What you need to do to renew in Florida

Florida renews your driver license and vehicle registration on separate schedules, and you handle each one through a different office. Your driver license renews every six or eight years depending on your age; your vehicle registration renews every year on the month shown on your current registration card. You can renew your driver license online, by mail, or in person at a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office. Vehicle registration must be renewed online, by mail, or at a tax collector's office in the county where your vehicle is registered—not at a DHSMV office.

The state sends renewal notices about 30 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for the notice to arrive. You can renew up to six months early. If you miss the important date, you can still renew, but driving with an expired license or registration is illegal and can result in a traffic citation.

Key Takeaways

  • Florida driver licenses renew every six or eight years; vehicle registration renews every year on the anniversary of your original registration date.
  • You can renew your driver license online through the DHSMV website, by mail, or at a DHSMV office; online renewal is fastest if you meet the requirements.
  • Vehicle registration renews through your county tax collector's office, online, or by mail—not through DHSMV.
  • The state mails renewal notices about 30 days before expiration, but you can renew up to six months early without waiting.
  • An expired driver license or registration can result in a traffic citation, so renew before the expiration date on your card.

Renewing your Florida driver license online

Online renewal through the DHSMV website is the fastest option if you meet the requirements. You must have a valid Florida driver license that is not suspended or revoked, you must not have any medical or vision restrictions that require an in-person exam, and you must not be renewing for the first time in Florida. You also cannot renew online if your name has changed since your last renewal—you will need to visit a DHSMV office in person.

To renew online, go to the DHSMV website, select "Renew Your Driver License," and follow the prompts. You will need your current driver license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The renewal fee is $75 for a six-year license or $100 for an eight-year license. Once you complete the transaction, the DHSMV mails your new license to the address on file, usually within 7 to 10 business days.

Renewing by mail or at a DHSMV office

If you cannot renew online, you can renew by mail or in person. To renew by mail, request a renewal process from the DHSMV website or call 1-844-33-RENEW (1-844-337-3639). Fill out the process, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address provided on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DHSMV receives your process.

To renew in person, visit any DHSMV office with your current driver license and proof of Florida residency, such as a utility bill or lease agreement. You will need to pass a vision screening and may need to provide a new photo. Walk-in service is available at most offices, but wait times vary. Some offices allow you to schedule an appointment online through the DHSMV website, which can reduce your wait time.

Renewing your vehicle registration

Vehicle registration renews every year on the month shown on your current registration card. The state mails a renewal notice to the address on file about 30 days before expiration. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at your county tax collector's office.

To renew online, visit your county tax collector's website and select the renewal option. You will need your vehicle identification number (VIN), current registration number, and a valid payment method. The renewal fee varies by county and vehicle type but typically ranges from $50 to $150. Once you complete the transaction, the tax collector mails your new registration card and decal to the address on file, usually within 5 to 7 business days.

To renew by mail, include the renewal notice, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address shown on the notice. To renew in person, bring your current registration card and proof of ownership (such as your title) to your county tax collector's office. If your vehicle has a lien, the lienholder's name will appear on your registration, and some lienholders require notification before renewal.

What happens if your license or registration expires

Driving with an expired driver license or vehicle registration is illegal in Florida. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can receive a citation for each expired document. An expired license citation typically results in a fine of $30 to $100 plus court costs, while an expired registration citation can cost $30 to $100 as well. These citations do not add points to your driving record, but they do create a court obligation.

If your registration expires while your vehicle is parked, you cannot legally drive it until you renew. If you are unsure whether your license or registration has expired, check the expiration date printed on your card. You can also log into your DHSMV account online to view your license status, or contact your county tax collector's office to check your registration status.

Renewing when your information has changed

If your name, address, or other information has changed since your last renewal, you may need to renew in person or by mail rather than online. For a driver license, name changes require an in-person visit to a DHSMV office with a certified copy of your name change document, such as a marriage certificate or court order. Address changes can usually be updated online when you renew, but if you have moved out of state and back to Florida, you must renew in person.

For vehicle registration, address changes can be made online or by mail when you renew. If your vehicle's ownership has changed, you must transfer the title at a tax collector's office before you can renew the registration. If you have added or removed a lienholder, you will need to provide updated title information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my driver license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew up to six months before your expiration date. This is useful if you are planning a trip or want to avoid the rush near the expiration date. Online renewal is available for early renewals if you meet the standard requirements.

What if I lose my registration card before renewal?

Contact your county tax collector's office to request a duplicate registration card. You will need to provide your VIN and current registration number. A duplicate card typically costs $5 to $10 and is mailed to you within a few days. You can still renew your registration even if you do not have the card in hand.

Do I need to renew my license plate decal separately?

No. When you renew your vehicle registration, the tax collector mails you a new registration card and a new decal. You must display the current decal on your license plate. Remove the old decal before explore the new one to avoid confusion during traffic stops.

What if my driver license was suspended or revoked?

You cannot renew online if your license is suspended or revoked. You must visit a DHSMV office in person. The office will determine whether you are may be able to access to reinstate your license and what steps you need to take. Reinstatement may require paying a reinstatement fee in addition to the renewal fee.

How do I know which county tax collector to contact for vehicle registration?

Your vehicle is registered in the county where you live. If you are unsure, check your current registration card—the county name is printed on it. You can also search for your county tax collector's office online by county name and "tax collector" to find their website and office locations.