Florida driver's licenses expire every six years, and you can renew yours online, by mail, or in person depending on your situation
Florida's Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) sets the expiration date on your license based on your birth month. You do not have to wait until your license expires to renew it—you can renew up to six months before the expiration date printed on the front. The method you use depends on whether you need a new photo, whether your address has changed, and whether you have any medical conditions that require in-person review.
The fastest route for most people is online renewal through the DHSMV website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $47.50. If you cannot renew online, you can renew by mail for the same fee, though it takes longer. In-person renewal at a Driver License office is required only if you need a new photo, have a medical condition flagged on your record, or are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL).
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the DHSMV website is available if your license is not suspended, you do not need a new photo, and your address has not changed since your last renewal.
- You can renew your license up to six months before it expires, so you do not have to wait until the expiration date to start the process.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires you to send your current license and a completed process to the DHSMV; online renewal is processed within days.
- In-person renewal at a Driver License office is required if you need a new photo, have a medical condition on file, or are renewing a commercial driver's license.
- Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, so update your address before you renew if you have moved.
Online renewal: the fastest option for most drivers
Online renewal works if your current Florida license is valid (not expired, suspended, or revoked), you do not need a new photo, and your address has not changed since your last renewal. Go to the DHSMV website, select "Renew Your Driver License," and enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and show you a preview of your renewed license.
Pay the $47.50 renewal fee by debit or credit card. Your new license will be mailed to the address currently on file within five to seven 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, you can return to the DHSMV website and enter the same information.
Mail renewal: when online is not an option
If you cannot renew online—because your address changed, your license is suspended, or the online system flags your record for review—you can renew by mail. read the process for Florida Driver License, Identification Card, or Renewal (Form HSMV 82053) from the DHSMV website, or call 1-844-33-FLHWY to request a form be mailed to you.
Complete the form, sign it, and mail it along with your current Florida driver's license and a check or money order for $47.50 to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of proof of your current address if it has changed—a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the date the DHSMV receives your process. Your new license will be mailed to the address you list on the form.
In-person renewal at a Driver License office
You must renew in person if you need a new photo, have a medical condition flagged on your license record, or are renewing a commercial driver's license. Visit a Driver License office in your county with your current license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address if it has changed. Bring your original birth certificate or passport if you are renewing a commercial license.
The office will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. The fee is $47.50. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within five to seven business days. Wait times at Driver License offices vary by location and time of day; many offices allow you to schedule an appointment online through the DHSMV website, which can reduce your wait time significantly.
What happens if your license expires before you renew
Driving on an expired Florida license is illegal, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can be cited. However, if you can show proof that you submitted your renewal process before your license expired, the officer may issue a warning instead of a citation.
If your license has already expired and you have not yet renewed it, you can still renew online, by mail, or in person using the same methods described above. There is no additional fee or penalty for renewing after expiration. However, you should not drive until your new license arrives.
Address changes and other updates during renewal
If you have moved since your last renewal, you must update your address before or during the renewal process. For online renewal, the system will ask whether your address has changed; if it has, you will be directed to mail your renewal instead. For mail renewal, write your new address on the process form. For in-person renewal, bring proof of your new address and the office will update it in the system.
If you need to change your name, add or remove a medical condition, or update your organ donor status, you cannot do so during online renewal. You must renew in person at a Driver License office or by mail. For mail renewal, include a note with your process explaining the change and provide supporting documents (marriage certificate for a name change, for example).
Renewing a commercial driver's license
Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) cannot be renewed online or by mail. You must renew in person at a Driver License office. Bring your current CDL, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and your medical certification (MCSA-5875 form) if your CDL requires one. The office will verify your information, take a new photo, and process your renewal. The fee is $47.50 for a standard CDL renewal.
If your medical certification has expired or will expire within 30 days, you must obtain a new one from a certified medical examiner before you renew your CDL. The DHSMV website lists approved medical examiners by county. Your new CDL will be mailed to the address on file within five to seven business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Florida license if I live out of state?
Yes. You can renew online or by mail from anywhere. Online renewal is the fastest option if your address has not changed and you do not need a new photo. If you have moved out of state, you must renew by mail and provide proof of your new address.
What if my license was suspended or revoked?
You cannot renew online or by mail if your license is suspended or revoked. You must visit a Driver License office in person. The office will determine whether you are may be able to access to renew or whether you must complete additional steps (such as paying fines or completing a driver improvement course) before renewal is possible.
How long does my renewed license take to arrive?
Online and in-person renewals are mailed within five to seven business days. Mail renewals take two to three weeks from the date the DHSMV receives your process. You can drive on your current license until your new one arrives, as long as your current license has not expired.
Do I need to take a new written or driving test to renew?
No. Renewal does not require a written or driving test unless your license was suspended for a medical reason or you are renewing a commercial driver's license for the first time. Standard renewals only require you to verify your identity and pay the fee.
What if I lost my current license before I could renew it?
You can still renew by mail or in person using your driver's license number. If you do not have your license number, visit a Driver License office with your proof of identity and Social Security number, and the office can look up your information and process your renewal.