Where to renew in Hillsborough County
In Hillsborough County, you can renew your driver's license at any Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office. The county has multiple locations, with the main office in Tampa and satellite offices in Brandon, Plant City, and other areas. You do not have to renew at the office closest to your home — any DHSMV location in the state will process your renewal.
The fastest way to find current office locations and hours is to visit the official DHSMV website and search for "Hillsborough County" or your specific city. Office hours vary by location, and some offices close for lunch. Many offices are busier on Fridays and the first week of the month, so visiting mid-week or mid-month often means shorter wait times.
You can also renew by mail or online if you meet certain conditions — see the sections below for details on which method works for your situation.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew in person at any DHSMV office in Hillsborough County, or by mail or online if your license is not suspended and you have not had certain violations.
- Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and your Social Security number or ITIN.
- In-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes once you are called, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
- Online renewal costs less than in-person renewal and takes a few minutes, but only works if your license is not expired by more than five years and you have no medical conditions flagged on your record.
- Mail renewal is free but takes four to six weeks, and you must meet the same conditions as online renewal.
What documents you need for in-person renewal
Bring your current Florida driver's license or ID card. If your license is lost or stolen, bring a government-issued photo ID instead — a passport, military ID, or out-of-state license all work. You will also need proof that you live in Florida. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address is acceptable. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.
You will need to provide your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you do not have either, bring a document that shows you are not required to have one — this is rare, but the DHSMV office staff can tell you what counts if this applies to you.
If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing a license that expired more than eight years ago, you may need to pass a vision test or provide a medical certificate, depending on your age and the reason for the lapse.
Renewing online through the DHSMV website
Florida allows online renewal through the official DHSMV website if your license meets certain conditions. Your license must not be expired by more than five years, you must not have any medical conditions or restrictions flagged on your record, and your license must not be suspended or revoked. You also cannot have had certain violations in the past five years, such as a DUI or reckless driving conviction.
The online process takes about five minutes. You will enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number to verify your identity. You will answer questions about your health and vision, and you will choose whether to keep your current address or update it. The fee is lower for online renewal than for in-person renewal — typically around $20 to $30 depending on the length of your new license.
After you pay, your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your old license to drive legally until the new one arrives. If the system tells you that you cannot renew online, it means one of the conditions above does not explore to you, and you will need to renew in person or by mail.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal is free and works under the same conditions as online renewal — your license must not be expired by more than five years, you must have no medical flags, and your license must not be suspended or revoked. You will need to complete the renewal process form (available on the DHSMV website) and mail it with your current license and proof of residency to the address listed on the form.
Processing takes four to six weeks from the date the DHSMV receives your process. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide. During this time, you can still drive legally with your old license. If you need your license sooner, in-person or online renewal is faster.
Mail your process to the address shown on the DHSMV website for mail renewals — do not mail it to a local office. The state processes all mail renewals at a central location, and sending it to a local office will delay your renewal.
In-person renewal fees and what to expect
In-person renewal at a Hillsborough County DHSMV office costs more than online or mail renewal. A standard eight-year license renewal costs around $75 to $80, though the exact amount depends on whether you are renewing a standard license, a commercial license, or a license with special endorsements. The office will tell you the exact fee when you arrive.
When you arrive, you will check in at the front desk and receive a number. Wait times vary — some offices have a short queue, while others may have a 30-minute to one-hour wait, especially on busy days. Once your number is called, you will go to a window where staff will verify your documents, take a new photo, and process your renewal. The whole transaction usually takes 10 to 20 minutes.
You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. Your new plastic license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive out of state or fly before your permanent license arrives, the temporary license is acceptable for most purposes, though some states and airlines may not accept it — call ahead if you are unsure.
Special situations: suspension, medical conditions, and expired licenses
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it. You must first contact the DHSMV to find out why it is suspended and what steps are needed to restore it. Suspensions can be due to unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, DUI convictions, or other reasons. The DHSMV website has a tool where you can check your license status and the reason for any suspension.
If your license expired more than eight years ago, you may need to take a written test, vision test, or both, depending on your age. You will also need to provide a medical certificate if you are over 79 years old. Call the DHSMV office in Hillsborough County before you visit to confirm what tests or documents you need.
If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive — such as a seizure disorder, severe vision loss, or a condition that causes sudden loss of consciousness — you may need a medical certificate signed by your doctor. The DHSMV will tell you if this is required when you explore. Some conditions may result in restrictions on your license, such as corrective lenses or daytime driving only.
Real ID and standard license renewal in Hillsborough County
When you renew your license in Hillsborough County, you can choose to get a standard Florida license or a Real ID compliant license. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. A standard license does not have the star and cannot be used for these purposes after May 7, 2025, though you can still use it to drive.
Getting a Real ID requires one extra document beyond what you need for a standard renewal — a document that proves your citizenship or legal residency status. This can be your birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate, or visa. You will also need the same proof of residency and identity documents as a standard renewal.
Real ID renewal costs the same as standard renewal and takes the same amount of time. If you are renewing online or by mail, you cannot get a Real ID — you must renew in person at a DHSMV office. If you want a Real ID, bring the extra citizenship document when you visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than five years ago?
You can renew in person at a DHSMV office, but you may need to take a written test, vision test, or both depending on how long it has been expired and your age. You cannot renew online or by mail if your license is more than five years expired. Call the Hillsborough County DHSMV office before you visit to find out what tests you need.
What if I do not have proof of residency?
You need a document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and current address. If you do not have a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement, ask the DHSMV office what other documents they accept — some offices accept bank statements, insurance documents, or government mail. Bring whatever you have and ask staff what will work.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew in person?
Your new plastic license arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. You receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days. You can drive legally with either document during this time.
Can I renew online if my license is suspended?
No. You cannot renew online, by mail, or in person if your license is suspended or revoked. You must first restore your license by handling the reason for the suspension — paying fines, paying child support, completing a DUI program, or other steps depending on why it was suspended. Check the DHSMV website to find out the reason and what you need to do.
Do I have to renew at a Hillsborough County office?
No. You can renew at any DHSMV office in Florida, not just in Hillsborough County. If you are traveling or live closer to an office in another county, you can renew there instead. Online and mail renewal work the same way regardless of where you live in Florida.