Florida driver license renewal basics

Florida lets you renew your driver 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 your license type, 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.

Your license is valid for eight years from the date it was issued. DHSMV sends renewal notices by mail about 90 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for the notice to renew. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. If your license has already expired, you can still renew by mail or online, but you cannot drive legally until the new license arrives.

Key Takeaways

  • Florida offers three renewal methods — online, by mail, or in person — and most people can renew online without visiting an office.
  • Online renewal costs $47.50 and takes about 7 to 10 business days; mail renewal costs $48 and takes 2 to 3 weeks.
  • You cannot renew online if you need a new photo, have a medical condition flagged on your record, or are renewing a commercial driver license.
  • Your renewal notice arrives about 90 days before expiration, but you can renew up to one year early if you prefer.
  • If your address or name has changed, you must renew in person or update your information before renewing by mail or online.

Online renewal through the Florida DHSMV website

Online renewal is the fastest option if you are renewing a standard driver license (not a commercial license) and do not need a new photo. Visit the official DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov, select "Renew Your Driver License Online," and log in or create an account. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth.

The online process takes about 10 minutes. You pay $47.50 by credit or debit card, and your new license is mailed to the address on file. Processing takes about 7 to 10 business days from the date you submit. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can continue driving legally during that time.

You cannot renew online if you are renewing a commercial driver license (CDL), if you need to change your photo, if you have a medical condition restriction on your license, or if your name or address has changed since your last renewal. In those cases, you must renew in person or update your information first.

Mail renewal with the DHSMV

Mail renewal works if you have a standard driver license and do not need a new photo. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail about 90 days before expiration; the notice includes a prepaid envelope and instructions. Fill out the form on the back of the notice, include the $48 fee (check or money order), and mail it to the address shown on the notice.

Processing by mail takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date DHSMV receives your envelope. Your old license stays valid until the new one arrives. If you did not receive a renewal notice, you can call the DHSMV at 1-844-33-RENEW (1-844-337-3639) to request one, or you can visit an office in person to pick one up.

Like online renewal, mail renewal is not an option if you need a new photo, if you have a medical restriction, if you hold a commercial license, or if your name or address has changed. You also cannot use mail renewal if your license has been suspended or revoked.

In-person renewal at a DHSMV office

Renew in person if you need a new photo, if your name or address has changed, if you hold a commercial driver license, or if you have a medical condition on your record. You will also need to renew in person if your license has been suspended or revoked, or if you are renewing after it has been expired for more than a certain period (DHSMV can confirm the exact timeframe by phone).

Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days). If your name has changed, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The fee is $48.

Visit the DHSMV office locator at flhsmv.gov to find the nearest office and check hours. Many offices operate by appointment only, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. You can book an appointment online or by phone. Walk-ins are accepted at some locations, but wait times can be long. Processing at the office is when ready; you receive a temporary license and your permanent license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Name and address changes during renewal

If your name has changed since your last license was issued, you must renew in person and bring proof of the change. Acceptable documents include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers. A certified copy is required; photocopies are not accepted.

If your address has changed, you can update it online through the DHSMV website before renewing by mail or online, or you can provide the new address when you renew in person. If you update your address online first, you can then renew by mail or online without visiting an office. To update your address online, log into your DHSMV account at flhsmv.gov and select "Update Your Address."

Commercial driver license renewal

Commercial driver licenses (CDLs) cannot be renewed online or by mail. You must renew in person at a DHSMV office. Bring your current CDL, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and a medical certificate if your CDL requires one (most do). The fee is $48.

If your CDL has a medical restriction or if your medical certificate is expiring, you must have a current medical examination completed by a certified medical examiner before you renew. The DHSMV website lists certified examiners. Processing in person is when ready; you receive a temporary license and your permanent license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

What to do if your license has expired

If your license has expired, you can still renew by mail or online, but you cannot drive legally until your new license arrives. Do not wait to renew if your license is expired; the longer you wait, the more likely DHSMV will require you to renew in person instead of by mail or online.

If your license has been expired for more than a certain period (typically six months or longer, though DHSMV can confirm), you may be required to renew in person and pass a vision test. Call 1-844-33-RENEW to ask whether you can renew by mail or online, or visit a DHSMV office. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you can request a temporary license at an office; it is valid for 30 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a Florida driver license renewal take?

Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days, mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks, and in-person renewal is when ready (you get a temporary license on the spot and the permanent license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days). Your old license remains valid while you wait for the new one, so you can continue driving legally.

Can I renew my Florida license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. DHSMV sends renewal notices about 90 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for the notice. You can start the renewal process whenever you want during that one-year window.

What if I moved and my address changed?

Update your address online at flhsmv.gov before renewing by mail or online, or provide the new address when you renew in person. If you update online first, you can renew by mail or online without visiting an office. If you do not update your address first, you must renew in person.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

No, unless you want one. If you do not need a new photo, you can renew online or by mail. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DHSMV office. The fee is the same either way.

What happens if I let my license expire?

You cannot drive legally. You can still renew by mail or online if your license has not been expired too long, but call 1-844-33-RENEW first to confirm. If your license has been expired for more than six months, you may have to renew in person and pass a vision test.