Florida driver licenses expire every 4, 6, or 8 years depending on your age, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person at a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office.

The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you need to update your address or photo, and how quickly you need the new card. Most people renew online through the DHSMV website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $47.50 for a standard 8-year license. If you cannot renew online—because your license has been expired for more than 6 months, you need a new photo, or you are changing your name—you will need to visit a DHSMV office in person.

Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 6 weeks before your license expires. It includes your renewal number, which you will need if you renew online. If you do not receive a notice, you can still renew by looking up your license information on the DHSMV website.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the DHSMV website works only if your license is currently valid and you do not need a new photo or name change.
  • The renewal fee is $47.50 for a standard 8-year license, and you pay by credit card, debit card, or e-check during the online process.
  • If your license expired more than 6 months ago, you must renew in person at a DHSMV office and bring your Social Security number, proof of residency, and a valid ID.
  • Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the renewal, whether you renew online or in person.
  • You can drive legally on your renewal receipt while you wait for your new card to arrive.

Renewing Online Through the DHSMV Website

Online renewal is the fastest and most convenient option if your license is still valid. Go to the DHSMV website, select "Renew Your Driver License," and enter your driver license number and renewal number (from your renewal notice). You will answer a few questions about your address and whether your information has changed, then pay the renewal fee by credit card, debit card, or e-check.

The entire process takes about 10 minutes. You will receive a confirmation number and a renewal receipt that you can print or save to your phone. This receipt is valid for driving while you wait for your new license card to arrive in the mail, which usually takes 7 to 10 business days.

Online renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than 6 months, if you need to change your name, if you need a new photo, or if you are renewing a commercial driver license (CDL). In any of those cases, you must visit a DHSMV office in person.

Renewing by Mail

Mail renewal is available only if you received a renewal notice in the mail and your license is still valid. Complete the renewal notice, sign it, and mail it to the address printed on the form along with a check or money order for $47.50. Do not send cash through the mail.

Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal—typically 2 to 3 weeks from the time DHSMV receives your form. You will not receive a receipt or confirmation until your new license arrives. If you need to drive before your new card arrives, online renewal is a better choice because you get an when ready receipt.

Renewing in Person at a DHSMV Office

You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than 6 months, if you need a new photo, if you are changing your name, or if you are renewing a commercial driver license. Visit any DHSMV office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours on certain days. Check the DHSMV website to find the office nearest you and confirm its hours before you go.

Bring your current driver license (or expired license if you are renewing after expiration), your Social Security number, and proof of your current Florida address. Acceptable proof of address includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within 90 days. The process takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the office is. Pay the renewal fee in cash, by check, or by card at the office.

You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your new card is mailed to you. Your permanent license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before your new card arrives, the temporary license is your proof of a valid license.

What Happens If Your License Expires

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Florida, even if you have already started the renewal process. However, if you have submitted your renewal process (online or in person) and are waiting for your new card, you can drive legally on your renewal receipt or temporary paper license.

If your license has been expired for more than 6 months and you have not renewed it, you cannot renew online. You must visit a DHSMV office in person and bring the documents listed above. There is no additional penalty fee for renewing a license that has been expired for a long time, but you will need to pass a vision test at the office.

Renewal Fees and Payment Methods

A standard 8-year driver license renewal costs $47.50. If you are 65 or older, you can renew for a 4-year or 6-year license instead, which costs less—check the DHSMV website for current pricing for those options. You pay by credit card, debit card, or e-check if you renew online. If you renew by mail, send a check or money order. If you renew in person, you can pay in cash, by check, or by card.

The renewal fee covers the cost of producing and mailing your new license card. There are no hidden fees or additional charges. If you are renewing a commercial driver license or a license with a motorcycle endorsement, the fee may be higher—the DHSMV website shows the exact cost for your situation.

What to Do If You Lose Your Renewal Notice

If you did not receive a renewal notice or you lost it, you can still renew online. Go to the DHSMV website and select "Renew Your Driver License." Instead of entering your renewal number, you can enter your driver license number and answer security questions to verify your identity. The system will pull up your information and let you proceed with the renewal.

If you cannot remember your driver license number, you can look it up on the DHSMV website by entering your name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Once you have your license number, you can start the online renewal process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Florida driver license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew up to 6 months before your license expires. If you renew early, your new expiration date will be 8 years (or 4 or 6 years if you are 65 or older) from the date you renew, not from your current expiration date. This means renewing early will extend your license further into the future.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

Not usually. If you renew online or by mail, your current photo stays on your license. You only get a new photo if you renew in person at a DHSMV office. If you want a new photo but do not need to renew yet, you can visit a DHSMV office to update your photo separately.

What if I changed my name since my last license?

You must renew in person at a DHSMV office and bring a document proving your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Bring your current license, Social Security number, and proof of address as well.

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

Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the renewal, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. You can drive legally on your renewal receipt or temporary paper license while you wait.

What if I moved out of Florida?

If you no longer live in Florida, you cannot renew a Florida driver license. You must get a driver license from your new state. Contact your new state's motor vehicle department to learn about their renewal or new license process.