What you need to renew a Florida ID card

A Florida identification card is a state-issued photo ID that proves who you are but does not give you driving privileges. If your ID card is expired or expiring soon, you can renew it through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) in person, by mail, or online depending on your situation.

The fastest route is online through the DHSMV website if your card is not damaged, you have not changed your name or address, and your card is not more than five years expired. If any of those conditions do not explore, you will need to visit a driver license office in person.

You will need your current ID card or another form of identification, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current Florida address. A utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 30 days works for address proof.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the DHSMV website takes about 10 minutes if your card meets the renewal criteria and costs $25 for a five-year card or $50 for an eight-year card.
  • Mail renewal is available but slower — you send your current card and payment to the DHSMV, and your new card arrives in about two weeks.
  • In-person renewal at a driver license office is required if your card is damaged, your name or address changed, or your card expired more than five years ago.
  • Your new ID card will be mailed to your address on file, so make sure the DHSMV has your correct address before you submit your renewal.
  • Florida ID cards are valid for five or eight years depending on which you choose; the eight-year card costs more but lasts longer.

Renewing online through the DHSMV website

Go to the DHSMV online services portal and select the ID card renewal option. You will need your current card number, your date of birth, and your Social Security number to start. The system will ask you to confirm your personal information and choose whether you want a five-year or eight-year card.

You will pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card — $25 for a five-year card or $50 for an eight-year card. After you submit, the DHSMV will mail your new card to the address on file. There is no option to pick it up in person or have it mailed to a different address through the online system.

Online renewal is only available if your card is not damaged, you have not changed your name or address since it was issued, and your card expired less than five years ago. If your card is damaged or you need to update your information, you must renew in person at a driver license office.

Renewing by mail

You can mail your current ID card and a check or money order to the DHSMV. Include a note with your name, date of birth, and the type of card you want (five-year or eight-year). Mail it to the address listed on the DHSMV website for your county.

Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal — expect two to three weeks for the DHSMV to process your request and mail your new card back to you. During that time, you will not have your ID card, so this method works best if you do not need to show ID right away.

Mail renewal costs the same as online renewal: $25 for five years or $50 for eight years. You do not need to include a return envelope; the DHSMV will mail your new card to the address on file.

Renewing in person at a driver license office

Visit any Florida driver license office with your current ID card, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, tax return, or W-2), and proof of your current address. Bring the original documents or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted for address proof.

Bring your current ID card even if it is expired. If you have lost it, bring another form of government-issued photo ID such as a passport or military ID. The office will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot.

In-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the office is. You will pay the same fee as online or mail renewal ($25 for five years or $50 for eight years), and your new card will be mailed to your address on file within one to two weeks. You will receive a temporary ID receipt that you can use as proof of identity until your card arrives.

When you must renew in person

You cannot use online or mail renewal if your card is damaged, torn, or faded to the point that it is hard to read. The DHSMV will not process a renewal based on a damaged card through those channels because the system cannot verify your information reliably.

You also must renew in person if you have changed your name since your card was issued. Bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change along with your other documents.

If your address has changed, you can renew online or by mail as long as you update your address first through the DHSMV website or by calling the office. If you do not update your address before renewing, your new card will be mailed to your old address. If your card expired more than five years ago, in-person renewal is your only option.

What to expect after you renew

Your new ID card will be mailed to the address the DHSMV has on file for you. Standard mail delivery takes one to two weeks. If you renewed in person, you will receive a temporary ID receipt that you can use as proof of identity while you wait for your card to arrive.

If you do not receive your card within three weeks of renewing, contact the DHSMV to check the status. Have your renewal confirmation number or receipt ready. The DHSMV can reissue your card or investigate whether it was lost in the mail.

Your old ID card is no longer valid once your new one arrives. You do not need to return it to the DHSMV unless you renewed in person and they asked you to leave it with them. If you renewed by mail or online, destroy your old card by cutting it up or shredding it.

ID card renewal fees and card validity

Florida offers two renewal options: a five-year card for $25 or an eight-year card for $50. Both are valid forms of identification and work the same way — the only difference is how long they last before you need to renew again.

The fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Some driver license offices may charge an additional service fee for in-person renewal, but this is rare and will be posted at the office. Payment by credit card, debit card, check, or money order is accepted depending on your renewal method.

If you are a Florida resident over 62 years old, you may be may be able to access for a reduced renewal fee. Ask at the driver license office or check the DHSMV website for current senior discounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an expired Florida ID card to renew online?

Yes, as long as it expired less than five years ago. The DHSMV online system will accept your expired card number to verify your identity. If your card expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a driver license office.

What if I moved and the DHSMV still has my old address?

Update your address through the DHSMV website or by calling your local driver license office before you renew. If you renew without updating your address first, your new card will be mailed to your old address. You can update your address online, by mail, or in person at a driver license office.

How long does it take to get my new card after I renew online?

The DHSMV typically mails your new card within one to two weeks of processing your online renewal. Standard mail delivery adds another week or so, so expect your card to arrive within two to three weeks total. If you do not receive it within three weeks, contact the DHSMV to check the status.

Can I pick up my renewed ID card at the driver license office instead of having it mailed?

No. Whether you renew online, by mail, or in person, your new card is always mailed to your address on file. There is no option for in-office pickup. If you renewed in person, you will receive a temporary ID receipt that you can use as proof of identity until your card arrives.

What happens if my ID card is damaged or worn?

You must renew in person at a driver license office. Bring your damaged card and your other required documents. The office will issue you a new card and may ask you to leave your old card with them. Your new card will be mailed to your address on file within one to two weeks.