How to Renew Your Florida Driver's License

How to renew your Florida driver's license online, by mail, or in person

Florida lets you renew your driver's license in three ways: online through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Most people renew online because it takes minutes and costs less than renewing in person. You can renew online if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have a valid Social Security number on file, and your license expires within the next six months or has been expired for no more than six months.

If you cannot renew online—because your license is suspended, you need to update your address, or you want to change your photo—you will need to visit a DMV office or use the mail-in option. The mail-in route takes longer but works if you live far from an office or prefer not to go in person.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the DHSMV website is the fastest option and works if your license is valid and expires within six months.
You will need your Florida driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to renew online.
If your license is suspended, revoked, or you need a new photo, you must renew in person at a DMV office.
Mail-in renewal takes two to three weeks but does not require a trip to the DMV.
Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after online or mail renewal.

Renewing online through the DHSMV website

Go to the official DHSMV website (flhsmv.gov) and select the online renewal option. You will need your current Florida driver's license number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your information against state records and then ask you to review your current address and other details.

If everything is correct, you pay the renewal fee online using a credit or debit card. Florida charges $48 for a four-year license renewal or $75 for an eight-year renewal. Once your payment goes through, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need to update your address before renewing, you must do that in person at a DMV office or through the mail-in process.

Renewing by mail

To renew by mail, read the process form (HSMV 82053) from the DHSMV website or pick one up at any DMV office. Fill out the form completely, including your name, date of birth, address, and license number. Sign and date the form—an unsigned form will be rejected and returned to you.

Mail the completed form along with your renewal fee to the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for $48 (four-year) or $75 (eight-year). Do not send cash. Mail your packet to the DHSMV address shown in the instructions; processing takes two to three weeks after the office receives it, and your new license arrives by mail another 7 to 10 business days later.

Keep a copy of your form and the tracking number from your mailing receipt in case you need to follow up. If your form is incomplete or the fee is wrong, the DHSMV will return it without processing, which delays your renewal by several weeks.

Renewing in person at a DMV office

Visit any Florida DMV office with your current driver's license and proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return). Bring proof of your current address if you have moved since your last renewal—a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works. If you are renewing because your license is suspended or revoked, you may need additional documents; call your local office before you go.

You can walk in during office hours, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Many offices now offer online appointment scheduling through the DHSMV website, which lets you reserve a time slot and skip the walk-in line. Check your local office's hours and whether appointments are available before you go.

At the office, you will have your photo taken for your new license. The fee is $48 for a four-year license or $75 for an eight-year license, payable by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

When you must renew in person

You cannot renew online or by mail if your license is suspended or revoked, if you want to change your photo, if you need to update your name, or if you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL). You also must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than six months.

If you have moved and want to update your address on your license, you can do that online or by mail during renewal. However, if you are also changing your name or photo, you must go to a DMV office. Call the DHSMV customer service line at 1-844-35-DHSMV (1-844-353-4768) if you are unsure whether your situation requires an in-person visit.

What to do if your license has expired

If your license expired more than six months ago, you cannot renew it. You will need to reapply for a new license, which requires an in-person visit to a DMV office, a new written test, and a road test. Bring your proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Florida residency. The process takes longer and costs more than a standard renewal.

If your license expired six months ago or less, you can still renew using any of the three methods described above. You do not need to retake the written or road test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it is suspended?

No. You must contact the DHSMV to resolve the suspension before you can renew. Call 1-844-35-DHSMV to find out why your license is suspended and what steps you need to take. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew online, by mail, or in person.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after your renewal is processed. Online and mail-in renewals are processed within one to two business days. In-person renewals are processed when ready, but the physical license is still mailed to you.

What if I move before my renewed license arrives?

Contact the DHSMV before you move and update your address on file. If your new license is already in the mail, you can file a change of address with the U.S. Postal Service so it follows you. If your license arrives at your old address, you can pick it up or have the new resident forward it to you.

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

Yes. Outstanding tickets or fines do not prevent license renewal in Florida. However, if your license is suspended because of unpaid fines, you must resolve that suspension first before you can renew.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

If you renew online or by mail, your current photo stays on your license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DMV office.

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.