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 a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office, by mail, or online through the Florida DHSMV (Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles) website — but not all renewal types work for every method. If your license is not expired more than five years, you can renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person.

For any renewal method, you will need your current Florida driver's license or ID card. If you are renewing by mail or online, you will also need a valid payment method — credit card, debit card, or electronic check. In-person renewals accept cash, check, credit card, or debit card. The renewal fee is $75 for an eight-year license (standard for most adults), though the cost varies slightly if you are over 65 or renewing a commercial license.

If your address has changed, you will need to provide proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government document dated within the past 60 days. You cannot update your address online; you must do it by mail or in person.

Key Takeaways

Online and mail renewal work only if your license expired within the last five years; anything older requires an in-person visit to a DMV office.
Online renewal through the Florida DHSMV website is the fastest route and takes about 7 to 10 business days for your new license to arrive by mail.
Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks and requires you to send your current license to the DMV; you will receive a temporary paper license while you wait.
In-person renewal at a DMV office is when ready if you need to change your address, update your photo, or correct information on your license.
Your license remains valid for 30 days after the expiration date if you have a pending renewal process, so you can drive legally during processing.

Renewing online through the Florida DHSMV website

Online renewal is the fastest and most convenient option if your license is not expired more than five years. Go to the official Florida DHSMV website (flhsmv.gov) and select the renewal option. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to start. The system will verify your information against state records.

During the online process, you will confirm or update your address, choose whether you want a standard or Real ID-compliant license (Real ID costs $10 more and is required for federal building access and domestic air travel after May 7, 2025), and pay the renewal fee. You cannot upload a new photo online; your new license will use the photo from your current license. If you need a new photo, you must renew in person.

After you submit your process, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. During this time, your current license remains valid, so you can drive legally. If you need to drive before your new license arrives and your current license has already expired, contact the DMV to request a temporary paper license.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal but works if you prefer not to visit a DMV office. Request a renewal process by calling the Florida DMV at 1-844-33-FLHSMV (1-844-335-4786) or by visiting a DMV office in person. You can also read the process form from the DHSMV website, though calling is faster because the DMV will mail the form directly to you.

Fill out the process, include your current license, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail everything to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. The DMV will process your renewal and mail your new license back to you within 2 to 3 weeks. You will receive a temporary paper license in the mail that you can use to drive while you wait for your permanent license.

Mail renewal does not allow you to change your address, update your photo, or correct information on your license. If you need any of these changes, you must renew in person at a DMV office.

Renewing in person at a DMV office

In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need to change your address, if you want a new photo, or if you need to correct information on your license. Visit any DMV office in Florida with your current license and a valid payment method. Bring proof of your new address if you are moving — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the past 60 days.

Wait times at DMV offices vary widely by location and time of day. Early morning visits (right when the office opens) and mid-week appointments typically have shorter waits than afternoons or Fridays. Some DMV offices offer online appointment scheduling through the DHSMV website; if your local office offers this, booking an appointment will save you time. You will receive your new license on the spot if you are renewing with the same photo, or within a few days if a new photo is taken.

Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return). If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. If you are a non-citizen, bring your passport and visa or work permit.

What happens if your license is expired more than five years

If your Florida license expired more than five years ago, the state treats it as a new process rather than a renewal, even if you held it for years. You cannot renew online or by mail; you must visit a DMV office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or a document showing it.

You will need to pass a vision test at the DMV office. You will also be asked to provide proof of your Social Security number and proof of your current address. If your address has changed since your license expired, bring a utility bill or lease dated within the past 60 days. The fee is the same as a standard renewal ($75 for an eight-year license), and you will receive your new license when ready or within a few days if a new photo is taken.

Real ID versus standard license renewal

When you renew, you can choose between a standard Florida driver's license or a Real ID-compliant license. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal identification standards. Starting May 7, 2025, a Real ID license or passport will be required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. A standard license will no longer work for these purposes after that date.

Real ID renewal costs $10 more than a standard renewal ($85 instead of $75 for an eight-year license). You can upgrade to Real ID during any renewal method — online, by mail, or in person. If you choose Real ID, you will need to provide proof of your Social Security number and proof of your current address, even if you are not changing your address. These documents are required by federal law for Real ID compliance.

If you renew online or by mail and do not select Real ID, you will receive a standard license. You can upgrade to Real ID at any time by visiting a DMV office in person and paying the $10 upgrade fee.

Timeline and what to expect while you wait

Your renewal timeline depends on which method you choose. Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days from submission to delivery. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal is when ready for the same-day photo, or a few days if a new photo is taken. If you renew by mail and need to drive before your new license arrives, the temporary paper license mailed with your process is valid for 30 days.

Your current license remains valid for 30 days after it expires if you have a pending renewal process. This means if your license expires on June 15 and you submit a renewal process before that date, you can legally drive until July 15 while waiting for your new license to arrive. Keep your confirmation number or receipt from your renewal process in your vehicle as proof that you have applied.

If your new license does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact the DMV at 1-844-33-FLHSMV. Have your confirmation number ready. The DMV can check the status of your renewal and reissue your license if it was lost in the mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than a year?

Yes, but the process depends on how long it has been expired. If it expired within five years, you can renew online or by mail. If it expired more than five years ago, you must visit a DMV office in person and pass a vision test. The fee is the same either way.

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

Not unless you choose to. If you renew online or by mail, your new license will use the 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, though there is a separate fee for a photo update.

What if I move to a different address before my renewed license arrives?

If you renewed online or by mail with your old address, contact the DMV before your new license is mailed. Call 1-844-33-FLHSMV with your confirmation number and provide your new address. The DMV can redirect your license to the new address. If your license is already in the mail, you may need to visit a DMV office to update your address on file.

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

Yes. Florida does not suspend license renewal for unpaid traffic tickets or fines. However, if your license has been suspended for other reasons (such as unpaid child support or a DUI conviction), you cannot renew until the suspension is lifted. Contact the DMV to check your license status before explore.

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

A standard eight-year license renewal costs $75. A Real ID-compliant license costs $85. If you are 65 or older, the renewal fee is $25 for an eight-year license. Commercial driver's licenses have different fees depending on the class and endorsements. Military members on active duty may be may be able to access for a fee waiver; contact the DMV for details.

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.