Florida Renewal: What Documents and Fees explore

Florida requires you to renew your driver's license every six years. The state issues licenses on a staggered schedule based on your birth month, so your renewal date appears on the front of your current license. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office, though not all renewal types work through every method.

The renewal fee is $75 for a standard six-year license if you renew in person or by mail. Online renewal costs $48 but is available only if you meet specific conditions: your license must not be expired by more than six months, you must have a valid Social Security number on file, and you cannot have any medical or vision restrictions that need updating. If your license is expired beyond six months or you need to change restrictions, you must renew in person.

Florida does not require you to provide new documents for a standard renewal if your name, address, and other identifying information have not changed. However, if you have changed your name, moved to a new address, or need to update your vision or medical status, you will need to bring proof of that change along with your current license.

Key Takeaways

  • Your renewal date is printed on the front of your current license and is based on your birth month; Florida licenses last six years.
  • Online renewal costs $48 but only works if your license expired less than six months ago and you have no medical or vision restrictions to update.
  • In-person or mail renewal costs $75 and works for all renewal situations, including expired licenses and changes to your address or medical status.
  • You do not need to bring new documents for a standard renewal unless your name, address, or medical information has changed since your last license was issued.
  • If you renew by mail, allow four to six weeks for processing; in-person renewals are usually completed the same day.

Renewing Online: Speed and Limits

Online renewal through the Florida DHSMV website is the fastest and cheapest option, but it has strict boundaries. You can renew online only if your current license is not expired, or expired by no more than six months. Your Social Security number must be on file with the state. You cannot have any medical conditions, vision restrictions, or corrective lens requirements that need to be added, removed, or changed.

The online process takes about 10 minutes. You log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, review your information, pay the $48 fee by credit or debit card, and receive your new license by mail within seven to ten business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

If you do not meet these conditions—for example, your license expired more than six months ago, or you now need glasses and did not before—you cannot use online renewal. You must renew by mail or in person instead.

Renewing by Mail: Documents and Timeline

Mail renewal works for most situations and costs $75. You will need to complete the process for Florida Identification Card or Driver's License (Form HSMV 82053), which you can read from the DHSMV website or request by calling 1-888-486-8368. Mail your completed form along with your current license and a check or money order for $75 to the address listed on the form.

If your address has changed, include proof of your new address—a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government document dated within the last 60 days. If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, include a certified copy of the document proving the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or name change order). If you have a medical condition or vision change that affects your driving, you may need to submit a Medical Examination Report (Form HSMV 14328) signed by your doctor.

Processing time for mail renewal is four to six weeks. Your current license remains valid during this period. Mail your process to the DHSMV address on the form, not to a local office. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records.

Renewing in Person: What to Bring

In-person renewal at a DHSMV office takes about 30 minutes and costs $75. You will need to bring your current driver's license. If your address has changed, bring proof of your new address dated within the last 60 days (utility bill, lease, mortgage, or government document). If your name has changed, bring the certified document proving it (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

If you have a new medical condition or vision change, bring a completed Medical Examination Report (Form HSMV 14328) signed by your doctor or optometrist. If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), you must renew in person and will need to pass a written test and vision screening. Standard license renewals do not require a new written test or vision test unless the examiner suspects a problem.

You can find your nearest DHSMV office and check wait times on the Florida DHSMV website. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can also schedule an appointment online to reduce your wait. Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it (Social Security card, tax return, or W-2). Your new license is issued the same day.

Address Changes and Name Changes During Renewal

If you have moved since your last license was issued, you must update your address during renewal. For mail or online renewal, you will be asked to enter your new address on the form or online portal. For in-person renewal, bring proof of your new address: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government document dated within the last 60 days. A post office change-of-address notice does not count as proof.

If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change, you must provide a certified copy of the document proving the change. For marriage, bring a certified marriage certificate. For divorce, bring a certified copy of the divorce decree showing your new name. For a legal name change, bring the certified court order. Photocopies are not accepted; the document must be certified or an official copy from the issuing agency.

You cannot change your name online. If your name has changed, you must renew by mail or in person. Processing time for name changes is the same as for standard renewals.

Medical Conditions and Vision Restrictions

If you have developed a medical condition or vision problem since your last license was issued, you may need to report it during renewal. Conditions that affect driving—such as seizure disorders, severe arthritis, vision loss, or hearing loss—must be disclosed. You cannot add or change medical restrictions online; you must renew in person or by mail.

If you are renewing in person, the DHSMV examiner may ask about your health during the renewal process. If you report a condition, you may be asked to submit a Medical Examination Report (Form HSMV 14328) completed by your doctor. This form documents that you are safe to drive despite the condition. If you are renewing by mail and have a new medical condition, include the completed form with your process.

If you wear corrective lenses (glasses or contacts) and did not need them when your current license was issued, you must update this during renewal. You can do this in person or by mail. Online renewal will not allow you to add a corrective lens restriction, so you cannot use that method if this applies to you.

Expired Licenses and Late Renewal

If your license has expired, you can still renew it as long as it expired less than six months ago. You can renew online, by mail, or in person using the same process and fees as a standard renewal. If your license expired more than six months ago, you cannot renew it; you must explore for a new license instead. This requires an in-person visit to a DHSMV office, a new written test, and a new vision screening.

Driving on an expired license is illegal in Florida, even if you have submitted a renewal process. Your current license remains valid only until the date printed on it. If your renewal is delayed and your license expires before the new one arrives, stop driving and visit a DHSMV office to request a temporary license or expedited renewal.

If you are renewing a license that expired more than six months ago, you will be treated as a new applicant. You will need to provide proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Florida residency. You will take a written test and vision test. This process takes longer and costs more than a standard renewal, so renewing before your license expires is important.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or suspension?

No. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it until the suspension is lifted or the revocation is resolved. Check your status on the Florida DHSMV website or call 1-888-486-8368. You must resolve the underlying issue—paying the ticket, completing a required course, or meeting other conditions—before renewal is possible.

What if I lost my current license and need to renew?

You cannot renew online or by mail without your current license number. You must visit a DHSMV office in person. Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, proof of identity, and proof of Florida residency. The office will look up your license information and process your renewal. Bring a check or money order for $75.

Do I need a new photo for my renewal?

For online and mail renewal, your photo from your current license is reused; you do not get a new photo. For in-person renewal, a new photo is taken automatically as part of the process. If you want a new photo during mail or online renewal, you must renew in person instead.

How long is my temporary license valid if I renew in person?

You do not receive a temporary license during in-person renewal. Your new license is issued the same day, and you can drive on it when ready. If processing is delayed for any reason, the DHSMV office will issue a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is being printed.

Can I renew my license if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. Florida issues driver's licenses to lawful permanent residents and certain visa holders. You must have a valid Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) on file. Bring proof of your immigration status (green card, visa, or work permit) along with your current license when renewing in person. Online and mail renewal may not work if your immigration status needs verification.