How to Renew Your Florida Driver's License

How to renew your Florida driver's license online, by mail, or in person

You can renew your Florida driver's license without visiting a DMV office if you meet certain conditions. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) lets you renew online or by mail if your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions, and your current address is correct. If you cannot renew online or by mail, you will need to visit a driver license office in person.

Your license is valid for eight years from the issue date. DHSMV sends renewal notices by mail about 90 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for the notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the DHSMV website takes about 10 minutes and costs $75 for an eight-year license, payable by credit or debit card.
Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed form, and payment to the DHSMV address; processing takes two to three weeks.
In-person renewal at a driver license office is required if your license is suspended, you have medical restrictions, or your address has changed.
You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and current Florida address to renew by any method.

Renewing online through the DHSMV website

Online renewal is the fastest option if you are not renewing a commercial license and your license is not suspended or restricted. Go to the official DHSMV website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current driver's 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 license information and ask you to confirm your address. If your address is incorrect, you cannot complete the online process — you must renew by mail or in person instead. Once you confirm your information, you will pay the renewal fee by credit card or debit card. DHSMV will mail your new license to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

Online renewal costs $75 for an eight-year license. This is the least expensive option and the fastest way to receive your new license if your information is current.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal works if your license is not suspended and your address is correct. You will need to send your current license, a completed renewal form (Form HSMV 80051), and payment to the DHSMV mailing address. The form is available on the DHSMV website as a PDF you can print and fill out by hand.

Include a check or money order for $75 payable to DHSMV. Do not send cash. Mail your packet to the address listed on the form — this varies by region, so check the current address on the DHSMV website before you send anything. DHSMV typically processes mail renewals within two to three weeks, though processing time can be longer during busy periods.

Mail renewal is useful if you prefer not to use the online system or if you do not have a credit card. The tradeoff is that you will be without your current license during processing, and you will wait longer to receive the new one.

Renewing in person at a driver license office

You must renew in person if your license is suspended, you have medical restrictions listed on your license, your address has changed, or you are renewing a commercial license. Visit your local driver license office with your current license, proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number.

Processing at the office is usually quick — you will complete a form, have your photo taken, and pay the fee. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewal costs $75 for an eight-year license.

To find your nearest driver license office and check current wait times, use the DHSMV office locator on their website. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to schedule an appointment. Calling ahead or checking online before you go will save you time.

What documents and information you need

For any renewal method, have your current Florida driver's license ready. You will need to provide your date of birth and Social Security number. If you are renewing in person or by mail, you may need to show proof of your current address — a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and address will work.

If your name has changed since your license was issued, you will need to bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. Name changes require in-person renewal; you cannot handle them online or by mail.

Renewal fees and payment methods

A standard eight-year Florida driver's license renewal costs $75. This fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Some people may be charged a different amount — for example, if you are renewing a commercial license or if you are over 80 years old and renewing for a shorter period. Check the DHSMV website for your specific situation if you think your fee may differ.

Online renewal accepts credit cards and debit cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Do not send cash by mail.

What happens after you renew

If you renewed online or in person, DHSMV will mail your new license to your address on file. You should receive it within 7 to 10 business days. If you renewed by mail, allow two to three weeks for processing plus mailing time. If you renewed in person, you will get a temporary paper license to use when ready while you wait for the plastic card.

Your new license will have the same number as your current license. Once you receive it, destroy your old license or turn it in at a driver license office if you prefer. You are not required to do this, but it prevents confusion if the old license is lost or stolen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it is already expired?

Yes. You can renew an expired license by any method — online, by mail, or in person. However, if your license has been expired for more than six months, you may need to pass a vision test or provide additional documentation. Contact your local driver license office or check the DHSMV website to confirm what you need before you renew.

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

If your address has changed, you cannot renew online. You must renew by mail or in person and provide proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease. Bring this proof with you or include it in your mail packet.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

Online and in-person renewals typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewals take two to three weeks for processing, plus mailing time. If you renewed in person, you receive a temporary paper license when ready to use while you wait for the plastic card.

Can I renew my license if it is suspended?

No. You must resolve the suspension before you can renew. Contact your local driver license office or the DHSMV to find out why your license is suspended and what steps you need to take to lift the suspension.

What if I lose my new license before it arrives?

Contact the DHSMV when ready to report it lost. You can request a replacement license at a driver license office or through the mail. There is a replacement fee in addition to the renewal fee. Bring or send proof of the loss if you have it.

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.