How to Renew Your Florida Driver's License

Where to renew and what you'll need

You can renew your Florida driver's license in person at a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office, by mail, or online through the DHSMV website — but not all renewal types work through every method. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes at a local office. Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days after you mail your documents, plus travel time. Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access, usually completing in minutes, though you'll still receive your physical card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

No matter which method you choose, you'll need to bring or submit proof of your Social Security number, proof of Florida residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and your current driver's license. If you've changed your name since your last license, you'll also need a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you're renewing in person, bring the originals; if you're mailing documents, send copies.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the DHSMV website is fastest if your license hasn't expired more than 6 months ago and you haven't had certain violations or address changes.
In-person renewal at any DHSMV office takes about 30 minutes and works for almost all renewal situations, including expired licenses and name changes.
Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number to the DHSMV, and takes 7 to 10 business days to process.
You'll need a new photo if your license expired more than 8 years ago, which means you must renew in person — online and mail renewal won't work.

Online renewal through the DHSMV website

Online renewal is available if your license expired less than 6 months ago, you have no address changes to make, you have no violations or suspensions on your record, and you don't need a new photo. Go to the DHSMV website, select "Renew Your Driver License," and follow the prompts. You'll enter your license number, date of birth, and Social Security number to verify your identity. The system will ask whether you want to keep your current address and whether you want to renew for 4 or 8 years.

You'll pay the renewal fee online using a credit or debit card. The fee depends on how long you're renewing for: a 4-year renewal costs less than an 8-year renewal. Once you complete the transaction, you're done — your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your old license until the new one arrives.

In-person renewal at a DHSMV office

Visit any DHSMV office with your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. You can walk in without an appointment at most offices, though some locations now use an online appointment system — check the DHSMV website for your local office's policy before you go. Bring the originals of all documents; staff will make copies if needed.

At the office, you'll take a new photo (unless you renewed in person within the last 8 years), answer questions about your vision and medical history, and pay the renewal fee. The staff member will give you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed. Your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewal works for expired licenses, name changes, address changes, and any situation where online or mail renewal won't work.

Mail renewal by sending documents

To renew by mail, print the renewal form from the DHSMV website (Form HSMV 82101) or request one by calling the DHSMV at 1-844-DL-RENEW. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it along with a copy of your current license, a copy of proof of residency, and a copy of proof of your Social Security number. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee — do not send cash.

Mail your packet to the address shown on the form. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the DHSMV receives it, then 7 to 10 more business days for mail delivery. You can continue driving on your current license during this time. Mail renewal does not work if your license expired more than 6 months ago or if you need a new photo.

When you need to renew in person

You must renew in person if your license expired more than 6 months ago, because Florida requires a new photo every 8 years. You also must renew in person if you're changing your address, if you have any violations or suspensions on your record, or if you need to update your name. If you've had a medical condition develop since your last renewal that affects your ability to drive safely, tell the staff member — they may ask follow-up questions or require a medical evaluation.

If you're renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), you must renew in person and may need to pass a written test depending on your endorsements and how long it's been since your last renewal. Check the DHSMV website or call 1-844-DL-RENEW to confirm what you'll need to bring.

Fees and how long your new license lasts

Renewal fees vary depending on how long you're renewing for. A 4-year renewal costs less than an 8-year renewal. The exact amounts change periodically, so check the DHSMV website or ask when you arrive at an office. Some people are may be able to access for fee reductions — military members, veterans, and people over 80 may pay less. Ask the staff member whether you may have access to.

Your new license will be valid for either 4 or 8 years from the date of renewal, depending on which term you chose. Your expiration date will be printed on the front of the card. Set a reminder about 6 months before expiration so you have time to renew without your license lapsing.

What to do if your license is already expired

If your license has been expired for more than 6 months, you cannot renew online or by mail — you must go to a DHSMV office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. You'll take a new photo and answer the same questions as a first-time applicant. The process takes about 30 minutes, and you'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Florida, even if you've already started the renewal process. If you're stopped by law enforcement, show them your temporary paper license and your renewal receipt if you have one — this may help, but it does not may provide you won't be cited. Renew as soon as you can to avoid this situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online if it expired more than 6 months ago?

No. Online renewal only works if your license expired less than 6 months ago. If it's been longer, you must renew in person at a DHSMV office so you can take a new photo. Mail renewal also won't work in this situation.

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

Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after the DHSMV processes your renewal. If you renewed in person, you'll receive a temporary paper license when ready that's valid for 30 days. If you renewed online or by mail, you can continue using your old license until the new one arrives.

Do I need a new photo every time I renew?

No. You need a new photo only if your license expired more than 8 years ago, or if you're renewing in person for another reason (like an address change or name change). If you renew online or by mail and your photo is still current, you'll keep the same photo on your new license.

What if I changed my address since my last license?

If you changed your address, you must renew in person at a DHSMV office — online and mail renewal won't let you update your address. Bring your current license, proof of your new residency (a utility bill or lease dated within 90 days), and proof of your Social Security number. The staff will update your address and issue a new license with the correct information.

Can I renew my license if I have a suspension or violation on my record?

You cannot renew online or by mail if you have any suspensions or violations. You must renew in person at a DHSMV office. The staff will check your record and may ask questions about the suspension or violation. In some cases, you may need to resolve the issue before you can renew — ask the staff member what steps you need to take.

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.