How to Renew Your Florida Driver's License

The fastest way to renew depends on how much time you have left

You can renew your Florida driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $48 for an eight-year license. By mail takes two to three weeks. In person takes an hour or two but you walk out with a temporary license the same day.

You're not may be able to access for online renewal if your license has been suspended, revoked, or expired for more than five years. You also can't renew online if you need to change your address, name, or organ donor status — those require a visit to a DHSMV office. If you've never had a Florida license or you're renewing a commercial license, you must go in person.

Start the process at least two weeks before your expiration date if you're mailing it in, or one week before if you're going online. If your license expires while you're waiting for the renewal, you can still drive legally as long as you have proof you've started the process.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the DHSMV website takes 10 minutes, costs $48, and works only if your license hasn't been suspended or expired for more than five years.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires you to submit a completed form, your current license, and a check or money order to the DHSMV address in Tallahassee.
In-person renewal at any DHSMV office takes one to two hours but gives you a temporary license when ready and lets you update your address or name at the same time.
You can legally drive while your renewal is being processed as long as you have proof you've started the process, such as a confirmation email or receipt.
If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test.

Online renewal through the DHSMV website

Go to gorenew.com, the official Florida DHSMV renewal portal. You'll need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The system will verify your identity and pull up your current information.

Review your address, name, and other details on the screen. If anything is wrong, stop — you can't fix it online. Close the browser and mail in your renewal instead, or go to a DHSMV office. If everything is correct, pay the $48 fee and submit. You'll get a confirmation number and email.

Your new license will arrive by mail in seven to ten business days. You can drive legally during this time using your old license or the confirmation email as proof of renewal. Check the status of your renewal anytime by returning to gorenew.com and entering your confirmation number.

Mail renewal with a form and check

read Form HSMV 82053 from the DHSMV website or request it by calling 1-888-769-2778. Fill in all fields in blue ink. Include your current driver's license (the DHSMV will return it to you), a check or money order for $48 made out to "DHSMV," and the completed form in an envelope.

Mail everything to:

Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Driver License Bureau Neil Kirkman Building 2900 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, FL 32399

Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DHSMV receives your envelope. Your old license and new license will both arrive by mail. Keep your old license until the new one arrives, since you'll need it to prove you've renewed if you're stopped while waiting.

In-person renewal at a DHSMV office

Find your nearest DHSMV office on the DHSMV website and check its hours — many offices close for lunch or operate limited hours on certain days. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days).

Arrive early if possible; wait times vary by location and time of day. You'll fill out a form, have your photo taken, and pay $48 in cash, debit, or credit card. You'll receive a temporary license printed on the spot that's valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you.

Use this temporary license to drive legally. Your permanent license arrives by mail in seven to ten business days. If you need to change your address, name, or organ donor status, tell the clerk before you leave — they can update it while you're there.

What to do if your license expired more than five years ago

You cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been expired for more than five years. You must go to a DHSMV office in person. Bring the same documents as a standard in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address.

The DHSMV may require you to retake the written knowledge test, depending on how long your license has been expired and your age. Ask the clerk when you arrive whether you need to study the handbook. If you do, the DHSMV office has copies, and you can take the test the same day after studying.

Renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL)

Commercial licenses cannot be renewed online or by mail. You must go to a DHSMV office in person. Bring your current CDL, proof of Social Security number, proof of address, and your medical certificate (FMCSA Form 649-C) if your CDL requires one.

You may need to retake the written test and the skills test depending on your CDL class and endorsements. Ask the clerk what tests explore to your license before you pay the renewal fee. Processing takes longer for commercial licenses — allow extra time and call ahead to confirm what documents your specific office requires.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it's already expired?

Yes. You can renew an expired license as long as it expired less than five years ago. If it's been more than five years, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test. You can legally drive while your renewal is being processed if you have proof you've started it.

What if I moved and need to change my address?

You cannot change your address online or by mail. Go to a DHSMV office in person with your current license, proof of your new address (utility bill or lease dated within 90 days), and proof of Social Security number. The clerk will update your address while you renew.

How long is a renewed Florida driver's license valid?

A standard renewal is valid for eight years from the date it's issued. If you're 80 or older, your license is valid for five years. Commercial licenses have different validity periods depending on your age and CDL class.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person?

Most DHSMV offices do not require an appointment for license renewal, but some locations offer appointment slots during busy times. Check the DHSMV website for your local office to see if appointments are available. Walk-ins are usually accepted, but wait times vary.

What happens if I drive with an expired license while waiting for my renewal?

You can legally drive with an expired license as long as you have proof you've started the renewal process — a confirmation email from online renewal, a receipt from mailing it in, or a temporary license from an office visit. Keep this proof with you while driving.

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.