What you need to renew in Florida

Florida lets you renew your driver license by mail, online, or in person at a Driver License office. Which route you can use depends on how close you are to your expiration date and whether your license is still valid. If your license expired more than six months ago, you must renew in person — mail and online are only for licenses that are current or expired less than six months.

You'll need your current Florida driver license or ID card, a Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The address proof can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 90 days. If you're renewing by mail or online, you'll also need a new photo, which means either visiting an office for a photo or uploading a digital photo that meets Florida's requirements.

Key Takeaways

  • Mail and online renewal are only open if your license expired less than six months ago; anything older requires an in-person visit to a Driver License office.
  • You must provide proof of your current address using a document dated within the last 90 days, such as a utility bill or bank statement.
  • Online renewal costs $47.50 and takes about 7 to 10 business days; mail renewal costs $48 and takes 2 to 3 weeks.
  • In-person renewal at a Driver License office requires an appointment booked through the Florida DHSMV website and costs $48.
  • If your address has changed, you can update it during renewal without paying an extra fee.

Renewing online through the Florida DHSMV website

Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is current or expired within the last six months. Go to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) website, select "Renew Your Driver License," and enter your driver license number and date of birth. The system will pull up your record and walk you through uploading a new photo.

Your photo must be a color image taken within the last 30 days, showing your face straight-on against a plain background, with your eyes open and mouth closed. You can take it with a smartphone or camera at home. The cost is $47.50, paid by credit or debit card. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal works the same way as online renewal in terms of timing and may be able to access — your license must be current or expired less than six months. You'll need to request a mail renewal form from the DHSMV or pick one up at any Driver License office. The form is also available on the DHSMV website.

Fill out the form, include a new photo (color, straight-on, plain background, taken within 30 days), and mail it with a check or money order for $48 to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the DHSMV receives your envelope. Keep a copy of what you send in case there's a question about your renewal.

Renewing in person at a Driver License office

You must renew in person if your license expired more than six months ago, or if you prefer to do it face-to-face. Book an appointment through the Florida DHSMV website — walk-ins are not accepted at most offices. You'll need your current license, proof of address dated within 90 days, and your Social Security number. The office will take your photo, so you don't need to bring one.

The cost is $48. Processing is when ready, and you'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is mailed. Your permanent license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you're renewing an expired license, bring the expired card with you.

Changing your address during renewal

If you've moved, you can update your address at the same time you renew without paying an extra fee. When renewing online, you'll be asked to confirm or change your address before you submit. By mail, write your new address clearly on the renewal form. In person, tell the office staff your new address when you arrive.

You'll still need to provide proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 90 days. If you're renewing by mail or online and your address proof is from a different state, contact the DHSMV before sending in your renewal to confirm it will be accepted.

What happens if your license is suspended or revoked

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it through the normal process. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation by paying any outstanding fines, completing required courses, or meeting other conditions set by the DHSMV or the court. Check your status on the DHSMV website or call the DHSMV customer service line to find out what you owe.

Once you've cleared the suspension or revocation, you can renew using any of the three methods above. If you're unsure whether your license is clear, renew in person so staff can check your record before processing your process.

Real ID and standard license renewal

Florida offers both standard driver licenses and Real ID-compliant licenses. A standard license works for driving but not for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal identification standards.

When you renew, you can choose which type you want. If you want to upgrade to Real ID during renewal, you'll need to provide additional documents: a birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number (like a Social Security card or W-2), and two proofs of address. The cost is the same as a standard renewal. Real ID renewal must be done in person at a Driver License office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Florida license if I live out of state?

Yes. If you're a Florida resident living temporarily out of state, you can renew by mail or online as long as your license is current or expired less than six months. If your license expired more than six months ago, you'll need to visit a Florida Driver License office in person or contact the DHSMV about options for your situation.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

You cannot renew by mail or online if your name has changed. You must renew in person at a Driver License office and bring a document proving the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DHSMV will issue a new license with your current legal name.

How long is a renewed Florida driver license valid?

A renewed Florida driver license is valid for eight years from the date of renewal. Your expiration date will be printed on the front of your card. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.

What if I don't receive my renewed license in the mail?

If you don't receive your license within 10 business days of renewal, contact the DHSMV with your confirmation number or driver license number. They can track your card and reissue it if needed. There may be a replacement fee if the card was lost in the mail.

Can I renew my license if it's suspended for unpaid child support?

No. A suspension for unpaid child support must be cleared before you can renew. Contact the Florida Department of Revenue or your local child support enforcement office to find out what you need to pay or arrange to clear the suspension.