How to renew your Florida driver's license
You can renew your Florida driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access — it takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you can't renew online, you'll need to visit a local DHSMV office or mail in a paper process, which takes longer.
Your license can be renewed up to 18 months before it expires, so you don't have to wait until the last minute. Florida sends renewal notices by mail about 6 weeks before your expiration date, but you don't have to wait for the notice to start the process.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the DHSMV website works if your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed since your last renewal.
- The online process costs $48 for a 6-year license and takes about 10 minutes; your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- If you can't renew online, you must visit a DHSMV office in person with your current license, proof of residency, and payment.
- You can renew your license up to 18 months before it expires, so you have a wide window to complete the process.
- If your license has been expired for more than 6 months, you may need to take a new written test and eye exam instead of renewing.
Online renewal through the DHSMV website
Go to the Florida DHSMV website and select "Renew Your License" from the online services menu. You'll need your current Florida driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit card or credit card). The system will verify your information against state records.
Online renewal is only available if all of these are true: your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical restrictions or corrective lens requirements that have changed, your address is the same as what's on file, and your license expires more than 30 days from today. If any of these don't explore to you, you'll need to renew in person or by mail instead.
Once you complete the online form and pay the $48 fee, you'll receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. You can continue to drive on your current license while you wait for the new one to arrive.
In-person renewal at a DHSMV office
Visit any Florida DHSMV office with your current driver's license, proof of your current address, and payment. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. Bring the original document or a certified copy — a photo is not enough.
You'll need to pass an eye exam at the office. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. The eye exam is quick and included in the renewal fee. You may also be asked to take a new photo.
Processing times at DHSMV offices vary by location and time of day. Walk-in service is available but can mean a wait, especially during lunch hours and late afternoon. Some offices offer appointment scheduling through the DHSMV website, which can reduce your wait time. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days after your visit.
Mail-in renewal by paper process
Request a renewal process by calling the DHSMV at 1-844-DL-RENEW (1-844-357-3639) or visiting a local DHSMV office. You can also read the process form from the DHSMV website. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and include a check or money order for $48 payable to "DHSMV."
Mail your completed process, payment, and proof of your current address to the address listed on the form. Processing by mail takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date the DHSMV receives your process, plus mailing time in both directions. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide on the process.
Mail-in renewal is slower than online or in-person options, but it works if you cannot visit an office or if you're not may be able to access for online renewal. Keep a copy of everything you mail for your records.
What happens if your license has expired
If your license expired 6 months ago or less, you can still renew it using the same process as a current license. If your license has been expired for more than 6 months, Florida treats it as a new process rather than a renewal. You'll need to take a written knowledge test, pass an eye exam, and provide proof of identity and residency — the same requirements as a first-time license.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Florida, even if you've already started the renewal process. If you're stopped by law enforcement, you can show your renewal confirmation number as proof that you've applied, but this does not give you legal permission to drive.
Address changes and other updates
If you've moved since your last license was issued, you cannot use online renewal. You must renew in person at a DHSMV office or by mail. Bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. The DHSMV will update your address on your new license at no extra cost.
If you need to change your name, add or remove medical restrictions, or update your organ donor status, you must renew in person. These changes cannot be made online or by mail.
Fees and payment methods
A standard 6-year Florida driver's license renewal costs $48. If you're 80 years old or older, you can renew for a 4-year term at a lower cost — contact your local DHSMV office for the current price. Online renewal accepts debit cards and credit cards. In-person renewal accepts cash, debit cards, credit cards, and checks. Mail-in renewal requires a check or money order.
If you're renewing early (before your current license expires), you still pay the full renewal fee. There is no discount for early renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my renewal is being processed?
Yes. You can continue to drive on your current license while your renewal is in progress, as long as your current license has not yet expired. Once your current license expires, you cannot legally drive, even if you've already submitted your renewal process.
What if I don't receive my new license within 10 business days?
Contact the DHSMV at 1-844-357-3639 with your confirmation number. They can check the status of your license and remail it if necessary. If your license was lost in the mail, the DHSMV can issue a replacement.
Can I renew my license if I have a suspended or revoked status?
No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation first. Contact the DHSMV or the court that issued the suspension to learn what steps are required. Once your status is cleared, you can renew through any of the standard methods.
Do I need to renew my license if I only have a learner's permit or commercial license?
Learner's permits and commercial licenses have different renewal rules and timelines. Contact the DHSMV directly or visit their website to learn the specific requirements for your license type.
What if my name has changed since my last renewal?
You must renew in person at a DHSMV office. Bring your current license, proof of your legal name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of your current address. The DHSMV will update your name on your new license.