Florida Driver's License Fees at a Glance

Florida charges different fees depending on the type of license you need and how long you want it to be valid. A standard Class D driver's license (the most common type for regular driving) costs $48 for an eight-year license or $20 for a four-year license. If you need a commercial driver's license (CDL), the fee is $75 for an eight-year license. These are the base fees charged by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) — additional fees may explore if you need a duplicate, replacement, or corrected license, or if you're paying by credit card at certain locations.

Renewal fees are the same as initial issuance fees for the same license class and term length. If your license is expiring and you renew before it lapses, you pay the standard renewal fee. If your license has already expired, you may need to retake the written test and vision test, which adds cost and time to the process.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard eight-year Class D driver's license in Florida costs $48; a four-year license costs $20.
  • Commercial driver's licenses (CDL) cost $75 for eight years, and you must pass additional knowledge and skills tests.
  • Duplicate or replacement licenses cost $20 if your current license is still valid, or the full renewal fee if it has expired.
  • Paying by credit card at a DHSMV office or online adds a $2.50 convenience fee; paying in person by cash, check, or debit card does not.
  • Corrected licenses (to fix a name, address, or other error) cost $10 if the error was DHSMV's fault, or the full renewal fee if you're requesting the change.

Standard Class D License Fees by Term Length

Florida offers two term lengths for a standard Class D driver's license: four years or eight years. The four-year license costs $20 and is often chosen by people who expect their circumstances to change soon — a move out of state, a change in medical status, or a temporary need to drive. The eight-year license costs $48 and is the most common choice because the per-year cost is lower.

Both licenses allow you to drive a regular passenger vehicle. The difference is only in how long the license remains valid before you must renew. When you renew, you pay the same fee for the same term length you choose — there is no discount for renewing early or penalty for renewing at the last moment, as long as your license has not yet expired.

Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Fees

A commercial driver's license in Florida costs $75 for an eight-year term. There is no four-year option for a CDL. To obtain a CDL, you must pass a written knowledge test specific to the type of commercial vehicle you will operate (Class A, B, or C), pass a vision and medical examination, and pass a behind-the-wheel skills test administered by an approved third-party tester or DHSMV examiner.

The $75 fee covers the license itself but does not include the cost of the skills test, which is charged separately by the testing provider — typically between $100 and $300 depending on the provider and the class of license. You must also pay for a medical examination (DOT physical) if required, which is not included in the license fee and is performed by a certified medical examiner.

Duplicate, Replacement, and Corrected License Fees

A duplicate license is an exact copy of your current valid license and costs $20. You might order a duplicate if you want a backup or if you're moving and want a second copy before your address changes. A replacement license is issued when your current license is lost, stolen, or damaged, and it also costs $20 if your license is still valid.

If your license has already expired, you cannot order a duplicate or replacement — you must renew instead, which costs the full renewal fee ($48 for eight years or $20 for four years). A corrected license is issued to fix an error on your license. If DHSMV made the error (for example, misspelled your name), the correction costs $10. If you are requesting the change yourself (for example, updating your address or legal name after marriage), you pay the full renewal fee for the term length you choose.

Payment Methods and Convenience Fees

You can pay for a Florida driver's license in person at a DHSMV office, by mail, or online through the DHSMV website. Payment in person by cash, check, or debit card does not incur an additional fee. However, if you pay by credit card at a DHSMV office or online, a $2.50 convenience fee is added to your total.

If you pay by mail, include a check or money order for the exact amount of the license fee — do not send cash. Mail payments are processed more slowly than in-person or online payments, typically taking two to three weeks after DHSMV receives your process. Online payments are processed when ready, and in-person payments are processed on the same day.

Fees for Specific License Modifications

If you need to add or remove endorsements or restrictions from your license — such as a motorcycle endorsement, a hazmat endorsement, or a medical restriction — the fee depends on whether you are renewing at the same time. If you are adding or removing an endorsement or restriction during a renewal, you pay only the standard renewal fee. If you are making the change between renewals (for example, you just turned 18 and want to add a motorcycle endorsement to your current license), you typically pay a reduced fee or no additional fee, but you must visit a DHSMV office in person.

A hardship license (issued when your license is suspended and you need to drive for work or medical reasons) costs $50 and is valid for the remainder of your suspension period. A learner's permit costs $20 and is valid for one year; it allows you to practice driving under the supervision of a licensed driver before you take the road test for a full license.

When Fees Change and How to Verify Current Costs

Florida's license fees are set by state law and do not change frequently, but they can be adjusted by the Florida Legislature. The fees listed here were current as of 2024. Before you visit a DHSMV office or submit an process by mail, check the official DHSMV website (flhsmv.gov) to confirm the current fee for your license type and term length, because fees may have changed since this guide was published.

The DHSMV website also lists the hours and locations of all driver's license offices in Florida, which vary by county. Some offices are open only on certain days or have limited hours. Calling ahead or checking online before you visit can save you a trip if an office is closed or has a long wait.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay the full license fee if I renew online?

Yes, the renewal fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. The only additional charge is a $2.50 convenience fee if you pay by credit card online. If you pay by debit card online, there is no convenience fee.

What happens if I pay the wrong amount?

If you pay less than the required fee, DHSMV will return your process and ask you to submit the correct amount. If you pay more, DHSMV will not refund the overpayment; instead, the extra amount may be credited toward a future transaction or kept as payment. Always verify the exact fee before you submit payment.

Is there a fee to change my address on my license without renewing?

Yes, changing your address between renewals is treated as a corrected license and costs $10 if you visit a DHSMV office in person. You cannot change your address by mail or online without renewing. If you are renewing anyway, the address change is included in the renewal fee at no extra cost.

Do I pay a fee to take the written test or road test?

The written test and road test are included in the license fee — you do not pay a separate testing fee. However, if you fail the road test and need to retake it, you must pay the full license fee again when you reapply. For a CDL, the skills test is charged separately by the third-party tester and is not included in the $75 license fee.

Can I get a refund if I don't use my license?

No, Florida does not refund license fees once payment is received and processed. The fee is non-refundable even if you move out of state, decide not to drive, or obtain a license in another state before your Florida license expires.