Florida lets you renew your driver's license online if you meet specific requirements
You can renew your Florida driver's license through the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) website without visiting a license office, but only if your license is not expired and you have not had certain violations or changes to your record. The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes, costs $48 for a four-year renewal or $75 for an eight-year renewal, and you will receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Not everyone can use the online system. If your license has been expired for more than six months, if you need to change your address, if you have had a suspension or revocation, or if you are renewing for the first time after turning 21, you must renew in person at a Florida license office instead.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your current license is not expired and you have no suspensions, revocations, or recent violations on your record.
- The online renewal costs $48 for four years or $75 for eight years and takes about 10 minutes to complete.
- You will need your current Florida driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method to renew online.
- Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days; you can continue driving with your current license until the new one arrives.
- If you cannot renew online, you must visit a Florida license office in person, which requires scheduling an appointment through the DHSMV website.
Who can renew online and who cannot
The DHSMV online renewal system is available only to drivers whose licenses are current and whose driving records are clean. You can renew online if your license has not expired, if you have no active suspensions or revocations, and if you have not been convicted of certain traffic violations in the past three years. You also cannot have changed your name, address, or other personal information since your last license was issued.
You cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than six months, if you need to update your address or name, if you have had a license suspension or revocation, if you are a commercial driver's license (CDL) holder, or if you are renewing for the first time after turning 21. Drivers under 21 who are renewing for the first time must visit a license office in person so staff can verify your identity and take a new photograph.
What you need before you start
Gather these items before you begin the online renewal process. You will need your current Florida driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method—either a debit card, credit card, or electronic check. You should also have your email address ready, because the DHSMV will send you a confirmation and tracking information to that address.
Make sure your current license is in front of you when you start. The system will ask you to confirm information printed on your license, including your date of birth, license number, and the expiration date. If any of this information is incorrect on your current license, you cannot fix it online; you will need to visit a license office in person instead.
Step-by-step: how to renew online
Go to the DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov and look for the "Renew Your License" option on the homepage. Click on the link for online renewal, which will take you to a page asking whether you want to renew for four years or eight years. Select your choice and proceed.
Enter your current driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your record and display the information on file. Review it carefully to make sure everything is correct—your name, date of birth, address, and license class. If anything is wrong, stop and visit a license office instead, because the online system cannot make corrections.
Confirm that you meet the renewal requirements by answering a series of yes-or-no questions about your driving record, any name or address changes, and whether you have had any violations. Answer honestly; the system is checking your record against the DHSMV database. Once you confirm, you will move to the payment screen.
Enter your payment information and review the total fee. The cost is $48 for a four-year renewal or $75 for an eight-year renewal. After you submit payment, you will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Write down or save the confirmation number; you can use it to track your new license.
What happens after you submit your renewal
Your new license will be printed and mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive with your current license during this time; there is no gap in your driving privileges. If you need to track your license, go back to the DHSMV website and use your confirmation number to check the status.
If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the DHSMV at 1-844-5-DLINFO (1-844-535-4636). Have your confirmation number ready. The DHSMV can tell you whether your license has been mailed and provide a tracking number if it has been sent through the postal service.
When you must renew in person instead
If you do not meet the requirements for online renewal, you must visit a Florida license office. To schedule an appointment, go to flhsmv.gov and select "Schedule an Appointment." Choose your county, the type of transaction (license renewal), and an available time slot. Appointments are usually available within two to four weeks, though this varies by location and time of year.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. The in-person renewal takes about 15 minutes, and you will receive a temporary license to drive while your permanent license is mailed to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license expired last month?
No. The DHSMV online system only works for licenses that have not expired. If your license has been expired for any length of time, you must renew in person at a license office. Driving with an expired license is illegal, so schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
What if I moved to a new address since my last renewal?
You cannot renew online if you have changed your address. You must visit a license office in person and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement. The staff will update your address and issue your new license on the spot.
How long does my new license take to arrive after I renew online?
Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive legally with your current license until the new one arrives. If it does not show up within 10 business days, contact the DHSMV at 1-844-535-4636 with your confirmation number.
Can I renew online if I have a commercial driver's license?
No. Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) cannot be renewed online. You must visit a Florida license office in person. Schedule an appointment through flhsmv.gov and bring your current CDL, proof of residency, and your Social Security card.
What if the online system says I do not meet the requirements?
The system checks your driving record against the DHSMV database. If it says you do not meet the requirements, it means you have a suspension, revocation, or other issue on your record. You must visit a license office in person. Call the DHSMV at 1-844-535-4636 to find out what the issue is before you go.