How to Renew Your Florida Driver's License

What you need to do to renew your Florida 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 address or other information. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office.

Your license is valid for eight years from the date it was issued. You can renew it up to 18 months before it expires. If your license has already expired, you must renew in person at a DHSMV office — you cannot use the online or mail options.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Florida DHSMV website takes about 10 minutes and costs $75 for an eight-year license, but only works if your current license is still valid.
Mail renewal requires you to send your current license and a check or money order to the DHSMV, and takes two to three weeks to receive your new license.
In-person renewal at a DHSMV office is required if your license has expired, if you need to change your address, or if you want to update your photo.
You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and current Florida address to renew, whether you choose online, mail, or in-person renewal.

Renewing online through the DHSMV website

Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is still valid. Go to the official Florida DHSMV website and select the renewal option. You will enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your information and show you the renewal fee.

The cost is $75 for a standard eight-year license. You pay by credit card or debit card during the process. Once you complete the transaction, your new license will be mailed to your current address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to visit an office, and your current license remains valid while you wait for the new one to arrive.

Online renewal does not work if your license has expired, if you need to change your address, if you want a new photo, or if your name has changed since your last license was issued. In those cases, you must renew by mail or in person.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal but does not require a trip to a DHSMV office. You will need to request a renewal form from the DHSMV or read it from their website. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license and payment to the address shown on the form.

Payment must be by check or money order — the DHSMV does not accept credit cards by mail. The fee is the same as online renewal: $75 for an eight-year license. Mail your packet to the address provided on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DHSMV receives your materials. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your process.

Like online renewal, mail renewal works only if your license is still valid. If you need to change your address, update your photo, or your license has expired, you must renew in person at a DHSMV office.

Renewing in person at a DHSMV office

In-person renewal is required if your license has expired, if you want to change your address, if you need a new photo, or if your name has changed. Bring your current license (or expired license), proof of your current address, and your Social Security number. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within 90 days.

Visit your local DHSMV office during business hours. You will fill out an process, have your photo taken, and pay the renewal fee of $75. The office will issue you a temporary paper license that is valid when ready while your permanent license is mailed to you. Your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

Wait times at DHSMV offices vary by location and time of day. Many offices allow you to check wait times online before you go. Some offices offer appointment scheduling through the DHSMV website, which can reduce your time in the office.

What happens if your license has already expired

If your license expired more than six months ago, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license. This requires an in-person visit to a DHSMV office, proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The process is more involved than renewal and costs more.

If your license expired within the last six months, you may still be able to renew it in person at a DHSMV office. Bring your expired license, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number. Call your local DHSMV office or check their website to confirm whether your license can still be renewed rather than reapplied for.

Changing your address during renewal

If you have moved since your last license was issued, you must update your address during renewal. Online and mail renewal do not allow address changes — you must renew in person at a DHSMV office. Bring your current or expired license, proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number.

At the office, tell the staff member that you are renewing and updating your address. They will update your information in the system, take a new photo if needed, and issue you a temporary license. Your new license with your updated address will arrive within 7 to 10 business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to renew my Florida license?

A standard eight-year renewal costs $75, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. If you need a new photo or are making other changes, the cost remains $75. Payment methods vary: online and in-person accept credit or debit cards, while mail renewal requires a check or money order.

Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?

No. If your license expired more than six months ago, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead. This requires an in-person visit to a DHSMV office and additional documentation. If your license expired within the last six months, call your local DHSMV office to confirm whether you can still renew.

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

Online and in-person renewal both result in your new license arriving within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the date the DHSMV receives your materials. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid while you wait for the permanent one.

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

No, not unless you choose to or your license has been expired for more than eight years. Online and mail renewal use your existing photo. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DHSMV office. In-person renewal also requires a new photo if your license has expired.

What if I move after I renew but before my new license arrives?

Contact the DHSMV with your new address before your license arrives. You can update your address online through the DHSMV website or by calling your local office. Your new license will be sent to your updated address. If your license has already been mailed, you may be able to have it forwarded, but contacting the DHSMV directly is faster.

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.