How to Renew Your Florida Driver's License

Florida driver's license renewal happens online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office, depending on your situation and how soon you need it done

Florida's Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) lets you renew without visiting an office if your license is not suspended, you have no medical conditions that need review, and your address hasn't changed since your last renewal. The online renewal portal is the fastest route — you can complete it in minutes from home. If you cannot renew online, you can mail in your process or go to a local DMV office. Your current license must not be expired by more than five years for any renewal method to work.

Your renewal timeline depends on which method you choose. Online renewal takes about one to two weeks for your new license to arrive by mail. Mail-in renewal takes three to four weeks. In-person renewal at a DMV office is when ready — you walk out with a temporary license and receive your permanent one by mail within one to two weeks. If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew; you must explore for a new license instead, which requires an in-person visit, a vision test, and a new photo.

Key Takeaways

You can renew online through the DHSMV website if your license is valid, not suspended, and your address has not changed since your last renewal.
Online renewal costs $48 for a four-year license or $75 for an eight-year license, and your new license arrives in one to two weeks.
If you cannot renew online, you can mail your process and fee to the DHSMV, which takes three to four weeks, or visit a DMV office for when ready temporary credentials.
Your license must not be expired by more than five years to renew; if it has been longer, you must explore for a new license in person.
You will need your Social Security number, current license number, and a valid payment method (credit or debit card for online renewal) to complete the process.

Renewing online through the DHSMV website

The DHSMV online renewal portal is at gorenew.com, which is the official Florida driver's license renewal site. You will need your current Florida driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a credit or debit card to pay the renewal fee. The system will ask you to confirm your address, verify your identity, and review your medical history questions. If everything matches your records and you have no suspensions or medical restrictions, the system will approve your renewal when ready.

The renewal fee is $48 for a four-year license or $75 for an eight-year license. You choose the term when you pay. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, and you should receive it within one to two weeks. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you do not receive your license within three weeks, contact the DHSMV at 1-844-353-0136 to report it.

Online renewal is not available if your license is suspended, if you have medical conditions that require DHSMV review, if your address has changed since your last renewal, or if your license has been expired for more than five years. If any of these explore to you, you must renew by mail or in person.

Renewing by mail

To renew by mail, you will need to request an process form from the DHSMV or read it from their website. The form is called the process for Florida Driver License, Identification Card, or Permit (Form HSMV 82053). You can request the form by calling 1-844-353-0136 or by visiting a local DMV office. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it with your current license, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and any required medical documentation if you have health conditions that affect your driving.

Mail your process to the DHSMV address listed on the form. Processing takes three to four weeks from the date they receive your process. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file. During this time, you can continue to drive on your current license. If you need your license sooner, mail-in renewal is not the right choice — visit a DMV office instead.

Mail-in renewal works only if your license is not suspended, you have no new medical conditions to report, and your address has not changed. If any of these do not explore, you must renew in person at a DMV office.

Renewing in person at a DMV office

Visit your local DMV office with your current Florida driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days). Bring a payment method — cash, check, debit card, or credit card. The DMV office will take your photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. You will receive a temporary license to drive home with, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within one to two weeks.

In-person renewal is required if your license is suspended, if you have medical conditions that need DHSMV review, if your address has changed, or if your license has been expired for more than five years. It is also the fastest way to get a temporary license if you need to drive when ready. You do not need an appointment at most DMV offices, but wait times vary. Some offices allow you to reserve a time slot online through the DHSMV website.

The renewal fee is the same whether you renew in person, by mail, or online: $48 for a four-year license or $75 for an eight-year license. If you are 79 years old or older, your license term is shorter and the fee is lower; ask the DMV staff for the current rate.

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

If your Florida driver's license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it. You must explore for a new license instead. This requires an in-person visit to a DMV office, a new photo, a vision test, and proof of your identity and Social Security number. You will also need to pass the written driving test unless you are over 79 years old or meet other exemptions. The fee for a new license is the same as renewal, but the process takes longer because of the testing requirements.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Florida, even if you are in the process of renewing. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can be cited. If your license has been expired for a long time, contact a local DMV office to find out what documents you need to bring and whether you need to schedule an appointment.

Finding your local DMV office and checking wait times

The DHSMV website has a DMV office locator at flhsmv.gov. Enter your county or city to find the nearest office, its hours, and its phone number. Some offices are busier than others; offices in larger cities often have longer wait times. Many DMV offices now allow you to reserve a time slot online through the same website, which can cut your wait time significantly. Check whether your local office offers this option before you go.

If you want to avoid crowds, visit early in the morning on a weekday, or call ahead to ask when the office is typically least busy. Some counties have multiple DMV offices; if one is crowded, you can visit another in the same county. You do not have to renew at the office closest to your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Florida driver's license if I moved to another state?

No. You must have a current Florida address to renew a Florida license. If you have moved out of state, you need to get a driver's license from your new state. If you still have a Florida address (such as a family member's home), you can renew online or by mail using that address.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a DMV office in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The DMV will issue a new license with your updated name.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

If you renew online or by mail, the DMV uses your photo from your current license. If you renew in person at a DMV office, they will take a new photo. If you want a new photo but are renewing online or by mail, you must renew in person instead.

What if I lost my current license before renewing?

You cannot renew online or by mail without your current license number. Visit a DMV office in person with proof of your identity and Social Security number. The DMV can look up your license number in their system and issue a replacement license. You can renew at the same time.

How do I know if my license is suspended?

You can check your license status on the DHSMV website or by calling 1-844-353-0136. If your license is suspended, you cannot renew until the suspension is lifted. Contact the DHSMV to find out why it was suspended and what you need to do to restore it.

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.