Florida lets you renew online if your license is not expired more than six months and you have no medical suspensions

You can renew your Florida driver's license through the Department of Motor Vehicles website without visiting an office, as long as your current license meets two conditions: it expired no more than six months ago, and you have no active medical suspensions on your record. The online renewal takes about 10 minutes, costs $48 for a four-year license or $75 for an eight-year license, and you receive your new license by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

If your license expired more than six months ago, you have medical restrictions, or you need to change your address or name, you must renew in person at a Florida DMV office or through the mail. The online option exists only for straightforward renewals when nothing on your record has changed.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal works only if your license expired within the last six months and you have no medical suspensions flagged on your account.
  • 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 complete the renewal online.
  • The renewal fee is $48 for a four-year license or $75 for an eight-year license, paid by credit card, debit card, or electronic check during the online process.
  • Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days; you can continue driving with your expired license until the new one arrives.
  • If you cannot renew online, you can mail a renewal process to the DMV or visit a local office in person.

Step-by-step process for renewing online

Go to the Florida DMV website at flhsmv.gov and select the "Renew Driver License" option. You will be asked to enter your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity. The system will check whether you are may be able to access for online renewal by confirming your license expiration date and checking for any medical suspensions.

If you are may be able to access, you will review your current information on file—name, address, and license class. You can update your address during this step if you have moved. After confirming your information is correct, you will select your license term (four years or eight years) and proceed to payment. The system accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and electronic check payments.

Once payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Print or save this confirmation for your records. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can legally drive with your expired license until your new one arrives.

Who cannot renew online and what to do instead

You must renew in person or by mail if your license expired more than six months ago, you have a medical suspension on your record, you need to change your name, or you want to upgrade your license class (such as adding a motorcycle endorsement). The DMV website will tell you when ready if you are ineligible for online renewal and will direct you to other options.

To renew by mail, read the process for Florida Driver License form (HSMV 82053) from the DMV website, complete it, and mail it with your current license, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and a new photo (if required). Mail everything to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks by mail.

To renew in person, visit any Florida DMV office with your current license and proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease). Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. Walk-in service is available but wait times vary; you can also schedule an appointment online through the DMV website to reduce your wait.

What happens if your license expired more than six months ago

If your license has been expired for more than six months, Florida treats it as an expired license rather than a renewal, and you cannot use the online renewal system. You must explore for a new license in person at a DMV office. Bring your current (expired) license, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and proof of citizenship or legal residency status.

The in-person process takes about 30 minutes and costs $48 for a four-year license or $75 for an eight-year license. You will have a new photo taken at the office. Your new license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, you cannot legally drive—an expired license that has been expired for more than six months is not valid for driving, even if you have submitted an process.

Address changes and other updates during renewal

If you have moved since your last license was issued, you can update your address during the online renewal process. The system will ask you to confirm or change your mailing address before you pay. Your new license will be mailed to the updated address you provide.

If you need to change your name (due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change), you cannot do this online. You must renew in person at a DMV office and bring a certified copy of the document showing your name change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The same applies if you want to add or remove restrictions or endorsements on your license.

Payment methods and fees

Online renewal accepts four payment methods: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and electronic check (ACH). You cannot pay with cash, money order, or check through the online system. The fee depends on the license term you choose: $48 for a four-year license or $75 for an eight-year license. No additional processing fees are charged for online renewal.

If you renew by mail, you must pay by check or money order made out to "Florida Department of Motor Vehicles." If you renew in person, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the DMV office. The fee is the same regardless of the method you choose.

Timeline: when your new license arrives

After you complete online renewal, your new license is mailed within 7 to 10 business days. This timeline begins after your payment is processed, not from the date you started the process. You will receive a confirmation email with a tracking number that you can use to check the status of your license in the mail.

During the 7 to 10 day wait, you can legally drive with your expired license. Once your new license arrives, your old license is no longer valid. If you do not receive your new license within 10 business days, contact the DMV at 1-844-35-FLORIDA (1-844-353-5746) with your confirmation number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online if I have a medical suspension?

No. If you have any medical suspension on your driving record, you must renew in person at a DMV office. A medical suspension means the state has flagged your license due to a health condition, and a DMV employee must review your case before issuing a new license. The online system will reject your process and direct you to schedule an in-person appointment.

What if I move after I renew online but before my license arrives?

Contact the DMV at 1-844-35-FLORIDA with your confirmation number and provide your new address. The DMV can redirect your license to your new address if you call before the license ships. If it has already shipped, you may need to pick it up at your old address or request a replacement at your new address.

Do I need a new photo for online renewal?

No. Online renewal uses the photo from your current license. If your current license photo is more than eight years old or you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DMV office, where a new photo will be taken.

Can I renew online if my license was suspended for a traffic violation?

No. Any suspension—whether for medical reasons, unpaid fines, or a traffic violation—makes you ineligible for online renewal. You must resolve the suspension first by paying fines, completing required courses, or meeting other conditions set by the DMV. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew online if your license has not expired more than six months.

What if the online system says I am not may be able to access but I think I should be?

Call the DMV at 1-844-35-FLORIDA to speak with a representative who can review your record. They can tell you why you were marked ineligible and what steps you need to take to renew. If there is an error on your record, they can help correct it before you attempt renewal again.