have a medical suspension?

If you have a medical suspension, you will usually receive a letter from the DHSMV telling you. If you are not sure, call the DHSMV at 1-844-357-3639 before you try to renew online. They can tell you whether your license has any holds or suspensions.

What if the online system says I cannot renew?

The system will tell you why — usually because your license is too old, you have a medical suspension, or you answered "yes" to a health or driving record question. Visit a DHSMV office with your license and required documents. An employee can review your record and tell you what you need to do next.

Can I renew my license if I moved out of state?

No. If you no longer live in Florida, you should not renew a Florida license. Instead, you will need to get a license from your new state. If you still live in Florida but moved to a new address, update your address during the online renewal process.

What if my name has changed since my last renewal?

If your name has changed — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — you cannot renew online. You will need to visit a DHSMV office in person and bring legal documents showing the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.