What You Need to Renew Your Florida Driver's License

Documents required to renew your Florida driver's license

To renew your Florida driver's license by mail or in person, you need proof of identity, proof of Florida residency, and your current license. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) accepts specific documents for each category — you cannot substitute one type for another, and expired documents usually do not count. The exact documents you bring depend on whether you are renewing in person at a driver's license office or by mail.

If you are renewing by mail, DHSMV will send you a renewal notice about 90 days before your license expires. That notice includes a prepaid envelope and a checklist of what to include. If you do not receive a notice, you can still renew by mail if your license is not suspended and you meet the mail renewal rules — but you must request the renewal form first through the DHSMV website or by calling 1-844-DL-RENEW (1-844-357-3639).

Key Takeaways

You must bring your current Florida driver's license, proof of identity, and proof of Florida residency — each category has a specific list of documents DHSMV accepts.
If you renew by mail, send your current license, the renewal form, and required documents in the prepaid envelope DHSMV provides with your renewal notice.
Proof of identity can be a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or military ID; proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.
If your license is suspended, expired for more than six months, or you have changed your name or address, you must renew in person at a driver's license office.
The renewal fee is $75 for a four-year license or $125 for an eight-year license; mail renewal takes about two weeks after DHSMV receives your documents.

Proof of identity documents DHSMV accepts

DHSMV requires one document from the identity list. A U.S. passport (valid or expired within five years) is the easiest option because it serves as both identity and citizenship proof. A certified birth certificate with a raised seal, a military ID, a military discharge papers (DD-214), or a Native American tribal ID also count. A foreign passport is accepted only if you are a permanent resident of the United States.

School IDs, work IDs, and social media profiles do not count as proof of identity for license renewal. If your birth certificate is not certified or does not have a raised seal, DHSMV will not accept it. You can order a certified birth certificate from the Florida Department of Health or from the vital records office in the state where you were born.

Proof of Florida residency documents DHSMV accepts

You need one document showing your current Florida address. DHSMV accepts a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a homeowner's insurance policy, or a bank or credit card statement. The document must show your name and current Florida address and be dated within the last 60 days. A post office change-of-address form does not count.

If you live with someone else and the utility bill or lease is in their name, you can bring a notarized affidavit stating that you live at that address. DHSMV also accepts a letter from a homeless services provider, a shelter, or a transitional housing program if you do not have a permanent address. If you recently moved to Florida and do not yet have a 60-day-old document, bring two documents showing your intent to reside in Florida — such as a signed lease and a utility bill process.

Renewing in person at a driver's license office

Visit your local DHSMV driver's license office with your current license, proof of identity, and proof of residency. Bring the original documents or certified copies — DHSMV staff will not accept photocopies of birth certificates or passports. You can find your nearest office and check wait times on the DHSMV website. Many offices allow you to make an appointment online, which usually reduces your wait time to 15 to 30 minutes.

When you arrive, bring all required documents and be prepared to have your photo taken and your signature captured. The renewal process takes about 15 minutes once you reach the counter. You will pay the renewal fee in cash, by debit card, or by credit card at the office. Your new license will be mailed to you within two weeks.

Renewing by mail

If DHSMV sends you a renewal notice in the mail, you can renew by mail if your license is not suspended, you have not changed your name, and your address on file is still correct. Include your current license, the signed renewal form from the notice, proof of identity, and proof of residency in the prepaid envelope. Do not send cash — DHSMV will bill your credit card or debit card on file, or you can include a check or money order.

Mail your renewal package at least two weeks before your license expires to allow time for processing. DHSMV typically processes mail renewals within two weeks of receiving your documents, but processing can take longer during busy periods. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you do not receive your renewed license within three weeks of mailing your renewal, contact DHSMV at 1-844-DL-RENEW.

When you must renew in person instead of by mail

You cannot renew by mail if your license is suspended or revoked, if your license has been expired for more than six months, if you have changed your name since your last renewal, or if you need to update your address. You also must renew in person if you want to change your eye color, hair color, or height on your license, or if you want to add or remove the REAL ID designation.

If you are over 79 years old, Florida law requires you to renew in person every four years. If you have a medical condition that affects your driving, DHSMV may require you to renew in person and pass a vision or road test. Check your renewal notice or call DHSMV to confirm whether you are required to renew in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, you cannot renew by mail if your license has been expired for more than six months. You must renew in person at a driver's license office. Bring the same documents you would for a standard renewal: your expired license, proof of identity, and proof of residency.

What if my name changed since I got my current license?

You must renew in person at a driver's license office. Bring your current license, proof of identity, proof of residency, and a certified copy of the document showing your name change — such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. DHSMV will update your name on your new license.

Do I need to bring the original documents or can I send copies?

For mail renewal, send original documents or certified copies. DHSMV will not accept photocopies of birth certificates or passports. For in-person renewal, bring originals or certified copies — DHSMV staff will examine them and return them to you.

How much does a Florida driver's license renewal cost?

A four-year renewal costs $75, and an eight-year renewal costs $125. You pay the fee at the driver's license office if you renew in person, or by credit card, debit card, check, or money order if you renew by mail. DHSMV does not accept cash by mail.

What if I do not receive my renewal notice in the mail?

You can still renew by mail even without the notice. Visit the DHSMV website or call 1-844-DL-RENEW to request a renewal form. DHSMV will mail it to you, or you can print it from the website. Include the form, your current license, proof of identity, and proof of residency in your renewal package.

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.