Florida driver's license and ID card costs

A Florida driver's license costs $75 for an eight-year renewal or $48 for a four-year renewal if you are over 80. A Florida ID card (for non-drivers) costs $25 for an eight-year card. These are the fees you pay to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) when you renew or replace an existing card. If you are getting your first license or ID card, the cost is the same as a renewal.

The fee covers the card itself, the background check, and the processing. You pay this fee whether you renew in person at a DMV office, by mail, or online. Some counties may charge an additional service fee of $1 to $3 when you renew in person, but this varies by location.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard eight-year Florida driver's license costs $75, and a four-year license for drivers over 80 costs $48.
  • A Florida ID card for non-drivers costs $25 for eight years.
  • You pay the same fee whether you renew by mail, online, or in person at a DMV office.
  • Some counties add a $1 to $3 service fee when you renew in person, but the state fee itself does not change.

Replacement cards and duplicate fees

If your license or ID card is lost, stolen, or damaged, a replacement costs $25. This is less than the full renewal fee because you are not renewing your term — you are straightforward getting a new card with the same expiration date. The replacement card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days in most cases.

A duplicate card (an extra copy of your current license or ID) also costs $25. Some people order a duplicate to keep at home or in a safe place while they carry the original. The duplicate has the same expiration date as your original card.

What affects the total cost

The base fee is set by Florida law and does not change based on where you live or which DMV office you visit. However, a few things can add to your total cost. If you need a REAL ID-compliant card (required for federal buildings and domestic flights), there is no extra fee — Florida licenses are REAL ID-compliant by default. If you need to change your name or address, there is no additional charge; the fee covers the update.

If you are renewing by mail and need to include documents (such as proof of residency or a new Social Security card), you may have to pay for certified copies or notarization, though this is not required by DHSMV itself. Some counties charge a small fee to process your process in person, as mentioned above, but this is not a state fee.

How to pay and where to renew

You can renew your Florida license or ID card in three ways: online through the DHSMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Online renewal costs $75 for a driver's license and $25 for an ID card, and you pay by credit card or debit card. By mail, you send a check or money order along with your process form and documents. In person, you pay cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

Not all renewals can be done online. You must renew in person or by mail if you are changing your name, address, or vision correction status, or if your license has been suspended or revoked. If you are may be able to access for online renewal, the DHSMV website will tell you when you log in.

Age-based license costs

Florida offers different license terms based on your age. Drivers under 80 pay $75 for an eight-year license. Drivers 80 and older pay $48 for a four-year license. The lower cost for older drivers reflects the shorter validity period, not a discount. When your four-year license expires, you renew at the same $48 rate if you are still 80 or older.

Teen drivers (16 and 17) pay the same $75 fee as adult drivers for an eight-year license. There is no reduced rate for first-time teen licenses.

Commercial driver's license costs

A commercial driver's license (CDL) costs more than a standard license. A CDL renewal costs $75 for eight years, the same as a regular license, but you must also pass a medical examination and provide a medical certificate. The medical exam is not paid to DHSMV; you pay a doctor or clinic directly, and costs vary. Some employers cover this cost for their drivers.

A CDL learner's permit costs $10 and is valid for 30 days. You need this permit before you can take the CDL written test. If you fail the test and need to retake it, you pay another $10 for a new permit.

When your license expires and renewal timing

Your Florida driver's license or ID card expiration date is printed on the front of the card. You can renew up to one year before it expires. If your license has already expired, you can still renew by mail or online, but you cannot drive legally until the new card arrives. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you must renew in person at a DMV office and may need to retake the written test and vision test.

Renewal by mail takes 7 to 10 business days. Online renewal is faster — your temporary digital license appears in your phone when ready, and your physical card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 days. In-person renewal is when ready; you receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your plastic card by mail within 7 to 10 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay extra for a REAL ID card in Florida?

No. All Florida driver's licenses and ID cards are REAL ID-compliant at no extra cost. You do not need to request anything special or pay an additional fee. Your standard license works for federal buildings and domestic flights.

What if I renew online but need to change my address?

You cannot change your address online. You must renew in person at a DMV office or by mail. The fee is still $75 for a driver's license or $25 for an ID card. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.

Can I get a refund if I renew and then move out of Florida?

No. Once you pay the renewal fee, it is not refundable. If you move out of state, you will need to get a license from your new state. Your Florida license remains valid until its expiration date, but you cannot legally drive in another state on a Florida license if you now live there.

Is there a fee to take the written test for a new license?

The written test and vision test are included in the license fee. You do not pay separately for the tests. If you fail and need to retake the test, you do not pay an additional fee — you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment at no cost.

What happens if I lose my license before it expires?

A replacement costs $25. You can order it online, by mail, or in person. The new card has the same expiration date as your original license, so you are not paying for a full renewal — just a replacement of the physical card.