How to Renew Your Florida Driver's License

Florida driver's license renewal basics

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 7 to 10 business days and costs $75.00. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks and also costs $75.00. In-person renewal at a local DHSMV office is when ready but requires an appointment, which you book through the DHSMV website.

Your license is valid for 8 years from the date of issue. You can renew it up to 18 months before it expires, so you don't have to wait until the last minute. If your license has been expired for more than 6 months, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must go to an office in person and may need to retake the written test and vision screening.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the DHSMV website is available if your license is not expired, you have no medical conditions on file, and you haven't changed your name or address since your last renewal.
Mail renewal requires the renewal notice mailed to you by DHSMV, a check or money order for $75.00, and takes 2 to 3 weeks to process.
In-person renewal at a DHSMV office requires an appointment booked on the DHSMV website and produces your new license on the same day.
If your license expired more than 6 months ago, you cannot use online or mail renewal and must appear in person with your original documents.
You will need to provide proof of residency, such as a utility bill or lease, if you have moved since your last renewal.

Online renewal through the DHSMV website

To renew online, go to the DHSMV website and select the driver's license renewal option. You'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against DHSMV records and tell you when ready whether you're may be able to access.

You are not may be able to access for online renewal if your license is already expired, if you have a medical condition code on your license, if you've changed your name or address since your last renewal, or if you've had a license suspension or revocation. If any of these explore, you must renew by mail or in person.

Once you complete the online form and pay the $75.00 fee by credit or debit card, DHSMV will mail your new license to the address on file. You should receive it within 7 to 10 business days. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives.

Mail renewal with the DHSMV renewal notice

If you received a renewal notice in the mail from DHSMV, you can renew by mail without visiting an office. The notice will include a prepaid envelope and instructions. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for $75.00 made payable to DHSMV, and mail it back in the envelope provided.

Do not send cash. Include your renewal notice with your payment. Mail processing takes 2 to 3 weeks, and DHSMV will send your new license to the address shown on your renewal notice. If you've moved, update your address on the form before mailing it, or call the DHSMV at 850-617-3000 to update your address before you send the payment.

If you did not receive a renewal notice and your license is not yet expired, you can request one by calling DHSMV or visiting the website. If your license is already expired, mail renewal is not an option — you must renew in person.

In-person renewal at a DHSMV office

To renew in person, book an appointment on the DHSMV website by selecting your county and choosing an available time slot. Walk-ins are not accepted at most offices. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail with your current address), and $75.00 in cash, check, or card.

If you have changed your name since your last renewal, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing after your license expired more than 6 months ago, bring your original Social Security card or a certified copy of your birth certificate, because you will need to retake the vision and written tests.

Your new license is printed on the spot and you leave with it the same day. The appointment typically takes 15 to 30 minutes. If you cannot make your scheduled appointment, cancel it through the website so someone else can use that slot.

What to do if your license is expired

If your license expired fewer than 6 months ago, you can still renew online or by mail using the same process as a standard renewal. If your license expired more than 6 months ago, you must renew in person at a DHSMV office and you will need to retake the vision screening and written knowledge test.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Florida, even if you have submitted a renewal. Do not drive until your new license arrives or is issued. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can show proof that you have submitted a renewal process, but this does not prevent a citation.

Address changes and name changes during renewal

If you have moved since your last renewal, you must provide proof of your new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail — all dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and current address.

If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that caused the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption decree. You can renew your license with a name change online, by mail, or in person, but you must include the certified document with your process if renewing by mail, or bring it with you if renewing in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Florida license if I live out of state?

Yes. If you are a Florida resident but live temporarily out of state, you can renew online or by mail. If you need to renew in person, you must visit a DHSMV office in Florida — there is no option to renew at a Florida office outside the state or through a consulate.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

Call the DHSMV at 850-617-3000 or visit the website to request a duplicate renewal notice. You can also renew in person at any DHSMV office without the notice — bring your current license, proof of residency, and $75.00.

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

The renewal fee is $75.00. This covers an 8-year license. There are no additional fees for online, mail, or in-person renewal, though some offices may charge a small fee if you pay by card.

Can I renew my license if I have a medical condition or restriction?

If you have a medical condition code on your license, you cannot renew online. You must renew in person at a DHSMV office, where a staff member will review your medical status and may require you to provide updated medical documentation or retake the vision test.

What happens if I renew online but my information changes before the new license arrives?

If your address or name changes after you submit an online renewal, contact the DHSMV when ready at 850-617-3000 to update your information. If the new license has already been printed and mailed, it will arrive at your old address. You can request a replacement license with your new information at a DHSMV office.

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.