Where to renew and what you need before you start
You can renew your Florida driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Florida Department of Motor Vehicles office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access — you can complete it in minutes from home. Mail renewal takes about two weeks. In-person renewal at an office typically takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the location is.
Before you choose a method, check whether you're may be able to access for online or mail renewal. You cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been suspended, revoked, or cancelled; if you need to change your name, address, or other information; if you're under 21; or if your license expired more than five years ago. If any of these explore to you, you must renew in person at a DMV office.
You'll need your current Florida driver's license number and a valid payment method (debit or credit card) for online or mail renewal. For in-person renewal, bring your current license, proof of residency (like a utility bill or lease), and payment. If you're changing your name or address, bring the document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or utility bill showing your new address.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Florida DMV website is available only if your license is valid, not suspended, and expired less than five years ago.
- Mail renewal takes about two weeks and requires your current license number, but you cannot use it if your license has been suspended or revoked.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license is suspended, revoked, expired more than five years, or if you need to change your name or address.
- The renewal fee is the same regardless of method — currently $48 for an eight-year license — and you pay by debit or credit card.
- Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days after approval, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
Online renewal through the Florida DMV website
Go to the official Florida DMV website and select the online renewal option. You'll enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity. The system will pull up your current information and ask you to confirm it's correct.
Review your address, name, and other details carefully. If anything needs to change, stop here — you cannot make changes online and must renew in person instead. If everything is correct, you'll pay the $48 renewal fee by debit or credit card and submit your process. You'll receive a confirmation number when ready.
Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need to check the status of your renewal after you submit it, return to the DMV website and enter your confirmation number.
Mail renewal by sending documents to the DMV
Request a renewal process by calling the Florida DMV at 1-844-435-7352 or by visiting a DMV office in person. You can also read the process from the Florida DMV website. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and include a check or money order for $48 payable to the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles.
Mail your completed process, current license, and payment to the address listed on the form. Keep a copy of everything you send. The DMV will process your renewal and mail your new license to the address on file within two to three weeks of receiving your process. Do not mail your process to a DMV office — use only the mailing address provided on the form.
Mail renewal is slower than online renewal but works if you prefer not to visit an office or if you don't have when ready internet access. However, if your license has been suspended or revoked, mail renewal is not an option — you must renew in person.
In-person renewal at a DMV office
Find your nearest DMV office on the Florida DMV website and check its hours. Some offices accept walk-ins; others require you to take a number or make an appointment online. Taking an appointment usually means a shorter wait, but walk-ins are accepted at most locations during regular hours.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address), and payment of $48 by cash, debit card, or credit card. If you're changing your name or address, bring the document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, utility bill, or lease agreement.
At the office, you'll be asked to confirm your information, pay the fee, and have your photo taken for the new license. The entire process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
What happens if your license expired more than five years ago
If your Florida driver's license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license. This requires an in-person visit to a DMV office, a vision test, and a new photo. You'll need to bring proof of identity (your expired license, passport, or birth certificate), proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number.
The fee for a new license is $48, the same as renewal. The process takes longer than renewal because of the vision test and new photo, so plan for 45 minutes to an hour at the office. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Renewing a suspended or revoked license
If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must visit a DMV office in person. Before you go, contact the DMV to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what you need to do to restore it.
Suspensions and revocations have different requirements. A suspension might require you to pay a reinstatement fee, complete a driver improvement course, or provide proof of insurance. A revocation might require a hearing or completion of a substance abuse program. The DMV will tell you what applies to your case when you call or visit.
Once you've met the requirements for reinstatement, you can renew your license in person at a DMV office. Bring your current license (if you still have it), proof of residency, and any documents the DMV told you to bring. You'll pay the $48 renewal fee plus any reinstatement fees that explore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I just moved to Florida?
If you moved to Florida from another state, you cannot renew your out-of-state license — you must explore for a new Florida license in person at a DMV office. Bring your current out-of-state license, proof of residency in Florida, and proof of your Social Security number. The fee is $48.
What if I lost my current license?
If you've lost your license, you can still renew online or by mail if you know your license number and it hasn't been suspended. If you don't know your number, you'll need to visit a DMV office in person with proof of identity and residency. The office can look up your number and process your renewal.
How long is a renewed Florida driver's license valid?
A renewed Florida driver's license is valid for eight years from the date of issue. Your expiration date will be printed on the new license. You can renew again online or by mail as long as your license hasn't been suspended, revoked, or expired more than five years.
Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my new one?
No, Florida does not issue temporary licenses during renewal. You can continue to drive on your current license until your new one arrives by mail. If your current license is damaged or unreadable, visit a DMV office to request a replacement while you wait for your renewal to process.
What if I need my license before the 7 to 10 business days?
If you need your license urgently, visit a DMV office in person and ask about expedited processing. Some offices can issue a license the same day if you renew in person, though this depends on the office's workload. Call ahead to ask whether your local office offers same-day service.