How to Renew Your Florida Driver's License

The fastest way to renew depends on whether your license is still valid

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. The method you choose depends on how much time you have and whether your current license is expired. If your license is still valid, you can renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If it has been expired for more than six months, you must renew in person and may need to retake the vision test.

Florida lets you renew up to six months before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the last day. Most people renew online because it takes about 10 minutes and costs less than renewing by mail or in person. Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal works only if your license is still valid and you have not changed your address, name, or other information since your last renewal.
You will need your current Florida driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method to renew online.
Mail renewal takes longer (two to three weeks) but works for people who cannot visit an office or prefer not to renew online.
In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than six months or if you need to update your address, name, or other personal information.
Florida driver's licenses are valid for eight years, and you can renew starting six months before the expiration date printed on your card.

Renewing online through the DHSMV website

Go to the Florida DHSMV online services portal at gorenew.com, which is the official state renewal system. You will need your current Florida driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and pull up your current information on file.

Review the information shown on screen. If your address, name, or other details are correct, you can proceed to payment. The online renewal fee is $47.50 for an eight-year license. You can pay with a credit card, debit card, or electronic check. After you pay, you will receive a confirmation number by email. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

Online renewal will not work if you have changed your address, name, or other information since your last renewal. It also will not work if your license has been expired for more than six months. If either of these applies to you, use the mail or in-person method instead.

Renewing by mail if you cannot go online

Request a renewal process by calling the DHSMV at 1-844-DL-RENEW (1-844-357-3639) or visiting a local DHSMV office. You can also read the process form (Form HSMV 82053) from the DHSMV website. Fill out the form completely and include a check or money order for $47.50 made payable to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

Mail the completed form and payment to the address listed on the process. Do not send cash. Include a copy of your current driver's license if possible. Mail renewal typically takes two to three weeks from the time the DHSMV receives your form. You can track the status of your renewal by calling 1-844-357-3639 and providing your driver's license number.

Renewing in person at a DHSMV office

Visit any DHSMV office in Florida with your current driver's license and proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return). If you have changed your address since your last renewal, bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.

You will take a new photo and may be asked to retake the vision test, depending on how long it has been since your last renewal. The renewal fee is $48 when you renew in person. You will receive a temporary driving permit on the spot, and your new license will be mailed within 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than six months.

What to do if your license has been expired for more than six months

If your Florida driver's license expired more than six months ago, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a DHSMV office in person. Bring your current (expired) driver's license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address if it has changed.

At the office, you will retake the vision test and have a new photo taken. You may also be asked to pass a written test if the DHSMV determines it is necessary based on your driving record or the length of time your license has been expired. The fee is $48. You will receive a temporary permit to drive while your new license is mailed to you.

Finding a DHSMV office near you and what to bring

Use the DHSMV office locator on the state website to find the nearest office by county or city. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require an appointment. You can schedule an appointment online through the DHSMV website or by calling 1-844-357-3639. Appointments often have shorter wait times than walk-ins, especially at busy locations.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, tax return, or bank statement showing your full SSN), and proof of your current address if it has changed. If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), bring additional documents such as your medical certificate. Bring a payment method: cash, check, debit card, or credit card, depending on the office.

Understanding Florida's eight-year license validity and renewal windows

Your Florida driver's license is valid for eight years from the date it is issued. The expiration date is printed on the front of your card. You can renew your license starting six months before the expiration date. For example, if your license expires on March 15, 2025, you can begin renewing on September 15, 2024.

Renewing early does not shorten the life of your new license. Your new license will be valid for eight years from the date you renew, not from the date your old license expired. If you wait until after your license expires, you can still renew, but if it has been expired for more than six months, you must do so in person and may need to retake the vision test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Florida driver's license if I moved out of state?

No. You must be a Florida resident to hold a Florida driver's license. If you have moved to another state, you should obtain a driver's license from your new state of residence. If you still live in Florida but have moved to a new address within the state, you can renew online as long as your license is still valid and you have not changed any other information.

What happens if I renew online but my information was wrong?

Contact the DHSMV before your new license arrives. Call 1-844-357-3639 with your confirmation number and explain the error. If the error is caught before your new license is printed and mailed, the DHSMV may be able to correct it. If your new license has already been mailed with incorrect information, you will need to visit a DHSMV office in person to request a corrected license.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

If you renew online or by mail, your photo from your current license will be used on your new license. If you renew in person at a DHSMV office, you will have a new photo taken. You cannot request a new photo if you renew online or by mail.

How long can I drive with an expired Florida license?

You cannot legally drive with an expired license. If your license has expired, you must renew it before driving. If you are pulled over with an expired license, you may receive a citation. If your license expired recently and you have already submitted a renewal process, carry a copy of your confirmation number or receipt to show law enforcement that you have applied to renew.

Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?

Florida does not prevent you from renewing your driver's license because of unpaid traffic tickets or fines. However, if you have an active suspension on your license due to unpaid fines or other violations, you cannot renew until the suspension is lifted. Contact the DHSMV or the court that issued the ticket to find out how to resolve the suspension.

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.