You can renew your Florida driver license online if you meet a few basic requirements
Florida lets you renew your driver license through its online portal without visiting a license office, as long as your license is not expired by more than six months and you have no medical suspensions or restrictions that need updating. The process takes about 15 minutes, costs $48 for a four-year renewal or $75 for an eight-year renewal, and you pay by credit or debit card. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
The catch: online renewal works only if your current license is still valid or expired no more than six months ago. If your license expired longer than that, or if you need to change your address, add a Real ID designation, or update medical information, you must renew in person at a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Florida DHSMV website is available only if your license expired within the last six months and has no medical holds or restrictions.
- The renewal costs $48 for four years or $75 for eight years, and you pay when ready by credit or debit card during the online transaction.
- You will need your current Florida driver license number, Social Security number, and date of birth to start the renewal process.
- Your renewed license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days; you can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.
- If your license expired more than six months ago, you have a medical suspension, or you need to change your address, you must renew in person at a DHSMV office.
Check whether you are may be able to access before you start
Before you go to the Florida DHSMV website, confirm that your situation meets the online renewal rules. Your license must not be expired by more than six months. If you are unsure of your expiration date, look at the front of your physical license — the expiration date appears in the lower right corner.
You also cannot renew online if you have any medical suspensions, medical restrictions, or corrective lens restrictions that need to be updated or removed. If your license shows a medical restriction (such as "corrective lenses required"), you may still renew online as long as that restriction remains the same. However, if you need to add, remove, or change a medical restriction, you must visit a DHSMV office in person.
Address changes also require an in-person visit. If you have moved since your license was issued, you cannot update your address through the online renewal system — you will need to go to a DHSMV office and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.
Gather your information before logging in
Have these items ready before you visit the Florida DHSMV online renewal portal: your current Florida driver license number, your Social Security number, and your date of birth. You will also need a valid credit or debit card to pay the renewal fee. The system does not accept checks, money orders, or cash.
Make sure the credit or debit card you use belongs to you or that you have permission to use it. The cardholder's name does not have to match your name, but the transaction will appear on that person's statement. If you are renewing someone else's license, that person must be present and provide their own information — you cannot renew a license for another person online.
Complete the renewal on the Florida DHSMV website
Go to the official Florida DHSMV website and look for the online renewal option. The portal is called the "Online Services" section. You will create or log into your DHSMV account, then select "Renew Driver License." The system will ask you to enter your driver license number, Social Security number, and date of birth to verify your identity.
Once your identity is confirmed, you will review your current license information on screen. Check that your name, address, and other details are correct. If anything is wrong — such as a misspelled name or an old address — you cannot fix it online. Stop the process and visit a DHSMV office instead, where staff can correct the error before issuing your new license.
If everything looks correct, you will choose your renewal term: four years ($48) or eight years ($75). Then you will enter your credit or debit card information and submit payment. The system will show you a confirmation number. Write this down or take a screenshot — you may need it if you have questions about your renewal.
What happens after you submit your renewal
After you complete the online transaction, you will receive a confirmation email at the address on file with the DHSMV. This email confirms that your renewal was received and processed. Your new license will be printed and mailed to the address currently on your driver license record within 7 to 10 business days.
You can continue to drive using your current license while you wait for the new one to arrive. Your current license remains valid during this time. If you need to drive out of state or use your license for identification before the new one arrives, your current license is still acceptable.
If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, or if you need to check the status of your renewal, you can log back into your DHSMV online account and look for a status tracker. You can also call the DHSMV customer service line, though wait times vary.
What to do if you cannot renew online
If your license expired more than six months ago, you will need to renew in person at a DHSMV office. Bring your current (expired) license, proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). You will also need to pass a vision test and may need to retake the written test depending on how long your license has been expired.
If you have a medical suspension or need to add or change medical restrictions, visit a DHSMV office with your current license and any medical documentation your doctor has provided. If you are changing your address, bring proof of your new address along with your current license.
If you need a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal air travel starting in 2025), you must renew in person. Real ID renewal requires additional documents such as a birth certificate or passport, which cannot be submitted online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if it expired more than six months ago?
No. The online renewal system only works if your license expired within the last six months. If it has been expired longer, you must renew in person at a DHSMV office. You will likely need to retake the written test and vision test as part of an in-person renewal after a long expiration.
What if I make a mistake during the online renewal process?
If you notice an error before you submit payment, you can go back and correct it. If you have already submitted payment and then realize there was an error, contact the DHSMV customer service line with your confirmation number. Do not attempt to renew again online, as this may result in duplicate charges.
Will my new license have the same number as my current one?
Yes. When you renew online, your driver license number stays the same. Only the expiration date and the physical card change. Your new license will look similar to your current one but with an updated expiration date printed on it.
Can I renew my license online if I have a medical restriction like corrective lenses?
Yes, as long as the restriction stays the same. If you currently wear corrective lenses and still need them, you can renew online. However, if you need to add a new restriction, remove an existing one, or change what a restriction says, you must visit a DHSMV office in person.
What if my credit card is declined during the online renewal?
If your card is declined, the transaction will not go through and you will not be charged. Try again with the same card or use a different credit or debit card. If the problem continues, contact your bank to make sure the card is active and has available funds. You can also renew in person at a DHSMV office and pay with cash, check, or card.