How to Renew Your Florida Driver's License

Renewing Your Florida License: The Main Routes

Florida offers three ways to renew your driver's license: online through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Most people can renew online or by mail without visiting an office at all. Which route works for you depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need a new photo.

The fastest option is online renewal through the DHSMV website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $48 for a four-year license or $75 for an eight-year license. By mail takes one to two weeks. In-person renewal at a local DMV office is necessary only if your license has been expired for more than six months, if you need a corrected address, or if you want a new photo on your renewed license.

Key Takeaways

You can renew online at the DHSMV website if your license is not expired or expired less than six months ago, and you do not need a new photo.
Online renewal costs $48 for a four-year license or $75 for an eight-year license and takes about 10 minutes.
Mail renewal takes one to two weeks and requires you to submit your current license, a completed process form, and payment by check or money order.
In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license expired more than six months ago, you need a name change, or you want a new photo.
You will need your Social Security number, current address, and a valid payment method (credit card, debit card, or electronic check for online renewal).

Online Renewal Through the DHSMV Website

Online renewal is available at gorenew.org, the official DHSMV renewal portal. You will need your current Florida driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number. You will also need a valid credit card or debit card to pay the renewal fee.

The system will ask you to confirm your address and answer a few security questions. If your address has changed, you can update it during renewal. Once you submit your information and payment, you will receive a confirmation number. Your renewed license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

You cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than six months, if you need a corrected name on your license, if you want a new photo, or if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL). In those cases, you must renew in person at a DMV office.

Mail Renewal and What to Send

To renew by mail, you will need to complete Form HSMV 82053, the Florida Driver License Renewal process. You can read this form from the DHSMV website or request it by calling 1-888-486-8368. Mail your completed form along with your current driver's license and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the form.

The renewal fee by mail is the same as online: $48 for a four-year license or $75 for an eight-year license. Include a return envelope with postage if you want your old license returned to you. Mail renewal typically takes one to two weeks, though processing times can vary during busy periods.

Like online renewal, mail renewal is not an option if your license expired more than six months ago, if you need a name correction, or if you hold a CDL. You also cannot request a new photo by mail — your renewed license will use the photo from your current license.

In-Person Renewal at a Florida DMV Office

Visit your local DMV office if your license expired more than six months ago, if you need to change your name, if you want a new photo, or if you hold a commercial driver's license. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days).

You will also need to bring payment: cash, check, debit card, or credit card. The renewal fee is $48 for a four-year license or $75 for an eight-year license. At the office, you will have your photo taken, answer a few questions, and sign your new license process. Your new license will be issued on the spot or mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days, depending on the office.

You can find your nearest DMV office and check wait times on the DHSMV website. Many offices allow you to make an appointment online, which can save you time. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary by location and time of day.

What Happens If Your License Expired More Than Six Months Ago

If your Florida driver's license has been expired for more than six months, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must visit a DMV office in person. Bring the same documents you would for a standard in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of Social Security number, proof of address, and payment.

The renewal fee remains the same ($48 or $75 depending on the license term you choose). You will have a new photo taken and will receive your renewed license on the spot or by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If your address has changed since your license expired, update it at the office.

Renewing a Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

If you hold a Florida commercial driver's license, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a DMV office in person. Bring your current CDL, proof of Social Security number, proof of address, and payment for the renewal fee.

You will also need to pass a vision test and answer questions about your medical history and driving record. The renewal fee for a CDL is $75 for a four-year license or $100 for an eight-year license. Your new CDL will be issued at the office or mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does my renewed Florida license take to arrive?

Online and mail renewals typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew in person at a DMV office, you may receive your license on the spot, or it may be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days depending on the office's procedures.

Can I drive with an expired license while I wait for my renewal?

No. Once your license expires, you cannot legally drive. If you renew online or by mail, do not let your license expire before you submit your renewal. If your license is already expired, you must renew in person at a DMV office.

What if my address changed since I got my current license?

You can update your address during online renewal at gorenew.org. If you renew by mail, write your new address on the process form. If you renew in person, bring proof of your new address (such as a utility bill dated within the last 60 days) and update it at the office.

Do I need a new photo on my renewed license?

Your renewed license will use the photo from your current license unless you renew in person at a DMV office, where you can request a new photo. Online and mail renewal do not include a new photo.

What if I lost my current license?

You cannot renew online or by mail if you do not have your current license. You must visit a DMV office in person to report it lost and renew at the same time. Bring proof of your Social Security number, proof of your address, and payment for the renewal fee.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.