Florida lets you renew your driver license online if you meet a few conditions

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 not suspended, revoked, or expired for more than five years. You also cannot renew online if you need to change your name, address, or vision correction status, or if you are under 21. The process takes about 10 minutes and costs $47.50 for a four-year renewal or $76.25 for an eight-year renewal.

Florida's online renewal system is designed for people whose licenses are current or expired by five years or less, whose personal information has not changed, and who do not need a new photo. If any of those conditions do not explore to you, you will need to renew in person at a license office instead.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew online only if your license expired five years ago or more recently and is not suspended or revoked.
  • Online renewal costs $47.50 for four years or $76.25 for eight years, and you pay by credit or debit card during the process.
  • Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, and you should receive it within 7 to 10 business days.
  • If your name, address, or vision status has changed, or if you are under 21, you must renew in person at a Florida license office.
  • You will need your current Florida driver license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to start the online renewal.

Who can and cannot renew online in Florida

You can renew online if your license is current or expired no more than five years ago, your personal information (name, address, vision status) has not changed, you are 21 or older, and your license is not under suspension or revocation. You also cannot have any active traffic violations or unpaid fines that would prevent renewal.

You cannot renew online if your license has been suspended or revoked for any reason, including unpaid child support, unpaid traffic fines, or a DUI conviction. You also cannot renew online if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need to change your name or address, if you need to update your vision correction status, or if you are under 21 years old. In any of these cases, you must visit a Florida license office in person.

Steps to renew your Florida license online

Go to the DHSMV website and select the online renewal option. You will be asked to enter your current Florida driver license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and pull up your current license information.

Review the information on your license to confirm it is correct. If everything matches, you can proceed to payment. You cannot change your address, name, or other personal details during online renewal—if any information is wrong, you must stop and renew in person instead. Select your renewal length (four or eight years) and enter your payment information. Florida accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. After payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation number.

Your new license will be mailed to the address currently on file. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. Keep your confirmation number in case you need to check the status of your renewal or contact DHSMV.

What happens after you pay

Once your payment is processed, DHSMV will print your new license and mail it to your address on file. You do not need to do anything else. Your current license remains valid while you wait for the new one to arrive, so you can continue to drive and use it for identification.

If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, you can contact DHSMV to check the status. Have your confirmation number ready. If your license was lost or damaged in the mail, DHSMV can reissue it, though you may need to pay a replacement fee and visit a license office in person.

When you must renew in person instead

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew online. You must visit a Florida license office and resolve the suspension or revocation before you can renew. Suspensions are often due to unpaid traffic fines, unpaid child support, or failure to appear in court. Revocations are typically the result of a DUI conviction or a serious traffic violation. Contact DHSMV or your local license office to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what you need to do to clear it.

If your name, address, or vision status has changed, you must renew in person. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of your new name if applicable (such as a marriage certificate or court order). If you wear glasses or contacts and did not before, or vice versa, you will need to pass a vision test at the license office. If you are under 21, you must also renew in person because Florida requires a new photo and in-person verification for drivers under 21.

Cost and payment methods for online renewal

A four-year renewal costs $47.50 and an eight-year renewal costs $76.25. These are the only two options available for online renewal. Florida accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. You cannot pay by check, money order, or cash online. The fee is non-refundable once payment is processed.

Some people are may have access to to a reduced fee or a fee waiver. If you are a Florida resident who is 65 or older, your renewal fee is lower. If you are a veteran, you may also receive a discount. Check the DHSMV website or call your local license office to confirm whether you may have access to for a reduced fee before you start your online renewal, because the discount may not be applied automatically during the online process.

What to do if online renewal does not work for you

If you start the online renewal process and the system tells you that you are not may be able to access, stop and do not pay. The system will tell you why you cannot renew online. Common reasons include a suspension or revocation, an expired license that is more than five years old, or a change in your personal information that the system detected.

Visit a Florida license office in person to renew instead. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your address (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement). If you have changed your name, bring proof of the name change as well. You can find your nearest license office and check wait times on the DHSMV website. Many offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can save you time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?

Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days after your payment is processed. If you do not receive your license within 10 business days, contact DHSMV with your confirmation number to check the status. Expedited mail is not available for online renewals.

Can I change my address during online renewal?

No. Online renewal is only for people whose personal information has not changed. If you need to change your address, name, or vision status, you must renew in person at a Florida license office. You can update your address at the same time you renew your license.

What if my license is suspended?

You cannot renew online if your license is suspended. You must contact DHSMV or your local license office to find out why it is suspended and what you need to do to clear it. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew online or in person.

Can I renew online if my license expired more than five years ago?

No. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a Florida license office. Bring your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address. You may also need to pass a vision test and have a new photo taken.

What payment methods does Florida accept for online renewal?

Florida accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. You cannot pay by check, money order, or cash. The payment is processed when ready, and you will receive a confirmation number before your new license is printed and mailed.