Florida registration renews every year or two depending on your vehicle type
Florida vehicle registration renews on your birthday month — the month you were born, not the month you registered the car. Most passenger vehicles renew annually, though some commercial and specialty vehicles renew every two years. You'll receive a renewal notice in the mail about 45 days before your birthday month, but you don't have to wait for it to renew early if you prefer.
You can renew online through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) website, by mail, or in person at a county tax collector's office. Online renewal is the fastest option and takes about 10 minutes. The renewal fee varies by vehicle type and county — passenger cars typically cost between $20 and $35 for the registration itself, plus any county surcharges.
Key Takeaways
- Florida registration renews during your birthday month each year, and you'll receive a renewal notice about 45 days before that date.
- You can renew online at the DHSMV website, by mail using your renewal notice, or in person at your county tax collector's office.
- Online renewal requires your vehicle identification number (VIN), driver's license number, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
- If your vehicle has a lien or loan, the lienholder must be listed on your registration before you can renew.
- Renewing online costs the same as renewing by mail or in person, and your new registration sticker arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Renewing online through the DHSMV website
The DHSMV online renewal system is available at flhsmv.gov. You'll need your vehicle identification number (VIN), driver's license number, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your registration record and show you the renewal fee for your specific vehicle and county.
After you pay online by credit card or debit card, you'll receive a confirmation number when ready. Your new registration sticker will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving with your old sticker until the new one arrives — there's no gap in coverage.
Online renewal is not available if your vehicle has a lien, if you need to change your address, if your registration was suspended, or if you're renewing a commercial vehicle or motorcycle for the first time. In those cases, you'll need to renew by mail or in person.
Renewing by mail or at a tax collector's office
If you received a renewal notice in the mail, you can send it back with your payment. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee shown on the notice, sign the back of the notice, and mail it to the address printed on it. Processing takes about two weeks from the date the tax collector receives it.
To renew in person, visit your county tax collector's office with your renewal notice and a valid photo ID. Bring a check, money card, or be prepared to pay by card if the office accepts it. The tax collector will issue your new registration sticker on the spot, and you can drive home with it that day.
If you lost your renewal notice, you can still renew in person at the tax collector's office or by calling them for a duplicate notice. Some counties allow you to request a duplicate notice online through their website.
What happens if your registration expires
Driving with an expired registration is a traffic violation in Florida. If you're stopped by law enforcement, you can receive a citation. The fine for an expired registration is typically $30 to $60, though the officer may issue a warning if the expiration is recent.
If your registration has been expired for more than six months, you may need to pass an inspection before you can renew. The inspection checks that your vehicle's identification number matches the registration and that the vehicle is in roadworthy condition. You can have this inspection done at any tax collector's office.
If your vehicle was registered but you didn't renew it and now want to register it again, you'll need to renew the registration and may owe late fees depending on how long it has been expired. Contact your county tax collector's office to find out what you owe.
Renewing a vehicle with a lien or loan
If you have a loan or lease on your vehicle, the lender or leasing company is listed as the lienholder on your registration. You cannot renew online if a lienholder is listed. You must renew by mail or in person at the tax collector's office.
When you renew in person, bring your renewal notice and photo ID. The tax collector will process the renewal and mail your new sticker to the address on file. If the lienholder's address has changed or you want to remove the lienholder because you paid off the loan, contact your lender first to get the correct information, then bring that to the tax collector.
Renewing a commercial vehicle, motorcycle, or specialty plate
Commercial vehicles, motorcycles, and vehicles with specialty plates (like disabled veteran plates or personalized plates) have different renewal rules. Most cannot be renewed online and must be renewed by mail or in person. Some commercial vehicles renew every two years instead of annually.
If you have a specialty plate or commercial registration, your renewal notice will specify which renewal method is available for your vehicle. If you're unsure whether your vehicle qualifies as commercial, check your current registration card — it will say "Commercial" if it does.
Personalized plates renew at the same time as your registration. If you want to change your personalized plate text, you'll need to renew in person at the tax collector's office and pay an additional personalized plate fee.
Changing your address during renewal
If you've moved since your last registration, you need to update your address before or during renewal. You cannot change your address through the online renewal system — you must renew by mail or in person.
When you renew in person, bring your renewal notice, photo ID, and proof of your new address (such as a utility bill or lease). The tax collector will update your address and process your renewal. Your new registration sticker will be mailed to your new address.
If you're renewing by mail, write your new address on the renewal notice before you send it in. Include proof of your new address in the envelope with your payment. The tax collector will update your record and mail your sticker to the new address.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I renew after my birthday month?
Your registration will still expire on your birthday, even if you renew late. You can renew up to six months before your birthday month without penalty. If you renew after your birthday month, you'll owe a late fee in addition to the renewal fee. Contact your tax collector's office to find out the exact amount.
Can I renew my registration if my vehicle failed inspection?
No. Your vehicle must pass a safety inspection before you can renew. Take your vehicle to a certified inspection station, have it repaired if needed, and get it inspected again. Once it passes, you can renew your registration.
How long does it take to get my new registration sticker in the mail?
If you renew online or by mail, your new sticker arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew in person at the tax collector's office, you receive your sticker when ready. You can drive with your old sticker until the new one arrives.
What if my renewal notice has the wrong fee listed?
Contact your county tax collector's office before you pay. The fee on your notice should be correct, but if your vehicle type or county changed, the fee might be different. The tax collector can tell you the correct amount and explain any changes.
Can someone else renew my registration for me?
Yes. If you renew by mail, anyone can mail in your renewal notice and payment. If you renew in person, the person must bring your renewal notice, a photo ID, and a signed power of attorney form if they're not a family member. Online renewal requires your personal information, so you should do it yourself or give someone you trust temporary access to your account.