How to Get or Renew Your Driver's License in Lee County

Where to get your Lee County driver's license

In Lee County, Florida, you obtain and renew your driver's license through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). The county does not issue licenses itself — DHSMV handles all driver's license transactions statewide. Lee County has multiple DHSMV offices where you can explore in person, located in Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres, and Bonita Springs.

You can also renew your license online through the DHSMV website if you meet certain conditions: your license must not be expired by more than six months, you must have a valid Florida address on file, and you cannot have medical restrictions or vision corrections that require testing. Online renewal costs less than in-person renewal and takes a few minutes from home.

If you cannot renew online, you must visit an office in person. Walk-in appointments are available, but wait times vary by location and time of day. You can also schedule an appointment online through the DHSMV website, which typically reduces your wait time to 15 to 30 minutes.

Key Takeaways

Florida DHSMV offices in Lee County are located in Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres, and Bonita Springs, and you can walk in or schedule an appointment online.
Online renewal through the DHSMV website is available if your license expired less than six months ago and you have no medical restrictions or vision corrections.
You will need a valid form of identification, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Florida residency to renew in person.
A standard five-year driver's license costs $75, and a ten-year license costs $125 in Florida.
Processing times are typically same-day for in-person renewals, while online renewals are processed within five to seven business days.

Documents you need to bring to a Lee County DHSMV office

When you renew your license in person at a Lee County DHSMV office, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or consular report of birth. You also need proof of your Social Security number — an original Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form works. Do not bring a photocopy of your Social Security card.

You must also show proof of your current Florida address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. A driver's license or ID card from another state does not count as proof of residency.

If you are renewing a license that has already expired, bring the expired license itself. If you are a Florida resident explore for your first license, bring the same documents plus proof that you have lived in Florida for at least 45 days — a utility bill or lease with an earlier date works for this.

Fees and license types in Florida

A standard five-year driver's license in Florida costs $75. A ten-year license costs $125. Both prices are the same whether you renew online or in person. If you renew online, you pay the fee at the time of transaction using a credit or debit card.

If you renew in person at a Lee County DHSMV office, you can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. The office will issue your new license on the spot if you pass the vision test and your documents are in order. You will receive your physical card by mail within five to seven business days.

If you need a replacement license because yours was lost or stolen, the fee is $25 in addition to the renewal fee. If you are changing your name or address, there is no extra charge — these updates are included in the renewal process.

Vision testing and medical restrictions

When you renew your license in person, you will take a vision test at the DHSMV office. You must be able to read the eye chart from a distance of 20 feet. If you wear glasses or contacts, you can wear them during the test, but your license will be marked with a restriction requiring you to wear corrective lenses while driving.

If you fail the vision test, the DHSMV office will not issue your license that day. You will need to see an eye doctor, obtain a vision correction form, and return to the office with that form. Some offices have an optometrist on site, but not all Lee County locations do — call ahead to ask.

If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive — such as seizures, severe arthritis, or vision loss — you may be required to take a road test or provide a medical form from your doctor. The DHSMV will tell you what is needed when you arrive.

Lee County DHSMV office locations and hours

The Fort Myers DHSMV office is located at 2805 North Horseshoe Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33901. It is open Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 8:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Lehigh Acres office is at 348 Homestead Road South, Lehigh Acres, FL 33936, with the same hours. The Bonita Springs office is at 27200 Bay Landing Drive, Bonita Springs, FL 34134, and is open Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m. only — no Saturday hours.

All three offices close for state holidays. Call ahead or check the DHSMV website before you go, because hours can change. You can also schedule an appointment online, which reserves a time slot and typically reduces wait times. Walk-in customers are served on a first-come, first-served basis after appointments are completed.

Renewing online versus in person

Online renewal is faster and cheaper if you are may be able to access. You pay $75 for a five-year license or $125 for a ten-year license, and the transaction takes about five minutes. Your new license arrives by mail in five to seven business days. You do not need to take a vision test or bring any documents.

In-person renewal costs the same but requires you to take a vision test and bring documents. However, you receive your license when ready after the transaction is complete, rather than waiting for mail delivery. In-person renewal also allows you to update your address, change your name, or correct errors on your current license — online renewal does not.

You cannot renew online if your license expired more than six months ago, if you have medical restrictions, if you need a vision correction form, or if you are changing your name or address. In those cases, you must visit a Lee County DHSMV office in person.

What happens if your license expires

If your license expires, you cannot legally drive in Florida or any other state. Driving with an expired license can result in a traffic citation and a fine. If you are pulled over, the officer may also impound your vehicle.

You can renew your license up to six months after it expires without penalty. After six months, you must explore for a new license as if you were a first-time applicant — you will need to bring all original documents, take a written test, and take a road test. This process takes longer and costs more than a straightforward renewal.

If your license has been expired for more than six months, contact a Lee County DHSMV office or visit the DHSMV website to find out what documents and tests you will need. Do not wait longer than necessary, because the requirements become more complex the longer your license remains expired.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Lee County driver's license by mail?

No. Florida does not offer mail-in renewal for driver's licenses. You must renew online through the DHSMV website or in person at a Lee County DHSMV office. Online renewal is the closest option to mail renewal — it takes about five minutes and your new license arrives by mail within five to seven business days.

What if I moved to Lee County from another state?

You must exchange your out-of-state license for a Florida license within 30 days of establishing residency. Bring your current out-of-state license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Florida address to a Lee County DHSMV office. You will take a vision test and pay $75 for a five-year license or $125 for a ten-year license. You do not need to take a written or road test if your out-of-state license is valid.

How long does it take to get a new license after I renew?

If you renew in person, you receive your license when ready after your transaction is complete. If you renew online, your new license arrives by mail in five to seven business days. The DHSMV mails licenses from a central processing center, so delivery times are the same regardless of which Lee County office you use or whether you renew online.

What if I need a license before my appointment date?

You can request an expedited license at a Lee County DHSMV office for an additional fee. The expedited license is printed on site and you receive it the same day. Call the office where you plan to renew to ask about expedited service and pricing, because fees vary.

Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?

Yes. Unpaid traffic tickets do not prevent you from renewing your driver's license in Florida. However, if you have an active suspension on your license due to unpaid tickets or other violations, you cannot renew until the suspension is lifted. Contact the Lee County Clerk of Court or the DHSMV to find out whether your license is suspended.

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.