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 suspended, you have no medical conditions flagged on your record, and your address hasn't changed since your last renewal.

For an in-person renewal, bring your current Florida driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current Florida address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days). If your address has changed, you'll also need to show proof of residency at the new address. You do not need to bring a new photo unless your license has been lost or stolen.

If you're renewing online, you'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against state records. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs less than an in-person visit.

Key Takeaways

Florida allows online renewal for most drivers, which takes 10 minutes and costs less than going to an office, but only if your license is valid and your address hasn't changed.
In-person renewal at any DHSMV office requires your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address dated within 60 days.
Your Florida driver's license is valid for eight years, and you can renew it up to 18 months before it expires.
Processing times vary: online renewals are mailed within 7 to 10 business days, while in-person renewals may be issued the same day or mailed depending on the office.
If your license has been suspended or you have medical restrictions, you must renew in person and may need to pass a vision or road test.

How long your renewed license is valid

A renewed Florida driver's license is valid for eight years from the date it is issued. You can begin the renewal process up to 18 months before your current license expires, which gives you a wide window to avoid driving on an expired license.

If you renew online, your new license will be mailed to the address on file. The DHSMV typically mails renewed licenses within 7 to 10 business days of approval. If you renew in person at an office, some locations issue a temporary license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while your permanent license is being printed and mailed. Check with your local DHSMV office to confirm whether they offer same-day temporary licenses.

Renewing online through the Florida DHSMV website

To renew online, go to the official Florida DHSMV website and select the online renewal option. You'll enter your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will pull up your record and confirm your information.

Online renewal is available only if all of the following are true: your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical conditions or restrictions on your record that require a medical review, your address has not changed since your last renewal, and you are not renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL). If any of these conditions explore to you, you must renew in person.

The online renewal fee is lower than the in-person fee. Once you complete the online process, your new license will be mailed to your address on file. You'll receive a confirmation number that you can use to track your renewal status on the DHSMV website.

Renewing in person at a DHSMV office

Walk into any DHSMV office during business hours with your documents and take a number. Wait times vary by location and time of day; many offices are busiest mid-morning and mid-week. Some DHSMV offices allow you to schedule an appointment online before you go, which can reduce your wait time significantly.

When you reach the counter, hand over your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address. The staff member will take a new photo (unless you request to keep your current photo, which is an option in Florida). You'll pay the renewal fee, which varies depending on whether you're renewing for four or eight years. An eight-year renewal costs more but is the standard option.

After payment, you'll receive a receipt. Some offices issue a temporary license valid for 30 days on the spot; others mail your new license within 7 to 10 business days. Ask the staff member which applies at that office before you leave.

What happens if your license is suspended or has medical restrictions

If your Florida driver's license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it online. You must go to a DHSMV office in person. The office staff will tell you the reason for the suspension and what you need to do to clear it. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or a DUI conviction.

If your license has medical restrictions or conditions flagged in the system, you must renew in person. The DHSMV may require you to pass a vision test, a road test, or provide a medical evaluation from your doctor before your renewal is approved. Bring any medical documentation your doctor has given you about your driving fitness.

If you're unsure whether your license is suspended, call the DHSMV at 1-844-5-DHSMV (1-844-534-7368) before you go to an office. They can tell you the status of your license and what documents you'll need to bring.

Renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL)

Commercial driver's licenses cannot be renewed online under any circumstances. You must renew in person at a DHSMV office. Bring your current CDL, proof of Social Security number, proof of address, and your medical certificate (the FMCSA medical card issued by a certified medical examiner).

If your medical certificate has expired or will expire within 30 days, you must renew it before you renew your CDL. Schedule an appointment with a FMCSA-certified medical examiner; the DHSMV website has a list of approved examiners. The medical exam costs money and is not included in the CDL renewal fee.

CDL renewals take longer than standard license renewals because the DHSMV must verify your medical status and commercial driving record. Plan for your visit to take 30 to 45 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has already expired?

Yes, but you cannot drive on an expired license. If your license expired more than six months ago, you may need to retake the written test and vision test, and you must renew in person. If it expired less than six months ago, you can usually renew online or in person without retesting. Call the DHSMV to confirm your specific situation.

What if I've moved out of Florida since my last renewal?

You cannot renew a Florida license if you no longer live in Florida. You must obtain a driver's license from your new state of residence. If you still own property in Florida or spend significant time here, you may be able to maintain a Florida license, but you'll need to prove current residency with a utility bill or lease at a Florida address.

How much does it cost to renew a Florida driver's license?

The fee depends on whether you renew for four years or eight years, and whether you renew online or in person. Online renewal costs less than in-person renewal. Fees change periodically, so check the official Florida DHSMV website for current pricing before you go to an office or start an online renewal.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

If you've changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that proves the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). You cannot renew online with a name change.

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?

It depends on the type of fine and whether it has been reported to the DHSMV. Some unpaid fines cause a license suspension, which prevents online renewal. Call the DHSMV at 1-844-534-7368 to check whether your license is suspended before you attempt to renew.

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.