Florida lets you renew your driver license online if you meet a few basic requirements
You can renew your Florida driver license through the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) website without visiting a license office, but only if your license is still valid or expired less than six months ago. You'll need a valid email address, your Social Security number, and a debit or credit card to pay the renewal fee. The whole process takes about 10 minutes, and you'll receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Not every driver can use the online renewal path. If your license has been expired for more than six months, if you need to change your address, if you're renewing a commercial driver license (CDL), or if you have certain medical conditions on your record, you'll need to renew in person at a license office instead.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your license expired less than six months ago and you haven't had any address changes since it was issued.
- The DHSMV online renewal system charges a fee (the amount varies depending on how many years you're renewing for) and accepts debit or credit cards only.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can continue driving on your expired license until the new one arrives.
- If your license has been expired for more than six months, or if you need to update your address or medical information, you must renew in person at a Florida license office.
- Commercial driver licenses and licenses with certain restrictions cannot be renewed online.
Who can renew online and who cannot
The DHSMV allows online renewal only for standard driver licenses that are still valid or expired within the last six months. If your license expired more than six months ago, the online system will not let you proceed—you'll have to visit a license office in person.
You also cannot renew online if you need to change your address. Even if you've moved since your license was issued, you must go to a license office to update your address at the same time you renew. The same rule applies if you need to change your name, update your medical information, or add or remove restrictions from your license.
Commercial driver licenses (CDLs) and licenses with hazmat endorsements must be renewed in person. If you hold a CDL, you'll need to visit a license office and may need to pass a written test depending on your renewal category.
What you need before you start
Gather these items before you begin the online renewal on the DHSMV website:
- Your current Florida driver license number
- Your Social Security number
- A valid email address where you can receive your confirmation
- A debit or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover)
You do not need to upload documents or take a new photo for online renewal. The DHSMV uses the photo and information from your current license. If you want to update your photo, you'll need to renew in person at a license office.
The step-by-step process
Start by going to the DHSMV online services website. Look for the "Renew Your Driver License" option and select it. You'll be asked to enter your driver license number and date of birth to pull up your record.
Review the information on screen—your name, address, and current license details. If anything is incorrect and you cannot change it online, stop here and renew in person instead. If everything is correct, proceed to confirm your information and choose how many years you want to renew for (typically 4 or 8 years).
Next, you'll enter your payment information. The DHSMV accepts debit and credit cards only; they do not accept checks, money orders, or cash. The renewal fee depends on how long you're renewing for and whether you're renewing a standard license or one with additional endorsements. After you submit payment, you'll receive a confirmation number by email.
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. You can continue driving on your expired license while you wait for the new one to arrive. If your new license doesn't arrive within 10 business days, contact the DHSMV to report it.
Renewal fees and what affects the cost
The renewal fee varies based on how many years you're renewing for. A 4-year renewal costs less than an 8-year renewal. The DHSMV website will show you the exact fee before you pay, so you'll know the total cost before you commit.
If you're renewing a license with certain endorsements (such as a motorcycle endorsement), the fee may be higher. The online system will calculate this automatically based on your current license type.
Some people are not charged a renewal fee at all. If you're 65 or older, you may may have access to for a free renewal. If you're a veteran, you may also may have access to for a discount or free renewal. The online system will tell you whether you're may be able to access for a reduced or free renewal before you reach the payment screen.
What happens after you submit your renewal
Once your payment is processed, the DHSMV will send a confirmation email to the address you provided. Save this email or write down your confirmation number—you may need it if you have questions about your renewal.
Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The DHSMV mails licenses from a central processing facility, so delivery time depends on how far you live from that facility and your local mail service. You do not need to do anything else while you wait.
If you need to drive before your new license arrives, your expired license is still valid for driving purposes during the renewal period. You can show your confirmation email or confirmation number as proof that you've renewed if you're stopped by law enforcement.
When you need to renew in person instead
If your license has been expired for more than six months, the online system will reject your renewal request. You'll need to visit a Florida license office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return).
You also must renew in person if you've moved and need to update your address. Even if your license is current, the online system will not allow you to change your address—you have to do this at a license office. The same applies if you need to update your name, medical information, or any restrictions on your license.
If you're renewing a commercial driver license or a license with a hazmat endorsement, you must go to a license office. You may also need to pass a written test depending on your renewal category and how long it's been since your last renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license expired more than six months ago?
No. The online renewal system only works for licenses that are current or expired within the last six months. If your license has been expired for more than six months, you must renew in person at a Florida license office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number.
What if I've moved since my license was issued?
You cannot update your address online. You must visit a license office in person to change your address and renew at the same time. Bring your expired or current license, proof of your new address (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of your Social Security number.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your expired license during this time. If your new license doesn't arrive within 10 business days, contact the DHSMV to report it.
Can I renew my commercial driver license online?
No. Commercial driver licenses and licenses with hazmat endorsements must be renewed in person at a Florida license office. You may need to pass a written test depending on your renewal category.
What if the online system says I'm not may be able to access to renew?
The most common reasons are that your license has been expired for more than six months, you need to change your address, or you have a commercial license. Visit a Florida license office in person to renew. You can find your nearest office on the DHSMV website.