How to Renew Your Florida Driver's License Through FLHSMV

What FLHSMV Is and Why You'll Use It to Renew

FLHSMV stands for Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, the state agency that handles driver's licenses. When you renew your Florida license, you'll interact with FLHSMV whether you renew online, by mail, or in person at a local office. FLHSMV runs the online renewal system, processes your paperwork, and issues your new license.

Most Florida drivers can renew online through the FLHSMV website without visiting an office. If you cannot renew online — because your license has been suspended, expired for more than five years, or you need to update your photo — you will need to visit a local FLHSMV office or tax collector's office in person.

Key Takeaways

Florida allows online renewal if your license is current or expired less than five years, you have no medical restrictions, and your address is current with FLHSMV.
Online renewal through the FLHSMV website costs $75.25 for a four-year license and takes about 10 business days to arrive by mail.
If you cannot renew online, you must visit an FLHSMV office or a tax collector's office in person with your current license and proof of residency.
FLHSMV offices are open Monday through Friday; many tax collector's offices offer extended hours and Saturday appointments.
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file with FLHSMV, so update your address before you renew if you have moved.

Renewing Online Through the FLHSMV Website

To renew online, go to flhsmv.gov and select the renewal option. You will need your current Florida driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and check whether you are may be able to access to renew online.

Online renewal is available only if all of these are true: your license is not suspended or revoked, your license expired less than five years ago, you have no medical restrictions on your license, and your address on file is current. If any of these do not explore to you, the website will tell you that you must renew in person.

The online fee is $75.25 for a four-year license. You will pay by credit card or debit card during the process. After you submit your renewal, FLHSMV will mail your new license to the address on file. Delivery typically takes 10 business days, though it can take longer during peak renewal periods.

Renewing in Person at an FLHSMV Office

If you cannot renew online, you will need to visit an FLHSMV office. Bring your current Florida driver's license and one document that proves your current address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work. If your address has changed, bring the proof of your new address.

FLHSMV offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours vary by location. You can find your nearest office and check its hours on the FLHSMV website. Many offices require you to take a new photo, so you cannot renew by mail if you are renewing in person for the first time in many years or if your license has been expired for more than five years.

The in-person renewal fee is $75.25 for a four-year license. You will pay at the office when you complete your renewal. Your new license will be mailed to you within 10 business days.

Renewing at a Tax Collector's Office

Many Florida counties allow you to renew your driver's license at the local tax collector's office instead of an FLHSMV office. Tax collector's offices often have longer hours and more convenient locations than FLHSMV offices. Bring the same documents you would bring to an FLHSMV office: your current license and proof of your current address.

Tax collector's offices typically stay open until 6 p.m. on weekdays and many offer Saturday hours. Call your county tax collector's office or check their website to confirm they offer driver's license renewal and to see their current hours. The fee and processing time are the same as at an FLHSMV office.

What Happens After You Submit Your Renewal

After you renew — whether online, at an FLHSMV office, or at a tax collector's office — FLHSMV will process your renewal and mail your new license. You should receive it within 10 business days, though during busy periods it may take longer. Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives.

If you do not receive your new license within 15 business days, contact FLHSMV by phone at 1-844-357-4786 to check the status. Have your driver's license number ready. If your license was lost or damaged in the mail, FLHSMV can reissue it.

Updating Your Address Before You Renew

Your new license will be mailed to the address currently on file with FLHSMV. If you have moved and have not updated your address, your new license will go to your old address. You can update your address online through the FLHSMV website before you renew, or you can update it when you renew in person.

To update your address online, go to flhsmv.gov and use the address change option. You will need your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The address change is free and takes effect when ready. If you are renewing in person, bring proof of your new address and the staff will update it during your renewal.

When You Cannot Renew Online or by Mail

You must renew in person if your license has been suspended or revoked, if it expired more than five years ago, if you have medical restrictions that need review, or if you need to change your name or gender marker. You also must renew in person if you are a commercial driver's license (CDL) holder, even if your CDL is current.

If your license was suspended for unpaid traffic fines or child support, you will need to resolve those issues before FLHSMV will renew it. Contact the court or the Florida Department of Revenue to find out what you owe and how to pay. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew online or in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Florida license if I live out of state?

Yes. If you are a Florida resident living temporarily out of state, you can renew online through the FLHSMV website as long as your license is current or expired less than five years. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you have moved permanently out of Florida, you will need to get a license from your new state.

What if my name has changed since I got my current license?

You cannot renew online if your name has changed. You must renew in person at an FLHSMV office or tax collector's office and bring a document that shows your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. FLHSMV will update your name and issue a new license with the correct name.

How long does my renewed license last?

A standard Florida driver's license is valid for four years from the date it is issued. Your renewal notice will tell you the expiration date of your new license. You can renew again anytime within six months before it expires.

What if I need my license before it arrives in the mail?

If you renewed online or in person and need to drive before your new license arrives, your old license remains valid. If you need proof that you have renewed, you can print a receipt from the online renewal or ask for a receipt at the office where you renewed in person.

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket?

An outstanding ticket will not stop your renewal. However, if a court has suspended your license for unpaid fines related to that ticket, you must resolve the suspension before you can renew. Contact the court to find out what you owe and how to pay.

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.