Where to renew and what you need to bring
You can renew your Florida driver's license in person at any Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office, or online through the state's website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes and requires your current license, proof of residency (like a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number. Online renewal is faster — usually when ready — but only works if your license is not expired by more than five years, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed.
To find the DHSMV office nearest you, visit the Florida DHSMV website and use their office locator tool. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can also schedule an appointment online to skip the line. Appointments typically fill up several weeks in advance, especially in urban areas, so book early if you want a specific date and time.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Florida DHSMV website is when ready if your license expired less than five years ago and you have no medical restrictions or address changes.
- In-person renewal at any DHSMV office requires your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number and takes about 30 minutes.
- You can schedule an appointment online to avoid waiting, though walk-ins are also accepted at all offices.
- A renewed license costs $75 for an eight-year license or $48 for a four-year license, and you choose the term when you renew.
Renewal costs and how long your new license lasts
Florida offers two renewal terms: an eight-year license for $75 or a four-year license for $48. You choose which one you want when you renew, and there is no difference in what the license lets you do — the only difference is how long you can use it before renewing again. Most people choose the eight-year option because the cost per year is lower, but the four-year option is available if you prefer to renew more often or want to update your photo sooner.
Payment methods vary by location. At DHSMV offices, you can pay with cash, debit card, or credit card. If you renew online, you pay by credit or debit card only. The fee is the same whether you renew in person or online.
When your current license expires and renewal important date
Your license expiration date is printed on the front of your card. Florida does not have a grace period — your license is invalid the day it expires, so you cannot legally drive with an expired license even for one day. If you are caught driving with an expired license, you can be cited and fined.
You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. Many people renew several months early to avoid the rush near the expiration date. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it, but you must do so in person at a DHSMV office — online renewal is not available for expired licenses.
What happens if you renew online versus in person
Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access. You log into your DHSMV account, confirm your information, choose your license term, pay the fee, and receive your new license in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Your current license remains valid until your new one arrives, so you can keep driving legally during that time.
In-person renewal means you get a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed to you. This temporary license has the same legal weight as your regular license — police will accept it as proof of a valid license. Your permanent license arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days after your visit.
Renewing if your address has changed
If you moved to a new address in Florida, you must renew in person at a DHSMV office — you cannot renew online. Bring your current license, proof of your new residency (a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your new address dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. The office will update your address on your new license during the renewal process.
If you moved out of Florida and no longer live in the state, you cannot renew a Florida license. You will need to obtain a license from your new state of residency instead.
Renewing if your license has medical restrictions or conditions
If your current license has medical restrictions — such as corrective lenses required, hearing aid required, or automatic transmission only — you cannot renew online. You must renew in person so a DHSMV examiner can review your medical status and determine whether those restrictions should continue on your new license.
Bring your current license, proof of residency, your Social Security number, and any medical documentation that supports your restrictions or shows that a restriction no longer applies. If your condition has changed and you no longer need a restriction, bring documentation from your doctor stating that. The examiner will make the final decision about what restrictions appear on your renewed license.
What to do if your license was suspended or revoked
You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the DHSMV. Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or accumulating too many points from traffic violations. Revocation is more serious and usually results from DUI convictions or habitual traffic offender status.
Contact the DHSMV directly to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it. This may involve paying fines, completing a driver improvement course, or waiting out a mandatory suspension period. Once your license is restored, you can then renew it through the normal process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than five years ago?
Yes, but only in person at a DHSMV office. Online renewal is limited to licenses expired five years or less. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. If your license expired more than eight years ago, you may need to take a written test and vision test as well.
How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?
Your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days after you renew, whether you renewed online or in person. During that time, your current license (or the temporary paper license from an in-person visit) remains valid for driving.
What if I need my license before the mail arrives?
If you renewed in person, you received a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. If you renewed online and need proof of your new license before it arrives, contact the DHSMV office to see if they can print a temporary license for you, though this varies by location.
Do I have to renew in person if I have a commercial driver's license (CDL)?
Yes. Commercial licenses cannot be renewed online under any circumstances. You must visit a DHSMV office in person with your current CDL, proof of residency, your Social Security number, and any required medical certification documents.
What if my name changed since my last license?
You must renew in person and bring legal documentation of your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DHSMV will update your name on your new license during the renewal process.