Florida driver's license renewal costs $75 for a standard eight-year license
The renewal fee for a standard Florida driver's license is $75. This covers an eight-year license that arrives by mail after you complete your renewal. The fee is the same whether you renew in person at a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office or online through the state's website.
If you need your license faster than the mail delivery timeline, you can request a temporary license at an DHSMV office for an additional $10. The temporary license is valid when ready and lets you drive while you wait for your permanent license to arrive.
Some people renew their licenses at a different cost depending on their situation. If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), the fee is higher. If you are renewing a license that expired more than six months ago, you may need to retake the written test and vision screening, which adds processing time but not an extra fee at renewal.
Key Takeaways
- A standard Florida driver's license renewal costs $75 and is valid for eight years.
- You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DHSMV office, and the $75 fee is the same for all three methods.
- A temporary license costs an additional $10 if you need to drive before your permanent license arrives.
- Commercial driver's licenses have a different renewal fee structure and require additional testing.
- Payment methods at DHSMV offices include cash, check, debit card, and credit card, but online renewal requires a credit or debit card.
How to pay when you renew online or by mail
If you renew online through the Florida DHSMV website, you will pay the $75 fee with a credit card or debit card at the time you submit your renewal. The website accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. You receive a confirmation number when ready after payment, and your license is processed within five to seven business days.
If you renew by mail, you send a check or money order for $75 along with your renewal process and required documents. Mail your payment to the address listed on the renewal form you receive. Processing takes longer by mail — typically two to three weeks — because the DHSMV must receive your documents, process them, and then mail your license back to you.
Payment methods at DHSMV offices
When you renew in person at a DHSMV office, you can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. The office will process your renewal on the spot and give you a receipt. If you request a temporary license, you pay the additional $10 at the same time.
DHSMV offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some locations have extended hours on certain days. You do not need an appointment for a standard renewal, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Arriving early in the morning or on a weekday afternoon typically means a shorter wait.
What happens if your license expired long ago
If your Florida license has been expired for more than six months, you cannot renew it — you must reapply as if you were getting a license for the first time. This means you will need to pass the written test, vision screening, and road test. The cost is higher than a renewal: a new license costs $75 for the license itself, plus fees for testing and processing that vary depending on whether you take the tests at a DHSMV office or a third-party testing location.
If your license expired fewer than six months ago, you can still renew it at the standard $75 rate without retesting. The DHSMV considers this a renewal rather than a new process.
Commercial driver's license renewal costs
A commercial driver's license (CDL) renewal in Florida costs $75 for the license itself, but you may owe additional fees depending on your endorsements and whether you need a medical certificate. If you hold hazmat endorsement or other special endorsements, those may have separate fees. You must renew your CDL in person at a DHSMV office — you cannot renew online or by mail.
CDL renewals also require a current medical certificate from a certified medical examiner if you drive a vehicle that requires one. The medical certificate is not issued by the DHSMV and costs money through your doctor or a certified examiner, but that fee is separate from the $75 DHSMV renewal fee.
Fees for other license types and changes
If you are renewing a license and also requesting a name change, address change, or corrected information, the $75 renewal fee covers those updates — there is no additional charge. However, if you want to change your license class (for example, from a regular license to a CDL), you cannot do that during renewal and must reapply.
If you want to add a motorcycle endorsement to your license during renewal, you will pay the $75 renewal fee plus the cost of the motorcycle test, which is typically $10 to $15 depending on the testing location. The test must be taken in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Florida license if I live out of state?
Yes. You can renew online through the DHSMV website from anywhere, or you can renew by mail. Both methods work for people who have moved out of Florida. Online renewal is fastest — five to seven business days — and you pay the $75 fee with a credit or debit card.
What if I lose my license before it arrives in the mail?
Contact the DHSMV to report it lost and request a replacement. A replacement license costs $25 and is mailed to you. If you need to drive before it arrives, you can get a temporary license for $10 at a DHSMV office.
Do I have to renew in person, or can I always do it online?
Most people can renew online or by mail. You must renew in person only if you are renewing a CDL, if your vision has changed significantly, or if the DHSMV notifies you that your renewal requires an in-person visit. Standard license renewals can be done online or by mail.
Is there a discount if I renew early?
No. The $75 fee is the same whether you renew early or wait until your license is about to expire. However, renewing early means you do not risk driving with an expired license if mail delivery is delayed.
What if I need my license before the mail arrives?
You can get a temporary license at any DHSMV office for $10. It is valid when ready and lets you drive while you wait for your permanent license. The temporary license is printed on the spot and is valid for 30 days.