Where to renew and what documents you need

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 official Florida DHSMV website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route works for nearly everyone; the online route is faster but only available if your license is not expired by more than five years, you have no medical conditions listed on your record, and you have not had any address changes since your last renewal.

For an in-person renewal, bring your current Florida driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number. If you are renewing online, you will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method. You do not need to bring documents to a computer — the online system verifies your information against state records.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs less than in-person renewal, but only works if your license expired fewer than five years ago and you have no medical restrictions.
  • In-person renewal at a DHSMV office requires your current license, proof of residency dated within 90 days, and your Social Security number.
  • Florida licenses are valid for eight years, so you can renew up to six months before expiration without penalty.
  • If your license has been expired for more than five years, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test.
  • DHSMV offices are busiest on Mondays and Fridays; visiting mid-week typically means shorter wait times.

Online renewal: fastest option if you are may be able to access

The Florida DHSMV online renewal system is the quickest path if your license is not expired by more than five years. Go to the official DHSMV website, select "Renew Your Driver License," and enter your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will pull your record and ask you to review your information for accuracy — address, name, and any restrictions or endorsements.

You will then choose whether to keep your current address or update it. If you update your address, you become ineligible for online renewal and must go to an office instead. Once you confirm your information, you pay the renewal fee by credit card or debit card. Your new license ships to your address within 7 to 10 business days. During that time, your old license remains valid.

In-person renewal at a DHSMV office

Visit any DHSMV office with your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The office staff will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. You can walk out with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is printed and mailed.

Wait times vary by location and time of day. DHSMV offices typically see longer lines on Mondays and Fridays. If you go on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday afternoon, you often wait 15 to 30 minutes instead of an hour or more. Some offices allow you to check wait times online before you go. Bring your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost in the shuffle.

What happens if your license has been expired for more than five years

If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot use online renewal. You must go to a DHSMV office in person. The office will require your current license (or a state ID if you do not have a license), proof of residency, and your Social Security number, just as with a standard renewal.

However, the DHSMV may require you to retake the written knowledge test before issuing a new license. This is not automatic — the office staff will tell you whether the test is required based on how long your license has been expired and your driving record. If a test is required, you can take it the same day at the office. Study materials are available free on the DHSMV website under "Driver License Test Information."

Renewal fees and how long your new license lasts

Online renewal costs $47.50 for an eight-year license. In-person renewal at a DHSMV office costs $48 for an eight-year license. Both prices are current as of 2024 and may change; confirm the fee on the DHSMV website before you go or renew online. You can pay by credit card, debit card, or cash (in-person only).

Your new license is valid for eight years from the date of issue. You can renew up to six months before your license expires without any penalty or loss of validity. Many people renew early to avoid the rush near the expiration date. Your old license becomes invalid once your new one is issued, so do not carry both.

Renewing if you have moved out of state or changed your name

If you have moved out of Florida, you cannot renew your Florida license. You must obtain a license from your new state of residence. However, if you are a Florida resident temporarily living out of state (military, work assignment, school), you may still renew by mail or online if you meet the online renewal conditions. Contact the DHSMV to confirm your situation before attempting to renew.

If you have changed your name since your last renewal, you must renew in person at a DHSMV office. Bring your current license, proof of your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The office will issue a new license with your updated name.

What to do if you cannot find your current license

If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot use online renewal. Go to a DHSMV office and request a replacement license. Bring proof of residency and your Social Security number. You do not need to bring the lost license itself — the office will look up your record. The replacement process is the same as renewal, and you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your new card is printed.

If your license was stolen, you may also want to file a report with the DHSMV or local law enforcement, though this is not required to get a replacement. The DHSMV will note the theft in your record if you report it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it expired more than five years ago?

Yes, but you must go to a DHSMV office in person. You cannot use online renewal. The office may require you to retake the written knowledge test depending on how long your license has been expired. Call ahead or check the DHSMV website to confirm whether a test is required for your situation.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?

Your new license ships within 7 to 10 business days of completing your online renewal. Your old license remains valid during that time, so you can continue driving. If you need a license sooner, you must go to a DHSMV office for in-person renewal and receive a temporary paper license on the spot.

What if I moved to a new address in Florida?

If you update your address during online renewal, the system will reject your process and direct you to an office instead. For in-person renewal, bring your current license, proof of your new address (utility bill or lease dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number. The office will issue a new license with your updated address.

Do I need an appointment to renew at a DHSMV office?

Most DHSMV offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis and do not require appointments for license renewal. However, some offices in busy areas may offer appointment scheduling through the DHSMV website. Check your local office's page to see if appointments are available in your area.

What if my name or medical information changed since my last renewal?

Name changes require in-person renewal and proof of the change (marriage certificate, court order, etc.). Medical information changes also require an office visit — you cannot update medical restrictions or conditions online. Bring your current license and the relevant documents to a DHSMV office.