What you need before you start
Florida lets you renew your driver's license online if your license is still valid or expired less than six months ago. Before you go to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) website, 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 also need to know whether you can renew online or if you must visit a driver's license office in person. You cannot renew online if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you need to update your address, if you want to change your name, or if your vision has changed significantly since your last renewal. If any of these explore to you, you will need to visit a local DHSMV office instead.
The online renewal takes about 10 minutes if you have all your information ready. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days in most cases, though processing can take longer during busy periods.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your license is currently valid or expired within the last six months, and you have no suspensions or name changes.
- The Florida DHSMV website is where you start the renewal, and you will need your license number, Social Security number, and a payment method.
- The renewal fee varies depending on how long your new license will be valid — typically $48 for a four-year renewal or $75 for an eight-year renewal.
- Your new license arrives by mail, so you should keep your old license until the new one shows up.
Steps to renew on the DHSMV website
Go to the official Florida DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov and look for the "Renew Your Driver License" option. You will see a link that says "Renew Online" — click that. The system will ask you to enter your driver's license number and date of birth to pull up your record.
Once your record appears, review all the information on screen: your name, address, height, eye color, and other details. If anything is wrong, you cannot fix it online. Stop here and visit a driver's license office in person instead. If everything is correct, proceed to the next step.
The system will then ask you to choose how long you want your new license to be valid. Florida offers a four-year renewal and an eight-year renewal. The eight-year option costs more but means you will not need to renew again for eight years. Select the option you prefer and move forward.
Enter your payment information on the find payment page. Florida accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and electronic check payments. After your payment processes, you will receive a confirmation number on screen — write this down or take a screenshot. You will also receive a confirmation email.
What happens after you submit
Once your renewal is submitted and paid, the DHSMV processes your request. You do not need to do anything else. Your new license will be printed and mailed to the address on file. If you moved recently and updated your address before renewing, your license will go to your new address.
Check your email for updates. The DHSMV sometimes sends a message if there is a problem with your renewal — for example, if your payment did not go through or if the system flagged something that needs in-person verification. If you do not hear anything within a few days, your renewal is processing normally.
Keep your old license until your new one arrives. You can still use it to drive legally during the processing period. Once your new license comes in the mail, destroy your old one or keep it for your records — Florida does not require you to return it.
Renewal fees and what they cover
The cost of your renewal depends on which option you choose. A four-year renewal typically costs $48, while an eight-year renewal typically costs $75. These prices can change, so check the DHSMV website for the current fee before you pay.
The fee covers the cost of producing and mailing your new license. It does not include any additional services. If you need to add a Real ID designation to your license (which is required for federal air travel as of May 2025), you cannot do that online — you must visit a driver's license office in person and bring documents that prove your identity and residency.
If something goes wrong during renewal
If your payment is declined, the system will tell you when ready. Try again with a different payment method or contact your bank to make sure your card is not being blocked. If the problem continues, you will need to renew in person at a driver's license office.
If you submitted your renewal but never received your new license after 14 days, contact the DHSMV. You can call their customer service line or visit a local office with your confirmation number. They can check the status of your order and remail it if it was lost.
If the DHSMV sends you an email saying your renewal was denied or needs more information, do not ignore it. Follow the instructions in the email. Usually this means you need to visit an office in person to verify something — often your identity or your address.
When you must renew in person instead
Some situations require you to walk into a driver's license office rather than renewing online. If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew online. If you need to change your name, address, or other personal information, you must do that in person. If your vision has changed or you need to update your medical information, you also need an in-person visit.
If your license expired more than six months ago, online renewal is not an option — you will need to renew in person. The same applies if your license was lost or stolen. To find your nearest driver's license office, use the DHSMV office locator on their website and check the hours before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than six months ago?
No, online renewal is only for licenses that are still valid or expired within six months. If your license expired longer 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 get my new license in the mail?
Most new licenses arrive within 7 to 10 business days. During busy periods or around holidays, it can take longer. You can use your old license to drive legally while you wait for the new one to arrive.
Do I need a Real ID to renew online?
No, you can renew your standard driver's license online. If you want to add a Real ID designation (required for federal air travel), you must visit a driver's license office in person and bring documents proving your identity and residency.
What if my address changed since my last renewal?
If you moved, you cannot update your address during an online renewal. You must visit a driver's license office in person to change your address. Bring proof of your new residency, such as a utility bill or lease.
Can I renew online if my license was suspended?
No, you cannot renew online if your license is suspended or revoked. You must visit a driver's license office and resolve the suspension first. Contact the DHSMV to find out why your license was suspended and what you need to do to restore it.