How to Renew Your Florida Driver's License

Florida driver's licenses expire every six years, and you can renew yours online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office

Your renewal method depends on your age, whether your license is still valid, and how much time you have before expiration. If you're under 80 and your license hasn't been suspended or revoked, you can renew online through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) website without visiting an office. By-mail renewal is also available for most drivers. In-person renewal at a DMV office is required only if you need a new photo, have a medical condition that affects driving, or your license has been suspended.

The cost is $48 for a six-year renewal, though the fee may vary slightly if you're renewing early or adding endorsements. You'll need your current license number and a valid email address to start the process online.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the DHSMV website takes about 10 minutes and works for most drivers under 80 with valid licenses.
Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after approval, and you can drive legally with your old license until it arrives.
If you renew online or by mail, you keep your current photo; in-person renewal at a DMV office is required only if you need a new photo or have specific medical restrictions.
You can renew up to 18 months before your license expires, which is useful if you're traveling or want to avoid the rush near your expiration date.
If your license has been suspended, revoked, or you're over 80, you must renew in person at a DMV office with a vision test and written exam.

Online renewal through the DHSMV website

The fastest route is the DHSMV online renewal system at flhsmv.gov. You'll need your current Florida driver's license number, date of birth, and a valid email address. The system will ask you to confirm your address and provide payment information for the $48 fee. You cannot change your address online, so if you've moved, you'll need to renew by mail or in person.

After you submit, the DHSMV processes your renewal and mails your new license to the address on file. You should receive it within 7 to 10 business days. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can continue driving and using it for identification. If you don't receive your license within two weeks, contact the DHSMV at 1-844-33-FLHSMV (1-844-335-4786) to check the status.

Online renewal is not available if you're over 80, if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you need to change your address, or if you're renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL). In those cases, you'll need to use mail or in-person renewal.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal works if you want to change your address, are renewing a license that expired more than six months ago, or prefer not to use the online system. You'll need to request a renewal form from the DHSMV by calling 1-844-33-FLHSMV or visiting a DMV office. Some offices also mail forms on request if you provide your license number and current address.

Complete the form, include a check or money order for $48 payable to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, and mail it to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date the DHSMV receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide on the form. If you're changing your address, this is the renewal method that lets you update it without visiting an office.

In-person renewal at a DMV office

You must renew in person if you're over 80, if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you need a new photo, or if you have a medical condition that requires a vision test or written exam. Bring your current license, proof of residency (a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and payment of $48 in cash, check, or card. If you're over 80, you'll also take a vision test and a written exam on Florida traffic laws.

Visit the DHSMV office locator at flhsmv.gov to find the office nearest you and check hours. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require appointments. Call ahead or check the office's page to see if you need to book a time slot. Processing at the office usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, and you'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is mailed to you.

What happens if your license has expired

If your license expired more than six months ago, you cannot renew online. You must renew by mail or in person. Driving with an expired license is illegal in Florida, even if you're in the process of renewing. If you're stopped by law enforcement, you can be cited.

If your license expired fewer than six months ago, online renewal is still available. If it expired between 6 months and 5 years ago, mail renewal is your option. For licenses expired longer than 5 years, you'll need to visit a DMV office in person.

Renewing early and planning ahead

You can renew your license up to 18 months before it expires. This is useful if you're planning to travel, know you'll be busy near your expiration date, or want to avoid long lines at DMV offices. Your new license will have a new expiration date six years from the date you renew, not six years from your old expiration date.

If you're renewing early by mail or in person, the process is the same as a standard renewal. Online renewal is available for early renewals as long as you meet the other requirements (under 80, valid license, no suspensions).

Renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL)

CDL renewals must be done in person at a DMV office. You'll need to pass a vision test and a written exam on commercial driving rules. Bring your current CDL, proof of residency, and $48. If your CDL has been suspended or revoked, or if you're over 65, additional requirements may explore—call the DHSMV before you visit to confirm what you need to bring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while my renewal is being processed?

Yes. Your current license remains valid until your new one arrives. If you renewed online or by mail, you can drive legally for the full 7 to 10 business days (or 4 to 6 weeks by mail) while the DHSMV processes your request. If you renewed in person, you receive a temporary paper license good for 30 days.

What if I moved and need to update my address?

Online renewal does not allow address changes. Use mail renewal instead: request a form from the DHSMV, complete it with your new address, and mail it with payment. Your new license will be sent to the updated address. You can also update your address in person at a DMV office during renewal.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

No, unless you choose to get one. Online and mail renewals keep your current photo. If you want a new photo or if your current one is damaged or unrecognizable, you must renew in person at a DMV office. Drivers over 80 must renew in person and will receive a new photo as part of the process.

What if my license was suspended or revoked?

You cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a DMV office in person. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and $48. The office will check your driving record and may require additional documentation or fees depending on the reason for the suspension or revocation.

How long does it take to get my new license?

Online renewal: 7 to 10 business days by mail. Mail renewal: 4 to 6 weeks from the date received. In-person renewal: you receive a temporary paper license when ready, valid for 30 days, and your plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

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.