What You Need to Renew in Florida
Florida renews driver's licenses for eight years. You can renew by mail, online, or in person at a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office. The route you take depends on your license type, whether your address has changed, and whether you need to update your photograph.
If your license is still valid and you have not changed your name, address, or vision correction needs, you may renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If your license has expired more than six months ago, you must renew in person. If you are over 79 years old, Florida requires an in-person renewal every four years instead of eight.
Key Takeaways
- Florida driver's licenses are valid for eight years, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person depending on your circumstances.
- Online renewal costs $47.50 and requires a valid email address; mail renewal costs $48 and takes 7 to 10 business days.
- In-person renewal at a DHSMV office costs $48 and requires proof of residency, Social Security number, and a current valid ID.
- If your license expired more than six months ago, you cannot renew by mail or online and must appear in person at a DHSMV office.
- Drivers over 79 must renew every four years and cannot use online or mail renewal; they must visit an office in person.
Online Renewal: Requirements and Limitations
Online renewal through the Florida DHSMV website is the fastest and cheapest option if you are under 79, your license is current, and your information has not changed. The fee is $47.50, and you receive your renewed license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You will need your current Florida driver's license number, date of birth, and a valid email address.
You cannot renew online if your license has expired, if you need to change your address or name, if you wear corrective lenses and need to update that information, or if you are a commercial driver's license (CDL) holder. You also cannot renew online if your license was suspended or revoked. If any of these explore, you must renew by mail or in person.
Mail Renewal: Documents and Processing Time
Mail renewal costs $48 and is available only if your license is still valid and your personal information has not changed. You will receive your renewed license in 7 to 10 business days. To renew by mail, you must submit the renewal notice that Florida mails to you before your license expires, along with your current valid driver's license.
Do not send cash through the mail. Pay by check or money order made payable to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Mail your renewal packet to the address printed on your renewal notice. If you do not receive a renewal notice in the mail 60 days before your license expires, contact the DHSMV to request one or switch to online renewal if you are may be able to access.
In-Person Renewal at a DHSMV Office
In-person renewal costs $48 and is required if your license has expired more than six months ago, if you are over 79, if you are a CDL holder, or if you need to change your address, name, or vision correction information. You will receive a temporary permit on the spot and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Bring your current valid Florida driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current Florida address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 90 days). If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change—marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you wear corrective lenses, you may need to pass a vision screening at the office.
Documents You Must Bring to a DHSMV Office
| Document Type | What Counts | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Current Valid ID | Florida driver's license, passport, military ID, or state ID card | Must not be expired |
| Proof of Social Security Number | Social Security card, W-2, tax return, or 1099 | Original or certified copy |
| Proof of Florida Residency | Utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement | Must be dated within 90 days of your visit |
| Name Change Document (if applicable) | Marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order | Certified copy required |
Fees and Payment Methods
Florida charges $47.50 for online renewal and $48 for mail or in-person renewal. These fees cover the eight-year license. If you renew in person and need a new photograph, the fee remains the same—Florida does not charge extra for a new photo at renewal.
Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. In-person renewal at a DHSMV office accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Some offices may have additional payment options; call ahead to confirm. If you are a Florida resident over 65, you do not receive a discount on renewal fees.
Timeline: When to Renew and How Long It Takes
Florida mails renewal notices 60 days before your license expires. If you renew online, your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. If you renew by mail, your new license also arrives in 7 to 10 business days. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary permit when ready and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. Do not wait until the expiration date to renew by mail or online, because processing takes time and you cannot legally drive on an expired license. If your license has already expired, you must renew in person at a DHSMV office. Expired licenses cannot be renewed by mail or online, even if they expired only one day ago.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most common mistake is waiting until your license expires to renew by mail or online. Once your license is expired, those routes are closed and you must visit an office in person. Renew at least two weeks before your expiration date if you are using mail or online renewal.
Another mistake is sending cash through the mail. Florida DHSMV will not process a mail renewal if payment is cash. Use a check or money order only. If you are renewing in person, bring the documents listed in the table above—missing even one can delay your renewal by weeks. Do not assume your current address is on file; bring proof of residency dated within 90 days, even if you have not moved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Florida license if it expired more than a year ago?
No. If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew it. You must explore for a new license instead, which requires taking a written test, a vision test, and a driving test. Contact your local DHSMV office for the steps to explore for a new license.
What if I moved out of Florida but still have a valid Florida license?
You cannot renew a Florida license if you no longer live in Florida. You must obtain a license from your new state of residence. If you still own property in Florida or have other ties to the state, contact the DHSMV to discuss your options, but standard renewal requires current Florida residency.
Do I need a new photograph when I renew?
If you renew online or by mail, your old photograph is used and no new photo is taken. If you renew in person at a DHSMV office, a new photograph is taken at no extra cost. You cannot request to keep your old photo if you renew in person.
How long is my temporary permit valid if I renew in person?
Your temporary permit is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued. Your permanent license should arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days, so the temporary permit is a backup. If your permanent license does not arrive within 30 days, contact the DHSMV when ready.
Can I renew my CDL by mail or online?
No. Commercial driver's licenses must be renewed in person at a DHSMV office. You will need to pass a medical examination and provide proof of your medical certification. CDL renewal follows different rules than standard driver's license renewal.