How to Renew Your Florida Driver's License

What you need to do to renew in Florida

Florida renews driver's licenses for eight years. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a Florida Department of Motor Vehicles office. Online renewal is the fastest route if you're may be able to access—it takes minutes and you'll have your new license mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. If you can't renew online, you'll need to visit a DMV office or mail in your process, which takes longer.

Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 90 days before your license expires. The notice tells you which renewal method you can use. Not everyone qualifies for online renewal: if your address has changed, if you need a corrected name, if your vision or medical status has changed, or if your license was suspended or revoked, you must renew in person or by mail.

Key Takeaways

Florida driver's licenses are valid for eight years, and you can renew online if your address and personal information haven't changed and your license is in good standing.
Online renewal through the Florida DMV website takes about 10 minutes and costs $75.00 for a standard eight-year license; your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
If you can't renew online, you must visit a DMV office in person or renew by mail, both of which require you to bring or submit specific documents like proof of residency and your current license.
You can check your renewal may be able to access and start the process on the official Florida DMV website (flhsmv.gov) using your driver's license number and date of birth.
If your license has expired more than six months ago, you cannot renew by mail or online and must explore for a new license in person at a DMV office.

Online renewal through the Florida DMV website

To renew online, go to flhsmv.gov and select the driver's license renewal option. You'll need your current Florida driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your information against DMV records and tell you when ready whether you're may be able to access to renew online.

If you're may be able to access, you'll pay the renewal fee ($75.00 for a standard eight-year license as of 2024, though fees can change) using a credit or debit card. After payment, your new license is printed and mailed to the address on file. You should receive it within 7 to 10 business days. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can continue to use it for identification and driving.

Online renewal is not available if you need to change your name, address, or medical information; if your vision has changed; if your license was suspended or revoked; or if your license expired more than six months ago. In any of those cases, you must renew in person or by mail.

In-person renewal at a Florida DMV office

If you must renew in person, locate your nearest DMV office on flhsmv.gov. You can make an appointment online, which reduces wait time, or walk in during office hours. Bring your current Florida driver's license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number.

If you're renewing because your address changed, bring two documents that show your new address. If you're renewing because your name changed (through marriage, divorce, or legal name change), bring your current license, proof of the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of residency at your new address.

At the office, a staff member will verify your information, take a new photo, and process your renewal. You'll pay the renewal fee and receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. Processing times vary by office; some issue your new license the same day, while others mail it within a few days.

Renewing by mail

To renew by mail, use the renewal notice that arrived in your mailbox about 90 days before your license expires. The notice includes a prepaid envelope and instructions. Fill out the form on the back of the notice, sign it, and mail it with your current driver's license and proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days).

Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks from the time the DMV receives your process. Your old license remains valid during this time. Once processed, your new license is mailed to the address on file. If you don't receive your renewal notice in the mail, you can request one by calling the Florida DMV at 1-844-DL-RENEW (1-844-357-3639) or visiting flhsmv.gov.

Mail renewal is not available if your license expired more than six months ago, if you need to change your name or address, or if your license was suspended or revoked. In those cases, you must renew in person.

What to do if your license has expired

If your license expired fewer than six months ago, you can still renew online, by mail, or in person using the standard renewal process. However, if your license expired more than six months ago, you cannot use renewal. Instead, you must explore for a new license in person at a DMV office.

To explore for a new license after expiration, bring your Social Security card, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and proof of your date of birth and legal name (birth certificate, passport, or other government-issued ID). You'll take a new photo, pass a vision test, and pay the fee for a new license. The process takes about 30 minutes, and you'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed.

Fees and what affects the cost

A standard eight-year Florida driver's license renewal costs $75.00 as of 2024. However, fees can change, and some categories of drivers pay different amounts. Commercial driver's license (CDL) renewals cost more. Drivers age 80 and older can renew for a shorter period (four years) at a lower cost. If you're renewing because your license was damaged or lost, you may pay a replacement fee in addition to the renewal fee.

All renewal methods accept the same fee. Online and in-person renewals accept credit and debit cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order made payable to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Do not send cash by mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with an expired license while I wait for my renewal?

No. Once your license expires, you cannot legally drive. If you renewed online or by mail, your old license remains valid until your new one arrives. If you renewed in person, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Do not drive after your temporary license expires.

What if I moved out of state after getting my Florida license?

You cannot renew a Florida license if you no longer live in Florida. You must explore for a driver's license in your new state. Contact your new state's DMV to learn what documents you need. You can typically use your expired Florida license as proof of identity during the process process.

How do I renew if my name changed?

You cannot renew online if your name changed. You must renew in person or by mail. Bring your current license, proof of the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of residency. The DMV will update your name in the system and issue a new license with your current name.

What happens if I miss my license expiration date?

Your license becomes invalid on the expiration date. If you realize you missed it, stop driving when ready and explore for a new license in person at a DMV office. Driving with an expired license is illegal and can result in a traffic citation. The sooner you explore, the sooner you can legally drive again.

Can I renew my license if it was suspended or revoked?

No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact the Florida DMV to learn why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it. Call 1-844-DL-RENEW or visit flhsmv.gov for information about reinstatement requirements and fees.

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.