What you need to renew your Florida license plate
Florida lets you renew your license plate by mail, online, or in person at your county tax collector's office. The method you choose depends on whether your vehicle information has changed and how quickly you need the new plate. Most renewals can be done online or by mail without visiting an office.
You'll need your current registration card, vehicle identification number (VIN), and payment method. If your address, vehicle ownership, or vehicle details have changed since your last renewal, you may need to visit in person or contact your county tax collector first to update your records.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) website is the fastest option and takes a few minutes if nothing has changed on your registration.
- Mail renewal requires sending your registration card and payment to your county tax collector; processing typically takes two to three weeks.
- In-person renewal at your county tax collector's office is necessary if your address, vehicle ownership, or vehicle details have changed since your last renewal.
- Florida license plates expire on the date printed on your current plate, and you can renew up to six months before that date.
- Renewal fees vary by county and vehicle type, so check your county tax collector's website for the exact cost before you renew.
Renewing online through the DHSMV website
The online renewal system is available at the Florida DHSMV website. You'll enter your vehicle information, current registration number, and VIN to confirm your details. The system will calculate your renewal fee based on your vehicle type and county, then direct you to pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check.
Online renewal works only if your registration information is current and unchanged. If you've moved, changed the vehicle's ownership, added or removed a lienholder, or made any other changes to your registration, the online system will tell you to contact your county tax collector instead. After you pay online, your new plate will be mailed to the address on your registration within two to three weeks.
Renewing by mail
To renew by mail, send your current registration card and payment to your county tax collector's office. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee—do not send cash. Your county tax collector's website lists the exact mailing address and current fee for your vehicle type.
Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal because of postal delays and processing time at the office. Plan for two to four weeks from the time your county receives your payment. If your plate expires before your new one arrives, you are still legal to drive as long as your renewal was postmarked before the expiration date. Keep proof of mailing if you're concerned about timing.
Renewing in person at your county tax collector
Visit your county tax collector's office if your registration information has changed or if you prefer to handle the renewal face-to-face. Bring your current registration card, proof of residency if you've moved, and payment. The office will update your records and issue your new plate on the spot or mail it to you, depending on your county's procedures.
In-person renewal is also the right choice if you've had a lien placed on your vehicle, removed a lien, or changed ownership. The tax collector can verify these changes when ready and may support your registration reflects the current situation. Hours and locations vary by county, so check your county tax collector's website for the office nearest you and current hours before you go.
Understanding renewal fees and what affects the cost
Florida renewal fees depend on your vehicle type and your county. A standard passenger vehicle renewal typically costs between $20 and $40, but specialty plates, commercial vehicles, and vehicles registered in certain counties may cost more. Your current registration card shows the last fee you paid, but fees can change year to year.
Before you renew, visit your county tax collector's website and enter your vehicle information to see the exact fee. Some counties offer online fee calculators. If you're renewing a specialty plate—such as a Florida Gators plate or environmental plate—the fee may be higher than a standard plate. If you're unsure whether your plate qualifies as specialty, the county website or a phone call to the tax collector's office will clarify.
What to do if your plate expires before your renewal arrives
If you renewed by mail and your plate expires before the new one arrives, you are still legal to drive. Florida law allows you to operate your vehicle for a grace period as long as your renewal was processed before the expiration date. Keep your registration card or proof of mailing with you in case you're stopped by law enforcement.
If you renewed online or in person and your plate hasn't arrived within the expected timeframe, contact your county tax collector's office. Provide your confirmation number or receipt. The office can check the status of your plate and reissue it if it was lost in the mail. If your plate is damaged or illegible, you can also request a replacement at the tax collector's office.
Renewing a specialty or personalized plate
Specialty plates—such as environmental plates, military plates, or university plates—renew the same way as standard plates, but the fee is usually higher. Personalized plates (vanity plates) also follow the same renewal process. If you want to change your personalized plate number or switch to a different specialty plate design, you'll need to visit your county tax collector in person or contact them by phone to make that change before or during renewal.
Some specialty plates have additional requirements. For example, military plates may require proof of military service. Check your county tax collector's website or call ahead if you're unsure whether your plate type has special renewal requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Florida license plate online if I just moved?
No. If you've changed your address, you must update your registration first by visiting your county tax collector in person or calling them. Once your address is updated in the system, you can renew online. Do not attempt to renew online with an old address, as your new plate will be mailed to the wrong location.
What happens if I renew my plate late?
Driving with an expired plate is a traffic violation. If you're stopped, you can be cited. Renew as soon as you notice your plate has expired. If your renewal was already mailed or submitted online before the expiration date, you have a grace period while you wait for the new plate to arrive.
How long does it take to get my new plate after I renew online?
After you pay online, your new plate is mailed to the address on your registration. Delivery typically takes two to three weeks, depending on mail service. Some counties may offer faster processing, so check your county tax collector's website for details.
Do I need to renew my registration card at the same time as my plate?
No. Your registration card and license plate renew on the same schedule, but you only need to request a new registration card if yours is damaged, lost, or contains outdated information. When you renew your plate online or by mail, you'll receive a new registration card automatically.
What if my vehicle has a lienholder listed on the registration?
If a bank or finance company has a lien on your vehicle, the lienholder information appears on your registration. You can still renew online as long as the lienholder information hasn't changed. If the lien has been paid off or a new lien has been added, contact your county tax collector to update your registration before renewing.