Florida driver's license fees by document type

A Florida driver's license costs $48 for an eight-year license if you're 21 or older. If you're under 21, the license costs $33 and expires when you turn 21. A Florida ID card (the non-driving version) costs $28 for eight years, or $20 if you're under 21.

These are the base fees you pay at the DMV counter. They do not include any fees for the written test, the driving test, or fingerprinting if you need a background check. If you're renewing by mail or online, you may pay a slightly different amount depending on the method — some online renewals charge a small processing fee on top of the license fee.

If you need a duplicate license (because yours was lost, stolen, or damaged), the fee is $25. A corrected license — one that fixes a name, address, or other error on your existing license — costs $10.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard eight-year Florida driver's license costs $48 for adults 21 and older, and $33 for drivers under 21.
  • A Florida ID card (non-driving) costs $28 for eight years, or $20 if you're under 21.
  • Duplicate licenses cost $25, and corrected licenses cost $10.
  • The base license fee does not include test fees, fingerprinting fees, or online processing fees, which vary by location and service.
  • Payment methods at Florida DMV offices include cash, check, debit card, and credit card, though some offices may have restrictions.

What's included and what costs extra

The $48 license fee covers the card itself, the eight-year validity period, and the right to drive in Florida. It does not cover the written knowledge test, the driving skills test, or any background check or fingerprinting that may be required.

If you're a first-time driver or renewing after a suspension, you may need to take the written test again. Florida does not charge a separate fee for the written test at the DMV — it's included in your visit. However, if you fail the test and need to retake it, you do not pay again; you can retake it the same day or return another day at no additional cost.

The driving test (the road test) is also included in your visit fee. If you fail and need to retake it, there is no additional charge for the retest.

If you're explore for a license after a DUI conviction, a suspension, or a revocation, Florida may require fingerprinting and a background check through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). This fingerprinting is typically done at the DMV office and may have a separate fee — usually $15 to $25 — depending on the reason for the check and whether it's done electronically or by card.

Online and mail renewal costs

If you're renewing a license that is not suspended or revoked, you may be able to renew online through the Florida DMV website or by mail. Online renewal costs $48 (the same as in-person) but may include a small credit card processing fee of $1 to $2, depending on your payment method.

Mail renewal also costs $48, plus the cost of postage to send your process and documents to the DMV. You will also need to include a check or money order — the DMV does not accept credit cards by mail. Some people choose to use a prepaid envelope if the DMV provides one, which may have a small fee built in.

Online renewal is faster (usually processed within two to three weeks) and avoids postage costs, but you must meet Florida's requirements: your license must not be suspended, revoked, or expired for more than five years, and you must not have any medical or vision restrictions that need to be updated.

Real ID and enhanced license add-ons

Florida offers a Real ID compliant driver's license at no extra cost. The $48 fee covers a standard Real ID license. Real ID is required for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building, and it became mandatory for most travelers in 2025.

Florida also offers an Enhanced Driver's License (EDL), which allows you to cross the U.S.-Canada border by land or sea without a passport. An EDL costs $65 instead of $48 — a $17 premium. To get an EDL, you must explore in person at a DMV office and bring proof of citizenship (a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers) and proof of residency.

If you want a Real ID license and an EDL, you cannot get both on the same card. You choose one or the other. Most people choose the standard Real ID license because it meets federal requirements and costs less.

Payment methods and where to pay

Florida DMV offices accept cash, personal checks, debit cards, and credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover). Some offices may have restrictions — for example, a few smaller branch offices may not accept checks or may require exact change for cash payments. Call your local DMV office before you go to confirm which payment methods they accept.

If you're renewing by mail, you must send a check or money order. The DMV does not accept credit cards by mail. Make the check payable to "Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles."

If you're renewing online, you can pay by debit card or credit card. The DMV website will show you the total amount due, including any processing fees, before you submit your payment.

Fees for special circumstances

If you're reinstating a suspended or revoked license, you will pay the $48 license fee plus a reinstatement fee. The reinstatement fee varies depending on why your license was suspended — it ranges from $45 to $150 or more. You will also need to pay any court fines, traffic citations, or child support arrears that led to the suspension before the DMV will issue a new license.

If you need a hardship license (a restricted license that allows you to drive to work or school during a suspension), the fee is $25. A hardship license is temporary and valid only for the purposes listed on the card.

If you're changing your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you can update your license at the same time you renew. There is no extra fee for the name change — you pay only the $48 renewal fee. You will need to bring the court order or marriage certificate as proof.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my DMV fees online before I go to the office?

No. You pay your license fee at the DMV office when you complete your transaction, or online if you're renewing by internet. You cannot prepay online for an in-person visit. Some DMV offices offer online appointment scheduling, but that does not include payment.

What happens if I fail the written test — do I have to pay again?

No. You can retake the written test the same day or return another day at no additional charge. You pay the $48 license fee only once, when you pass the test and receive your license.

Is the Real ID license more expensive than a regular license?

No. A Real ID compliant license costs $48, the same as a standard Florida driver's license. You do not pay extra to get Real ID compliance. The Enhanced Driver's License (EDL), which allows border crossing, costs $65.

Do I have to pay a fingerprinting fee?

Only if your process requires a background check — for example, after a DUI conviction, a suspension, or a revocation. The fingerprinting fee is usually $15 to $25 and is separate from the $48 license fee. Not all applications require fingerprinting.

What if I renew online but my license gets rejected — do I lose the fee?

If your online renewal is rejected before it is processed, you will not be charged. If it is rejected after payment, contact the Florida DMV to request a refund. Refunds typically take two to four weeks to appear on your card or bank account.