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 restrictions, and your address hasn't changed.
For an in-person renewal, bring your current Florida driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number. If your address has changed, bring two documents showing your new address. You do not need to bring your birth certificate or passport unless you are renewing for the first time after moving to Florida.
For an online renewal through the DHSMV website, you will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The process takes about 10 minutes and your renewed license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the DHSMV website is the fastest option if your license is not suspended and your address has not changed.
- In-person renewal at any DHSMV office works for all situations, including address changes and medical restrictions, and takes about 30 minutes.
- You can renew up to six months before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the last minute.
- Your renewed license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days for online renewal, or you can request it when ready at an office location.
- Florida licenses are valid for eight years, and the renewal fee is the same whether you renew online or in person.
How long your renewed license is valid
A renewed Florida driver's license is valid for eight years from the date of renewal. This is the standard validity period for all adult drivers in Florida, regardless of age or renewal method.
You can renew your license up to six months before the expiration date printed on your current card. This means you do not have to wait until the last day to renew, and you can avoid the rush at DHSMV offices near the expiration date.
Renewal fees and payment methods
The Florida driver's license renewal fee is $75 for an eight-year license. This fee is the same whether you renew online or in person. You can pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check online; at an office, you can also pay by cash or check.
If you are renewing in person and need your license when ready, you can request a temporary paper license at the office. This temporary license is valid for 30 days while you wait for your plastic card to arrive by mail.
What happens if your license has expired
If your Florida driver's license has been expired for more than six months, you cannot renew it by mail or online. You must renew in person at a DHSMV office, and you may be required to retake the written test and vision test depending on how long it has been expired.
If your license expired fewer than six months ago, you can still renew online or by mail using the standard process. Bring your expired license and the same documents you would need for a regular renewal.
Finding a DHSMV office near you
The DHSMV website has a location finder that shows all office addresses, hours, and current wait times. You can search by city or ZIP code. Many offices are open Monday through Friday, with some locations offering Saturday hours. Wait times vary by location and time of day; offices tend to be less crowded early in the morning and mid-week.
You can also make an appointment at most DHSMV offices through the website, which reserves a specific time slot and typically reduces your wait time to 15 to 30 minutes. Appointments fill up quickly during peak renewal periods, so book as soon as you know you need to renew.
Address changes and other updates during renewal
If you are moving within Florida, you can update your address during renewal. Bring two documents showing your new address, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days. If you are renewing online, you can update your address through the website before completing payment.
If you need to change your name, add or remove medical restrictions, or update your organ donor status, you must renew in person. The DHSMV office will process these changes at the same time as your renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?
No. The DHSMV will not process a renewal if you have an outstanding suspension related to unpaid traffic citations or fines. You must resolve the ticket or fine first, either by paying it or appearing in court. Once resolved, you can renew normally.
What if I lost my current license and need to renew?
You cannot renew online if you do not have your current license number. You must renew in person at a DHSMV office and bring a replacement form of ID, such as a passport or state ID card. The office will issue a new license with a new number.
How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?
The DHSMV typically mails renewed licenses within 7 to 10 business days of approval. If you renew in person and request a temporary paper license, that temporary is valid for 30 days while you wait for the plastic card.
Can I renew my license if I am out of state?
You cannot renew online if you are not a Florida resident. If you are temporarily out of state, you can renew in person when you return to Florida. If you have moved out of state permanently, you will need to renew through your new state's DMV.
What if my renewal is denied?
The DHSMV will notify you by mail if your renewal is denied and explain the reason. Common reasons include a medical condition that affects driving, an outstanding suspension, or a failure to provide required documents. You can contact the DHSMV to find out what steps to take next.