How to Renew Your Florida Driver's License

The fastest way to renew your Florida license

You can renew your Florida driver's license online through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) website, by mail, or in person at a driver's license office. Online renewal is the quickest option — you can complete it in about 10 minutes and your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. You are may be able to access to renew online if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical conditions that need to be reviewed, and your license has not been expired for more than 5 years.

If you cannot renew online, you can mail in your renewal process or visit a local DHSMV office. Mailed renewals take 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal at an office takes about an hour from arrival to completion, and you leave with a temporary license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the DHSMV website works if your license is current, not suspended, and expired less than 5 years ago — it takes 10 minutes and costs $48.
Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days after online renewal, or 2 to 3 weeks if you mail a paper process.
You need your Social Security number, date of birth, and current Florida driver's license number to start an online renewal.
If your license has been expired more than 5 years, you cannot renew by mail or online and must visit a driver's license office in person.
In-person renewal at a DHSMV office gives you a temporary license when ready, valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed.

Renewing online through the DHSMV website

Go to the Florida DHSMV website and select "Renew Your Driver License" from the main menu. You will need your current Florida driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and ask whether you want to keep the same address or update it. You can also choose whether to donate to the Florida Wildlife Conservation Commission during this step.

The renewal fee is $48 for a standard 8-year license. You pay by credit card, debit card, or e-check during the online process. Once you submit, you receive a confirmation number. Your new license is printed and mailed to the address you provided — typically arriving within 7 to 10 business days. Your current license remains valid until the new one arrives.

Online renewal is not available if your license is suspended or revoked, if you have medical conditions that require DHSMV review, if you are under 21, or if your license expired more than 5 years ago. You also cannot renew online if you need to change your name or if your current license was issued outside Florida.

Mailing in your renewal process

If you prefer not to renew online, you can request a renewal process by mail or read it from the DHSMV website. The form is called the "process for Florida Driver License" (HSMV 82101). Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license to the address listed on the form.

Include a check or money order for $48 made payable to "DHSMV." Do not send cash. Mail your process to the DHSMV office address provided with the form — this varies by region. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date DHSMV receives your process. Your new license will be mailed to you, and your old license remains valid during this time.

Mailed renewal has the same restrictions as online renewal: your license cannot be suspended or revoked, cannot have been expired more than 5 years, and you cannot have medical conditions requiring review. If any of these explore, you must renew in person.

Renewing in person at a DHSMV office

Visit your local DHSMV driver's license office with your current Florida driver's license and proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). Bring proof of your current address if it has changed since your license was issued — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days works. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but you can schedule one online to reduce wait time.

The renewal fee is $48, paid by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the office. The process takes 15 to 60 minutes depending on how busy the office is. You will take a new photo and answer questions about your health and driving record. Before you leave, you receive a temporary license valid for 30 days. Your permanent license is mailed to your address and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired more than 5 years, if it is suspended or revoked, if you have medical conditions that need review, or if you are under 21. You also must renew in person if you need to change your name, correct information on your license, or if your current license was issued outside Florida.

What to do if your license is expired more than 5 years

If your Florida driver's license has been expired for more than 5 years, you cannot renew it — you must reapply as if getting a license for the first time. This means visiting a DHSMV office in person, providing proof of identity and Social Security number, passing a vision test, and taking a new photo. You will also need to provide proof of your current address.

The cost is $48 for an 8-year license. The process takes longer than a standard renewal because DHSMV reviews your driving record and medical history more thoroughly. You receive a temporary license at the office and your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you have any suspensions or revocations on your record, those must be cleared before you can reapply.

Finding your nearest DHSMV office and checking wait times

The DHSMV website has a location finder where you can enter your city or ZIP code to see all nearby driver's license offices. Each office listing shows hours of operation, phone number, and services offered. Some offices handle renewals only, while others handle all license services. A few offices are open on Saturday mornings.

Many DHSMV offices now show estimated wait times on their websites. Check the wait time before you go — if it is longer than an hour, consider scheduling an appointment online or visiting at a different time. Early morning and mid-week visits typically have shorter waits than afternoons and Fridays. You can also call your local office directly to ask about current wait times.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Florida license if it is suspended?

No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact DHSMV or the court that issued the suspension to clear it first. Once cleared, you can renew in person at a driver's license office. Call the DHSMV customer service line or visit your local office to find out why your license is suspended and what steps are needed to restore it.

What happens if I drive with an expired license while waiting for my renewal?

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Florida, even if you have submitted a renewal process or have a temporary license. If you are stopped, you can show the officer your temporary license or confirmation of your online renewal to avoid a ticket. Keep your confirmation number or temporary license with you while your new license is in the mail.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

If you renew online or by mail, your photo from your current license is used on your new license — you do not take a new photo. If you renew in person at a DHSMV office, you will take a new photo as part of the process. You cannot bring your own photo; DHSMV takes it during your visit.

Can I change my address when I renew my license?

Yes. If you renew online, you can update your address during the renewal process. If you renew by mail or in person, you provide your new address on the process or to the clerk at the office. Your new license will be mailed to the updated address. Make sure the address is correct before you submit, because DHSMV mails to the address you provide.

What if my name has changed since my license was issued?

You cannot renew online or by mail if your name has changed. You must visit a DHSMV office in person and bring a document showing your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office will update your name and issue a new license. This counts as a new license rather than a renewal, so the process takes longer.

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.