What you need to do to renew in Florida
Florida lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Driver License office. Which route you take depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need a new photo. Online renewal is the fastest option if you're under 80 and your license hasn't expired more than six months ago — you can complete it in minutes from home. Mail renewal takes about two weeks but requires you to send documents by post. In-person renewal at an office takes a few hours but handles complications like address changes or vision test failures on the spot.
Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 90 days before your license expires. That notice contains your renewal number, which you'll need for online or mail renewal. If you've lost the notice, you can still renew in person with your current license and proof of residency, but you'll need to visit an office.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works if your license is valid or expired less than six months ago, you're under 80, and you have your renewal notice number.
- Mail renewal requires sending your renewal notice, a check or money order, and a new photo to the address on the notice — processing takes about two weeks.
- In-person renewal at a Driver License office handles address changes, vision test failures, and other issues that online and mail renewal cannot fix.
- Florida charges $48 for a four-year renewal or $75 for an eight-year renewal, with no difference in cost between online, mail, and in-person routes.
- If your license expired more than six months ago, you must renew in person and may need to pass a vision test or written exam depending on how long it has been expired.
Online renewal through the Florida DHSMV website
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) lets you renew online at gorenew.org. You'll need your renewal notice number, which appears on the notice mailed to you, plus your Social Security number and date of birth. The system takes about five minutes and accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover. Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Online renewal is not available if your license expired more than six months ago, if you're 80 or older, if you need to change your address, or if you wear corrective lenses and want to update that information. You also cannot renew online if you've had a suspension or revocation. In any of those cases, you must renew by mail or in person.
Mail renewal with documents sent by post
To renew by mail, send your renewal notice, a new color photo (4 by 6 inches, taken within the last 30 days), and payment to the address printed on the notice. Payment must be by check or money order — credit cards are not accepted by mail. Include a copy of your current license or another form of ID. The DHSMV processes mail renewals in about two weeks, though processing times vary depending on mail volume.
Mail renewal works for anyone whose license is valid or expired less than six months ago. If your license expired more than six months ago, the DHSMV will return your process and require you to renew in person. Address changes cannot be made by mail — you must update your address in person or online through your DHSMV account before mailing your renewal.
In-person renewal at a Driver License office
Visit any Driver License office with your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and payment. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If you've changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that changed it — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some locations offering Saturday hours. Wait times vary; checking the DHSMV website before you go shows current wait times at each office.
In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than six months ago, if you're 80 or older, if you need a vision test, or if you've had a suspension. You'll take a new photo at the office. If you're 80 or older, you must pass a vision test. If your license has been expired for more than three years, you may need to pass a written exam on traffic laws. Your new license is issued on the spot, though you can request it by mail if you prefer to wait.
Costs and payment methods by renewal route
Florida charges $48 for a four-year renewal or $75 for an eight-year renewal. The cost is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Online renewal accepts credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover). Mail renewal requires a check or money order. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, or credit card — payment methods vary slightly by office, so call ahead if you want to confirm.
If you renew online or by mail and the DHSMV denies your renewal for any reason, you'll be notified by mail and will not be charged. If you renew in person and are denied, you'll know when ready and can address the issue before leaving the office.
What happens if your license is expired or will expire soon
You can drive on an expired license for up to six months after the expiration date in Florida, though law enforcement can still stop you and you may face a fine. Renewing before your license expires avoids this risk. If your license expired more than six months ago, you cannot legally drive and must renew in person.
If you're within 90 days of expiration, start the renewal process when ready. Online renewal takes five minutes plus 7 to 10 days for mail delivery. Mail renewal takes about two weeks. In-person renewal is same-day if you visit an office. If you're already expired and need to drive, go to a Driver License office in person — that's your only option.
Finding a Driver License office and checking wait times
The DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov has a location finder that shows every Driver License office in your county, hours of operation, and current wait times. You can search by city or ZIP code. Some offices are busier than others; visiting early in the week or early in the day usually means shorter waits. A few offices offer online appointment scheduling through the DHSMV website, which reserves your spot and reduces wait time.
If you cannot visit an office during regular hours, some locations offer Saturday service. Call the office directly to confirm Saturday hours before you go. If you live far from an office or have mobility issues, you can request mail renewal instead, though it takes longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I've moved to a different address?
Yes, but the method depends on your renewal route. Online renewal does not change your address — you must update it through your DHSMV account before renewing online, or change it in person. Mail renewal does not change your address either. In-person renewal at a Driver License office changes your address on the spot.
What if I lost my renewal notice?
You can still renew in person with your current license and proof of residency. You cannot renew online or by mail without the renewal notice number. If you want to find your renewal notice number before visiting an office, log into your DHSMV account at flhsmv.gov with your driver's license number and date of birth.
Do I need a new photo if I renew by mail?
Yes. Mail renewal requires a new color photo taken within the last 30 days, 4 by 6 inches. Online and in-person renewal use your existing photo unless you request a new one. In-person renewal always takes a new photo at the office.
What if I'm 80 or older?
You must renew in person and pass a vision test. You cannot renew online or by mail. Visit a Driver License office with your current license, proof of residency, and payment. The vision test is done at the office and takes a few minutes.
How long does my new license take to arrive if I renew online?
Online renewals arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew in person, you receive your license when ready. If you renew by mail, processing takes about two weeks, though times vary.