Where to renew your Lee County driver's license

In Lee County, Florida, you renew your driver's license at a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. Lee County has two DMV locations: one in Fort Myers and one in Cape Coral. Both offices handle renewals, but you cannot renew online or by mail in Florida — you must appear in person.

The Fort Myers office is located at 1701 Lee Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901. The Cape Coral office is at 1620 Cape Coral Parkway East, Cape Coral, FL 33904. Both offices are open Monday through Friday. Hours vary slightly between locations, so check the Florida DMV website or call ahead before you go — wait times can be long, especially mid-morning and mid-week.

You do not need an appointment at either location, but the DMV does offer online scheduling through its website. Scheduling ahead can reduce your wait time significantly, though walk-ins are still accepted.

Key Takeaways

  • You must renew in person at either the Fort Myers or Cape Coral DMV office; Florida does not allow online or mail renewals.
  • Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and your Social Security number or ITIN.
  • Renewal costs $75 for a standard eight-year license, and you can pay by cash, debit, or credit card at the office.
  • Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you complete your renewal appointment.
  • If your license has been expired for more than six months, you may need to retake the written test and vision test in addition to the renewal fee.

Documents you need to bring

Florida requires specific documents to renew your driver's license. Bring your current driver's license — this is your primary form of identification at the DMV. You also need one document that proves your current address in Lee County. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill all work. The document must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Have this memorized or written down; you will enter it during your appointment. If you have changed your name since your last license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or court order — bring the document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

If you are renewing a Real ID-compliant license (marked with a gold star in the upper right corner), you do not need to bring additional documents. If your current license is not Real ID-compliant and you want to upgrade to one during renewal, bring a birth certificate or passport, a Social Security card or tax return, and a second proof of residency.

Cost and payment methods

A standard eight-year driver's license renewal in Florida costs $75. This is the fee for most adults renewing a regular license. If you are over 65, the renewal fee is lower — $25 for a four-year license or $50 for an eight-year license. You pay at the DMV office when you complete your renewal.

The DMV accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. They do not accept checks or money orders. If you are paying by card, bring the card itself — you cannot pay over the phone or online for an in-person renewal.

Timeline: when your new license arrives

After you complete your renewal appointment at the DMV, your new license is mailed to the address you provided. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. During this time, your old license remains valid, so you can continue to use it for identification and driving.

If you need your new license faster, you can request expedited delivery at the DMV office for an additional fee. Expedited processing typically reduces the delivery time to 3 to 5 business days, but costs extra — ask the DMV staff for the current expedited fee when you arrive.

If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the Florida DMV directly. You can report a missing license through their website or by calling their customer service line. The DMV can reissue your license or investigate the delay.

What happens if your license is expired

If your driver's license has been expired for six months or less, you can renew it at the DMV with just the standard renewal process — no extra tests required. Bring your documents, pay the fee, and you are done.

If your license has been expired for more than six months, Florida treats it as a new license process rather than a renewal. You will need to retake the written knowledge test and the vision test, in addition to paying the renewal fee. You may also need to provide additional documentation. Call the Lee County DMV office before you go to confirm what you need to bring, because requirements can vary based on how long your license has been expired.

Real ID compliance during renewal

Florida driver's licenses come in two types: standard and Real ID-compliant. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal identification standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID license or a passport to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building.

If your current license is already Real ID-compliant, your renewal will automatically be Real ID-compliant — you do not need to do anything extra. If your current license is not Real ID-compliant and you want to upgrade during renewal, tell the DMV staff when you arrive. You will need to bring a birth certificate or passport, a Social Security card or recent tax return, and a second proof of residency in addition to your standard renewal documents. The fee is the same whether you renew as standard or Real ID.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Lee County license if I moved out of state?

No. Florida requires you to be a resident of the state to hold a Florida driver's license. If you have moved out of state, you should obtain a license from your new state. If you still live in Florida but moved out of Lee County, you can renew at any DMV office in the state, not just the Lee County locations.

What if I lost my current license before renewal?

You can still renew at the DMV without your old license. Bring your proof of residency and Social Security number as usual. The DMV will look up your record and issue a replacement renewal license. There may be an additional fee for a replacement, so ask when you arrive.

Do I need to take a new photo for renewal?

Yes. The DMV takes a new photo during every renewal appointment. Wear something you are comfortable being photographed in, and avoid hats or sunglasses unless required for medical reasons. If you wear glasses for driving, wear them for your photo.

Can someone else pick up my new license for me?

No. Your new license is mailed directly to your address on file. You cannot have it sent elsewhere or picked up by another person. If you are moving before your license arrives, update your address with the DMV as soon as possible so it is mailed to the correct location.

What if I want to change my address during renewal?

You can update your address at the DMV during your renewal appointment. Bring your new proof of residency showing your updated address. The DMV will print your new address on your renewed license, and your license will be mailed to that address.