Florida lets you renew your driver's license online if you meet certain requirements
You can renew your Florida driver's license through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) website without visiting a license office, but only if your license is still valid or expired for less than six months. The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes, costs $48.00 for a four-year renewal, and you'll receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If your license expired more than six months ago, you cannot use the online system and must renew in person at a local DHSMV office. The same applies if you need to change your address, name, or have a commercial driver's license.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your current license is valid or expired less than six months ago.
- The online renewal costs $48.00 and takes about 10 minutes to complete on the DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, so plan ahead if you need it for travel or identification.
- You will need your current Florida driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method to renew online.
- If your license expired more than six months ago or you need to change your address, you must renew in person at a DHSMV office.
Who can renew online and who cannot
The DHSMV online renewal system is open to Florida residents whose driver's license is currently valid or has been expired for six months or less. You also must have a Social Security number on file with the state and a valid email address to receive your renewal confirmation.
You cannot renew online if your license expired more than six months ago, if you need to change your address, if you want to change your name, or if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL). You also cannot renew online if you have a medical condition that requires a hearing or vision test, or if your license was suspended or revoked. In any of these situations, you must visit a DHSMV office in person.
Steps to renew your license on the DHSMV website
Go to the official DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov and look for the "Renew Your Driver License" option. You will be directed to create or log into your DHSMV account. Have your current driver's license number and Social Security number ready before you start.
Once logged in, you will answer questions about your current license, confirm your personal information, and review the renewal terms. You will then pay the $48.00 fee using a credit card, debit card, or electronic check. After payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation number by email. Do not close your browser until you see this confirmation — it proves your renewal was submitted.
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file with the DHSMV. If you need to change your mailing address before renewing, you must do that in person at a DHSMV office first, or update it through your online account if that option is available.
What to do if you need your license before it arrives
The DHSMV does not issue temporary licenses for online renewals. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you have two options: you can print your renewal confirmation email and carry it with your expired license as proof of renewal, or you can visit a DHSMV office and renew in person to receive a license the same day.
Law enforcement may accept the printed confirmation as evidence that you have a valid renewal pending, but this is not may provide. If you are traveling soon or need a valid license when ready, renewing in person is the safer choice. Keep your confirmation number in a safe place in case you need to contact the DHSMV about your renewal status.
Renewing in person at a DHSMV office
If you cannot renew online, you will need to visit a DHSMV office. Bring your current driver's license, proof of Florida residency (such as a utility bill or lease), your Social Security card or a document with your Social Security number, and proof of your date of birth if your license does not show it. Payment is $48.00 for a four-year renewal, and you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
You can find your nearest DHSMV office and check wait times on the DHSMV website. Many offices allow you to make an appointment online, which can reduce your wait time significantly. If you renew in person, you will receive your new license on the spot or within a few days if additional processing is needed.
Common reasons your online renewal might be rejected
Your online renewal can be rejected if your address, name, or other personal information does not match what the DHSMV has on file. If your renewal is rejected, you will receive an email explaining why. The most common reasons are a mismatch between your Social Security number and the state's records, or a flag on your driving record that requires in-person review.
If your renewal is rejected, contact the DHSMV at 1-844-33-FLHSMV (1-844-335-4786) to find out what needs to be corrected. You may be able to fix the issue and try renewing online again, or you may need to renew in person. Do not attempt to renew online multiple times in a row, as this can delay your renewal further.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if it expired more than six months ago?
No. If your license expired more than six months ago, you must renew in person at a DHSMV office. The online system only works for licenses that are currently valid or expired less than six months.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
Your new license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days after your online renewal is processed. Mail delivery times may vary depending on your location. If you need your license sooner, you can renew in person at a DHSMV office to receive it the same day.
What if I move to a new address before my renewed license arrives?
You can update your address through your DHSMV online account if that option is available, or you can visit a DHSMV office to change it. If you have already submitted your online renewal, contact the DHSMV to see if your address can be updated before your new license is mailed.
Can I renew my commercial driver's license online?
No. Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) cannot be renewed online. You must renew a CDL in person at a DHSMV office, and you may need to pass a written test or medical examination depending on your situation.
What should I do if I do not receive my renewed license within 10 business days?
Contact the DHSMV at 1-844-33-FLHSMV (1-844-335-4786) with your renewal confirmation number. They can check the status of your license and help you if it was lost or delayed in the mail.