How to Renew Your Florida Driver's License

Florida driver's license renewal by mail, online, or in person

Florida lets you renew your driver's license through the mail, online, or at a Driver License office, depending on your situation. Most people renew online or by mail without leaving home. You can renew up to 18 months before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the last minute. The method you choose depends on whether you need a new photo, whether your address has changed, and how quickly you need the new license in hand.

Your current Florida license must not be suspended or revoked, and you cannot have any unpaid traffic tickets or child support obligations. If either of those applies to you, you will need to resolve them before renewing. You also cannot renew online or by mail if you are over 79 years old — those renewals happen only in person at a Driver License office.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, but you can only use it if your address has not changed and you do not need a new photo.
Mail renewal uses the renewal notice that arrived at your address and costs the same as online, but takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the office receives it.
In-person renewal at a Driver License office takes about 30 minutes and you get a temporary license to use when ready, with the permanent one arriving by mail later.
You must be current on child support and traffic tickets, and your license cannot be suspended or revoked, before any renewal method will go through.
Drivers 79 and older must renew in person at a Driver License office; online and mail renewal are not available to them.

Online renewal through the Florida DHSMV website

Online renewal is the fastest option if you meet the requirements. Go to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) website at flhsmv.gov and select the online renewal option. You will need your current Florida driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against state records.

You can only renew online if your address has not changed since your last renewal and you do not need a new photo. If either of those is not true, use mail or in-person renewal instead. The online fee is $48 for a four-year renewal or $75 for an eight-year renewal. You pay by credit card or debit card at the time you submit. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file and should arrive within 7 to 10 business days.

Mail renewal using your renewal notice

If you received a renewal notice in the mail from the DHSMV, you can renew by mail without going online. The notice includes a prepaid envelope and instructions. Fill out the form, sign it, and mail it back with any required documents. Do not send cash — the fee is already paid on the notice.

Mail renewal takes longer than online because the office must receive and process your envelope. Plan for 2 to 3 weeks from the date they receive it, plus mail time in both directions. If you have not received a renewal notice 6 months before your license expires, contact the DHSMV or visit a Driver License office to request one. You can also renew by mail if your address has changed or if you need a new photo — the notice will tell you what documents to include.

In-person renewal at a Driver License office

Visit a Driver License office if you are over 79, if your address has changed, if you need a new photo, or if you prefer to handle it in person. Bring your current Florida driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days). If your address has changed, bring both documents showing your old address and your new address.

The office will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue a temporary license on the spot that you can use right away. Your permanent license will be mailed to your new address within 7 to 10 business days. The fee is $48 for a four-year renewal or $75 for an eight-year renewal, paid at the office. Wait times vary by location and time of day — check the DHSMV website to find your nearest office and see current wait times before you go.

What to do if your license is suspended or revoked

You cannot renew your license if it is currently suspended or revoked. You must first resolve the reason for the suspension or revocation. Common reasons include unpaid traffic tickets, unpaid child support, a DUI conviction, or accumulating too many points from traffic violations. Contact the DHSMV or the court that issued the suspension to find out what you need to do.

Once you have paid fines, resolved child support, or completed required programs, the suspension will be lifted. You can then renew through any method. If you are unsure whether your license is suspended, call the DHSMV at 1-844-DL-RENEW (1-844-357-3639) or check the status on the DHSMV website before you attempt to renew.

Renewing a license that has been expired for more than 6 months

If your license expired more than 6 months ago, you cannot renew it — you must reapply as if you were getting a license for the first time. This means taking a written test, a vision test, and a driving test at a Driver License office. You will also need to provide proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Florida residency, just as a new applicant would.

If your license expired 6 months ago or less, you can still renew using any of the three methods above. The DHSMV website shows your expiration date, so check before you start the renewal process. If you are unsure, call 1-844-DL-RENEW to confirm your status.

Changing your name or address during renewal

If you got married, divorced, or legally changed your name since your last renewal, you must renew in person at a Driver License office. Bring your current license, a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change, and proof of your Social Security number. The office will update your name and issue a new license with your new photo.

If you moved to a new address in Florida, you can renew by mail or in person. If you moved out of Florida and then moved back, you will need to renew in person because your address change is out of state. Bring proof of your new Florida address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew up to 18 months before your expiration date. This is useful if you are traveling or want to avoid the rush near your expiration date. The new license will have a new expiration date 4 or 8 years from the date you renew, depending on which term you choose.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You do not need the notice to renew. You can renew online through the DHSMV website, renew in person at a Driver License office, or request a new notice by mail. Call 1-844-DL-RENEW if you want the office to mail you another notice.

How long can I drive on a temporary license after renewing in person?

The temporary license is valid until your permanent license arrives by mail, which usually takes 7 to 10 business days. Do not drive after that date unless you have received your permanent license. If your permanent license does not arrive within 15 days, contact the DHSMV.

Do I have to renew in person if I wear glasses or contacts?

No. You can renew online or by mail even if you wear corrective lenses. The DHSMV records whether you need correction, and that information carries over from your previous license. If your vision has changed significantly, you may want to get an eye exam and update your information in person.

What happens if I renew online but my address changed and I did not tell the DHSMV?

Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, which may not be your current address. If you realize this before you renew, use mail or in-person renewal instead and provide your new address. If you already renewed online, contact the DHSMV right away to update your address so your license goes to the right place.

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.