Florida lets you renew online, by mail, or at a driver license office — the method depends on your license type and how much time you have
Florida offers three renewal paths. If your license is not suspended, you have not had certain medical conditions reported, and your name has not changed, you can renew online through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) website for $47.50. If you cannot renew online, you can mail in your process with a check or money order, or visit a driver license office in person. The online route takes minutes and you receive your renewed license by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal at an office is fastest if you need your license when ready.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal costs $47.50, takes minutes to complete, and your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days if you meet the may be able to access requirements.
- You cannot renew online if your license is suspended, if you have a medical condition on file, or if you need to change your name or address.
- Mail renewal requires Form HSMV 82053, a check or money order, and takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date DHSMV receives your packet.
- In-person renewal at a driver license office is the only option if your license is expired by more than 6 months or if you need to update your photo.
- You must renew before your expiration date or within 6 months after it expires; after 6 months, you must retake the written and vision tests.
Online renewal through the DHSMV website
Go to gorenew.com, the official Florida DHSMV renewal portal. Enter your driver license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will confirm your may be able to access in real time. If you are may be able to access, you will see the $47.50 fee and can pay by debit card or credit card. You do not need to upload documents or take a new photo.
After you complete payment, you will receive a confirmation number by email. Your renewed license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If your address has changed, you must update it before you renew online, or the license will go to your old address. You can update your address on gorenew.com before you start the renewal, or by calling the DHSMV at 1-844-DL-RENEW (1-844-357-3639).
Online renewal is not available if your license is suspended or revoked, if you have a medical condition reported to DHSMV, if you are under 21, or if you need to change your name. If any of these explore to you, use mail or in-person renewal instead.
Mail renewal with Form HSMV 82053
Request the renewal process by calling 1-844-DL-RENEW or read Form HSMV 82053 from the DHSMV website. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and enclose a check or money order for $47.50 made payable to "DHSMV". Do not send cash. Mail your packet to the address listed on the form — there are regional processing centers, and the form will show you which one to use based on your county.
DHSMV processes mail renewals in the order they are received. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date they receive your packet. Your renewed license will be mailed to the address on your process. If you need to change your address, write the new address clearly on the form or call 1-844-DL-RENEW before you mail it.
Mail renewal is slower than online renewal but works if you are not may be able to access for online renewal or if you prefer not to use the internet. Keep a copy of your confirmation number or the form for your records in case your packet is lost in the mail.
In-person renewal at a driver license office
Visit any Florida driver license office with your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and payment of $47.50 by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
Arrive early or check wait times online before you go — some offices have long lines, especially near the end of the month or before holidays. You will have your photo taken and your vision tested. Your renewed license is printed on site, and you can leave with it the same day. In-person renewal is the only option if your license expired more than 6 months ago, because you must retake the written and vision tests.
Find your nearest driver license office and check hours at the DHSMV office locator on their website. Some offices accept walk-ins only; others use an appointment system. Call ahead or check online to confirm the office's policy.
What happens if your license is expired or suspended
If your license expired fewer than 6 months ago, you can renew by any of the three methods above without retaking tests. If your license expired more than 6 months ago, you must visit a driver license office in person, retake the written test and vision test, and pay the $47.50 renewal fee. You cannot renew online or by mail if your license is more than 6 months expired.
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it. You must first resolve the suspension by paying any outstanding fines, completing a required course, or meeting other conditions set by DHSMV. Call 1-844-DL-RENEW to find out why your license is suspended and what you must do to lift the suspension. Once the suspension is cleared, you can renew through any of the three methods.
Documents and fees for each renewal method
| Renewal Method | Documents Needed | Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online (gorenew.com) | Driver license number, date of birth, last 4 digits of SSN | $47.50 | 7–10 business days |
| Mail (Form HSMV 82053) | Completed form, check or money order | $47.50 | 2–3 weeks |
| In Person | Current license, proof of residency, Social Security card or document, payment method | $47.50 | Same day |
When you cannot use the standard renewal process
You must visit a driver license office in person if your license is suspended, if you are under 21, if you have a medical condition on file with DHSMV, if you need to change your name, or if your license expired more than 6 months ago. You also must renew in person if you need a new photo — online and mail renewal do not include a new photo.
If you have a commercial driver license (CDL), you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a driver license office and pass the required tests. If you hold a motorcycle endorsement, you must also pass the motorcycle test in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Florida license if I live out of state?
Yes. You can renew online through gorenew.com or by mail using Form HSMV 82053, regardless of where you live. You cannot renew in person at a Florida office if you are not in the state, but online and mail renewal will send your new license to any address you provide.
What if I do not receive my renewed license after 10 business days?
Call 1-844-DL-RENEW with your confirmation number. DHSMV can track your license and tell you if it has been mailed. If it was lost in the mail, they can reissue it. If you need a license before a replacement arrives, you can visit a driver license office and request a temporary license.
Can I renew my license before the expiration date?
Yes. You can renew up to 6 months before your license expires. Online and mail renewal take the same time whether you renew early or close to the expiration date. Renewing early ensures you do not accidentally let your license lapse.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?
Not for online or mail renewal — your current photo stays on file. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a driver license office. A new photo is required if your license expired more than 6 months ago, because you must retake the vision test in person.
What if my name changed since I got my current license?
You cannot renew online or by mail if your name has changed. You must visit a driver license office in person with a certified copy of the document that shows the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Bring your current license and proof of residency as well.