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 state's 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 expired by more than six months, you have no medical conditions flagged on your record, and you're not changing your address or name.

For an in-person renewal, bring your current Florida driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current Florida address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days). If you've changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You do not need to bring a new photo; DHSMV will use your existing photo unless your license has been expired for more than eight years.

For online renewal through the Florida DHSMV website, you'll 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 is available only if your license expired less than six months ago, you have no medical restrictions, and you're not changing your address or name.
  • In-person renewal at any DHSMV office requires your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address.
  • If your license has been expired for more than eight years, bring a new photo to your in-person appointment or upload one during online renewal.
  • A renewed license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after online renewal, or you can receive it when ready at the office during an in-person visit.
  • You can renew up to six months before your license expires, so you don't have to wait until the expiration date.

How to renew online through the DHSMV website

Go to the Florida DHSMV online services portal and select "Renew Driver License." You'll enter your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against state records.

Next, you'll review your current license information and confirm that your address, name, and other details are correct. If anything needs to change, you cannot complete the online renewal — you'll need to visit an office in person instead. Once you confirm everything is accurate, you'll upload a new photo or use the one on file, then pay the renewal fee by credit card or debit card.

After you submit, you'll receive a confirmation number. Your renewed license will be mailed to the address on file. You can check the status of your renewal through the same online portal using your confirmation number.

Renewing in person at a DHSMV office

Find your nearest DHSMV office on the state website and check its hours before you go. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require an appointment. You can book an appointment online through the DHSMV website, which often reduces your wait time to 15 to 30 minutes instead of an hour or more.

Bring all required documents in their original form — photocopies are not accepted for proof of address or Social Security number. If you're renewing in person and your license has been expired for more than eight years, bring a new photo (4 by 6 inches, color, taken within 30 days) or ask the office to take one for an additional fee.

At the office, a staff member will verify your documents, take your photo if needed, and process your renewal on the spot. You'll pay the renewal fee and receive your new license when ready. The entire process usually takes 15 to 45 minutes, depending on how busy the office is.

Renewal fees and how long your new license lasts

A standard eight-year renewal for drivers 80 years old and younger costs $75. If you're 81 or older, your license is valid for four years and costs $30. Commercial driver's license (CDL) renewals cost $75 for eight years. These fees are set by Florida law and do not vary by county or office.

Your new license will be valid for the full term from the date of renewal — eight years for standard licenses, four years for drivers 81 and older. You can renew up to six months before your current license expires, so you don't have to wait until the last day. If you renew early, your new license's expiration date will be eight years (or four years) from the date you renew, not from your old expiration date.

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

If your license expired more than six months ago, you cannot use the online renewal process. You must renew in person at a DHSMV office. Bring the same documents as you would for a standard in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address.

Because your license has been expired for an extended period, DHSMV may require a new photo even if your license expired less than eight years ago. Ask when you book your appointment or arrive at the office. You'll also need to pass a vision test at the office. The renewal process is otherwise the same, and you'll receive your new license when ready.

Renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL)

Commercial driver's licenses must be renewed in person at a DHSMV office — online renewal is not available. Bring your current CDL, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and a current medical certificate (FMCSA Form 649-C or 649-D) if your CDL has air brake restrictions or if you drive a commercial vehicle that requires a medical certificate under federal law.

You'll need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test covering the class of vehicle you drive. The office will tell you which test sections explore to your CDL class. The renewal fee is $75 for eight years. Your new CDL will be issued when ready after you pass the tests and pay the fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I'm out of state?

No, you must renew in person at a Florida DHSMV office or online through the state website. If you're temporarily out of state, you can renew online if you meet the conditions (license expired less than six months ago, no medical restrictions, no address or name change). Otherwise, you'll need to return to Florida to renew in person.

What if my address changed since my last license?

You cannot renew online if your address has changed. You must visit a DHSMV office in person and bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days). The office will update your address and issue your new license when ready.

Do I need a new photo for my renewal?

Not unless your license has been expired for more than eight years. If it has, bring a new photo (4 by 6 inches, color, taken within 30 days) to your in-person appointment, or the office can take one for a fee. For online renewal after eight years of expiration, you'll upload a new photo during the process.

How long does it take to get my renewed license by mail?

After you complete an online renewal, your license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew in person at an office, you receive your new license when ready. If you need your license sooner than the mail timeline allows, renew in person instead.

What happens if I renew but my license is still in the mail when it expires?

Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives. Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one or return it to a DHSMV office. You can carry both during the transition period without penalty.