How to Renew Your Florida Driver's License

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 almost everyone; the online route is faster but only available if your license is not expired by more than six months, you have no medical conditions flagged 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 your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You do not need to bring a new photo; DHSMV will use your existing one unless you request a new photograph.

For an online renewal, you will need your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You can pay the renewal fee with a credit or debit card. The online process takes about 10 minutes, and your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Florida DHSMV website is available only if your license expired less than six months ago and you have no medical flags or address changes on file.
In-person renewal at any DHSMV office requires your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.
Renewal fees vary depending on how long you want your new license to be valid — typically $48 for a four-year license or $75 for an eight-year license.
If you renew online, your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; in-person renewal can issue a temporary license on the spot.

Renewal fees and license validity periods

Florida offers two renewal periods: a four-year license and an eight-year license. A four-year renewal costs $48, and an eight-year renewal costs $75. The eight-year option is the better value if you plan to keep your license for a long time, but the four-year option gives you more flexibility if your circumstances might change — for example, if you might move out of state or want to update your photograph sooner.

When you renew, you can choose which validity period you want. There is no requirement to stick with whatever you had before. If your current license is an eight-year license and you want to switch to four years at renewal, you can do that, and you will pay the four-year rate.

Online renewal step-by-step

Go to the official Florida DHSMV website and select the online renewal option. You will be asked to enter your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your information against the DHSMV database.

Next, you will review your personal information and address. If anything is incorrect, you cannot fix it online — you will need to go to an office in person. If everything is correct, you will choose your renewal period (four or eight years) and pay the fee with a credit or debit card. You will receive a confirmation number by email.

Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you can print your confirmation email and use it as a temporary driving document, though some law enforcement officers may not accept it — ask the DHSMV website for the current policy on temporary documents.

In-person renewal at a DHSMV office

Find your nearest DHSMV office on the official website and check its hours. Many offices are open Monday through Friday, but some have Saturday hours. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but some offices use an online reservation system to manage wait times — check before you go.

Bring your current license, proof of residency dated within 90 days, and your Social Security number. If you want a new photograph, tell the staff member when you check in. The renewal process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is.

When your renewal is complete, you will receive a temporary driving permit valid for 30 days while your new license is printed and mailed. Your permanent license will arrive within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary permit is a legal driving document and is accepted by law enforcement.

When your license has expired more than six months ago

If your license expired more than six months ago, you cannot use online renewal. You must go to a DHSMV office in person. Bring the same documents as for a standard renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.

The process is the same as a regular in-person renewal, and the fee is the same. Your expired license is still valid identification for the purpose of renewing — you do not need a separate ID document. You will receive a temporary permit and your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Address changes and other updates during renewal

If you have moved since your last license was issued, you must update your address. You can do this during an in-person renewal by providing your new proof of residency. If you try to renew online and your address has changed, the system will reject the online process and direct you to an office.

If you want to change your name, add or remove an organ donor designation, or update your medical information, you must do these at an office in person. Bring the required documents — a certified name-change document if applicable — and let the staff member know what you need to update. These changes do not cost extra; they are included in your renewal fee.

What to do if you lose your license before renewal

If your license is lost or stolen before you renew it, you can still renew online if you meet the other conditions (not expired more than six months, no medical flags, no address changes). The online system does not require you to physically present your current license — it verifies your identity through your license number and personal information.

If you cannot renew online, go to a DHSMV office and explain that your license is lost. You will need to bring proof of residency and your Social Security number. The office will issue you a replacement license with a new number, and you will pay the standard renewal fee. There is no separate fee for a replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?

Florida does not automatically block license renewal for unpaid tickets, but some courts may place a hold on your driving privileges. Check the Florida court system website or call your local courthouse to see if there is a hold on your record. If there is, you must resolve it before you can renew.

How long does a temporary permit last?

A temporary permit issued at a DHSMV office is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license should arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days, so the temporary permit is a backup in case your new license is delayed. If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the DHSMV office where you renewed.

Can I get a REAL ID-compliant license when I renew?

Yes. If you want a REAL ID license (required for federal building access and domestic air travel), bring your original birth certificate or passport, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return). The REAL ID license costs the same as a standard license and is valid for the same periods.

What if my name is different on my license and my proof of residency?

Bring a certified document showing the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DHSMV office will update your name on your license during renewal. Your proof of residency can be in your old name or new name; the office accepts either as long as it is dated within 90 days.

Can someone else renew my license for me?

No. You must renew in person or online yourself. A family member or representative cannot renew on your behalf, even with written permission. If you are unable to visit an office due to a disability or medical condition, contact your local DHSMV office to ask about accommodations or alternative options.

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.