How to renew your Florida driver's license
You can renew your Florida driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need to update your photo or address. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office, but some situations require an in-person visit.
Your license is valid for eight years from the date it was issued. Florida sends renewal notices to your mailing address about 90 days before expiration, though you do not have to wait for the notice to renew. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $75.25 for an eight-year license, but you must have a valid Social Security number and a current Florida address on file.
- Mail renewal uses the form sent with your renewal notice and takes two to three weeks; you pay by check or money order and mail everything to the address on the form.
- In-person renewal at a DHSMV office is required if your name has changed, you need a new photo, your license was suspended or revoked, or you are renewing after it has been expired for more than six months.
- You will need your current license, proof of Florida residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return) for in-person renewal.
- DHSMV offices accept walk-ins, but you can also schedule an appointment online to reduce wait time.
Renewing online through the DHSMV website
Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is still valid and you do not need to change your photo or personal information. Go to the official DHSMV website (flhsmv.gov) and select the renewal option. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to log in.
The system will show you your current information and ask whether it is correct. If your address or name has changed, you cannot complete the renewal online and must renew by mail or in person instead. If everything matches, you pay the renewal fee by debit or credit card. Your new license arrives by mail in about seven to ten business days.
Online renewal costs $75.25 for an eight-year license. This fee is nonrefundable, even if you change your mind after paying.
Renewing by mail with your renewal notice
Mail renewal uses the form that arrives with your renewal notice. Complete the form, sign it, and mail it with your payment (check or money order only) to the address printed on the form. Do not send cash. Include your current license if you want it returned to you, though this is optional.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time DHSMV receives your envelope. There is no way to track your process or check its status online. The new license arrives by mail once it is processed. If you do not receive it within four weeks of mailing, contact DHSMV to confirm they received your form.
The renewal fee by mail is the same as online: $75.25 for an eight-year license. If you lose your renewal notice, you can read the form from flhsmv.gov or call DHSMV at 1-844-33-DHSMV (1-844-333-4768) to request a new one.
Renewing in person at a DHSMV office
You must renew in person if your name has changed since your last license was issued, you want a new photo, your license was suspended or revoked, your license has been expired for more than six months, or you are renewing for the first time after turning 21. You also need an in-person visit if you want to change your address and did not update it online or by mail first.
Bring your current license, proof of Florida residency (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and address), and proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, tax return, W-2, or 1099 form). If your name has changed, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
DHSMV offices are open Monday through Friday during regular business hours, though hours vary by location. You can walk in without an appointment, but wait times can be long. To reduce your wait, schedule an appointment online at flhsmv.gov. Appointments are free and can usually be scheduled within a few days.
What happens if your license has expired
If your license expired fewer than six months ago, you can renew it using any of the three methods above. If it expired more than six months ago, you must renew in person at a DHSMV office. You cannot drive legally with an expired license, even if you have submitted a renewal process.
If your license expired more than five years ago, you may need to pass a written test and vision test in addition to renewing. Contact your local DHSMV office or call 1-844-33-DHSMV to ask whether a test is required before you visit.
Changing your address during renewal
If you have moved to a new Florida address, you can update it during renewal. Online renewal will let you change your address before you pay, as long as you have a current Florida address on file with DHSMV already. If you do not, you must renew by mail or in person.
For mail renewal, write your new address on the renewal form before mailing it. For in-person renewal, bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement) along with your other documents. The new address will appear on your renewed license.
If you move after you have already renewed your license, you do not have to renew again just to update your address. You can update your address online at flhsmv.gov without renewing your license, though this does not change the expiration date of your current license.
Fees and payment methods
The renewal fee for an eight-year Florida driver's license is $75.25. This is the standard fee for all renewal methods. If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), the fee is different and depends on the type of CDL you hold; contact DHSMV for current CDL renewal fees.
Online and in-person renewal accept debit cards, credit cards, and cash (in-person only). Mail renewal accepts checks and money orders only. No payment method is cheaper than another — the fee is the same regardless of how you pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?
You can renew your license even if you have an outstanding ticket or fine. However, if you have a suspended license due to unpaid fines or other violations, you cannot renew until the suspension is lifted. Contact DHSMV or the court that issued the ticket to find out whether your license is suspended and how to resolve it.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
You must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. DHSMV will not accept a photocopy or uncertified document. You can get a certified copy from the county clerk's office or the court that issued the document.
How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?
Online and in-person renewals typically arrive within seven to ten business days. Mail renewals take two to three weeks from the time DHSMV receives your envelope, plus mail delivery time. If you do not receive your license within four weeks, contact DHSMV to check the status.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?
If you renew online or by mail, DHSMV uses your photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DHSMV office. A new photo is taken during your visit at no extra charge.
Can I renew my license if I am out of state?
You can renew online or by mail from anywhere, as long as you have a valid Florida address on file. You cannot renew in person at a DHSMV office unless you are physically present in Florida. If you have moved out of state permanently, you will need to renew your license in your new state instead.