How to Renew Your Florida Driver's License

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

Florida's renewal process depends on whether you're renewing before or after your license expires, and whether you meet the requirements for online or mail renewal. Most people under 80 can renew online through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) website without visiting an office. If you don't meet online requirements—or prefer to renew in person—you can go to a DMV office or use mail renewal, though mail takes longer.

Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license. Florida licenses issued to people under 80 are valid for six or eight years depending on when you were born. Licenses issued to people 80 and older expire every five years and cannot be renewed online.

Key Takeaways

Most Florida drivers can renew online at the DHSMV website if their license is not yet expired and they have no medical suspensions or restrictions that changed.
Online renewal costs $47.50 and takes about 7 to 10 business days; you'll receive your new license by mail.
If your license is already expired, you cannot renew online and must visit a DMV office or use mail renewal instead.
Drivers 80 and older must renew in person at a DMV office and cannot use online or mail renewal.
You can renew up to 180 days before your license expires, so you don't have to wait until the expiration date.

Online renewal through the DHSMV website

Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access. Go to the official DHSMV website (flhsmv.gov), select "Renew Your Driver License," and follow the prompts. You'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (credit or debit card). The fee is $47.50.

You can renew online only if all of these are true: your license has not yet expired, you have no medical suspensions or restrictions, your address has not changed, and you are under 80 years old. If your address changed, you must renew in person or by mail so the DMV can verify your residency. If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), you cannot renew online and must visit a DMV office.

After you complete the online form, the DMV will mail your new license to the address on file. Delivery typically takes 7 to 10 business days. You can use your old license until the new one arrives, even if it has expired.

In-person renewal at a DMV office

Visit any DMV office with your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and payment. The fee is $47.50. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations offer online scheduling to reduce wait time. Check the DMV office locator on flhsmv.gov to find the office nearest you and see if appointments are available.

In-person renewal is required if your license has already expired, if you are 80 or older, if your address changed, if you have a CDL, or if you have medical restrictions that may have changed. You'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot, valid for 30 days while your new plastic license is mailed to you. Bring the temporary license with you if you need to drive before the new one arrives.

Processing time at the office is usually 15 to 30 minutes, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Going early in the morning or on weekday afternoons often means shorter lines.

Mail renewal

You can renew by mail if your license has not expired and you meet the same requirements as online renewal (no address change, no medical restrictions, under 80 years old). Request a mail renewal form from the DMV by calling 1-844-DL-RENEW (1-844-357-3639) or visiting flhsmv.gov. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for $47.50 made payable to "DHSMV," and mail it to the address on the form.

Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks from the time the DMV receives your form. This is slower than online renewal, so plan ahead if your license is expiring soon. Keep a copy of your mailed form and payment for your records.

What happens if your license expires before you renew

If your license expires, you cannot legally drive in Florida. You must renew in person at a DMV office—online and mail renewal are no longer available once your license has expired. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment to any DMV office.

Driving with an expired license can result in a traffic citation and fine, even if you have a valid renewal in progress. If you're stopped by law enforcement, explain that you have applied for renewal and show proof of your process if you have it (such as a confirmation email from online renewal or a copy of your mailed form). This may help, but it does not may provide you won't be cited.

Changing your address during renewal

If you moved, you must update your address during renewal. You cannot change your address online; you must renew in person at a DMV office or by mail. When you renew in person, bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 90 days). The DMV will verify your residency and issue a new license with the updated address.

If you renew by mail, include a copy of your proof of residency with your form. Mail renewal takes longer, so if you need your new license quickly, renewing in person is faster.

Renewing early and license validity

You can renew your license up to 180 days before it expires. Renewing early does not change your expiration date—your new license will expire six or eight years from the date you renew, not from the date your old license would have expired. For example, if your license expires on March 15, 2025, and you renew on January 15, 2025, your new license will expire on January 15, 2031.

Some people renew early to avoid the rush near their expiration date or to update their address or photo. If you're planning a trip and your license will expire soon, renewing early ensures you have a valid license for travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Florida license if I live out of state?

Yes, if your license has not expired, you can renew online from anywhere. If your license has expired or you need to change your address, you must renew in person at a Florida DMV office or by mail. Mail renewal is your best option if you cannot travel to Florida.

What if I lost my license before it expired?

You cannot renew a lost license online. Visit a DMV office with proof of identity and residency to report the loss and renew at the same time. You'll pay the renewal fee ($47.50) plus a replacement fee for the lost license. Bring a government-issued ID such as a passport.

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 want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DMV office. You can also visit a DMV office to update your photo without renewing your license if it's still valid.

How long is my temporary paper license valid?

A temporary paper license issued at a DMV office is valid for 30 days. You can drive with it while you wait for your new plastic license to arrive by mail. If your plastic license doesn't arrive within 30 days, contact the DMV at 1-844-DL-RENEW to check the status.

What if my license was suspended or revoked?

You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. Contact the DMV or the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles to find out why your license was suspended and what steps you need to take to restore it. You may need to pay a reinstatement fee or complete other requirements before you can 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.